Hi all, I am currently in contract for a new construction condo, I will probably end up closing in about two months or so. I have been in contract for a while (few months) as I'm waiting for closing, but in this time I have noticed some issues develop. One of the issues is the wood flooring - I guess due to the seasonal changes, I now see relatively large gaps in the new wood flooring whereas they... [more]
Hi all,
I am currently in contract for a new construction condo, I will probably end up closing in about two months or so. I have been in contract for a while (few months) as I'm waiting for closing, but in this time I have noticed some issues develop. One of the issues is the wood flooring - I guess due to the seasonal changes, I now see relatively large gaps in the new wood flooring whereas they were not there two motnhs ago! I drop by the building once in a while to check progress.
I plan to be very thorough for my pre-closing inspection walkthrough (I plan on hiring an inspector as well). I will be pointing out the gaps in the floor, etc. Would I be right to force the developer to fix these issues prior to closing? I mean the gaps are so large now (can easily fit up to 3-4 credit cards in some areas) that I fear they might even need to put in a brand new floor. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
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Response by Riversider
about 16 years ago
Posts: 13573
Member since: Apr 2009
You lose leverage after you close.
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Response by pyxis
about 16 years ago
Posts: 71
Member since: Sep 2008
"can easily fit 3-4 credit cards", that probably describes the cost of fixing it later.
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Response by enyce
about 16 years ago
Posts: 9
Member since: Nov 2009
i'm fully prepared to tell them that i won't close until the issues are resolved. i'm just concerned about the floor because i don't see how they just fix it, it looks like they have to rip it apart and re-do it! of course i am not a wood flooring expert.
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Response by vis212
about 16 years ago
Posts: 18
Member since: Nov 2009
Will you be able to delay the closing without adjournment fees? I heard once the date is set, any delay is at a cost per day. I would try to get the issues worked out without affecting the closing date.
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Response by street_easy
about 16 years ago
Posts: 129
Member since: Mar 2007
For a developer, ripping up and installing new flooring is easier than you think
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Response by enyce
about 16 years ago
Posts: 9
Member since: Nov 2009
vis212 - i will have to check the contract, but regardless of fees it just makes so much more sense to resolve floor issues prior to me moving in along with all my furniture.
street_easy - that's actually comforting to know because while i don't want to be a pain in the *** to the developer, i'm also not going to accept a unit with huge flaws after paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for it.
thanks again for everyones input.
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Response by RE2009
about 16 years ago
Posts: 474
Member since: Apr 2009
i live in a new building, ssssoooo many people have had floor issues. all have been resolved.
have them fix it before closing and ask what the process is if there is an issue after you close.
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Response by freezer
about 16 years ago
Posts: 92
Member since: Sep 2009
fix it before closing, and good job hiring the inspector,if something is not right-have them fix it. don't let them tell you they can't because they can and they will
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Response by gcondo
about 16 years ago
Posts: 1111
Member since: Feb 2009
have any issues resolved before closing, and if not, put into the closing documents that they will resolve each issue (be specific).
my own experience - they will do whatever you want if you are assertive.
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Response by ItzJimmy
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 21
Member since: Jul 2009
DO they have to compensate your for having to wait to move in? I did a walk-through and the floors are all buckled. Which I doubt they will fix by closing.
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Response by apt23
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 2041
Member since: Jul 2009
Put everything in writing, dated and keep records. Tell them in writing that you want it fixed before closing so you don't incur additional expenses. Send a copy to your lawyer. If it is not fixed before closing, ask for expenses.
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Response by spaceboy
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 217
Member since: Mar 2007
Before you close, they will hustle to fix things. After you close, they really don't have any incentive.
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Response by alanhart
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 12397
Member since: Feb 2007
ItzJimmy, the advice you're seeking here should at this point be coming from your attorney. He, along with your inspector, can determine what's minor, what's major, what's a deal-stopper, etc., and what steps you can take to assure you wind up with the product you paid for.
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Response by joseesq
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 176
Member since: Apr 2010
I agree that you should resolve this issue before closing. Since some expansion and contraction is normal, hopefully your sponsor will not argue that the spacing you're seeing is normal.
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Response by bigmoviebuff
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 42
Member since: Jun 2010
i am also a buyer at a new construction.
how much time elapses before you will see gaps in the floor?
i am concerned that when i buy the apt, the floors are good but then a few months later, there would be gaps.
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Response by joseesq
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 176
Member since: Apr 2010
Normal expansion and contraction is due to weather and humidity. What is "normal"? A flooring expert, engineer, or inspector can tell you. Usually, it's most noticeable where the floor meets the floor, but that's sometimes covered with baseboards so you really don't notice it all. What the OP stated seems more problematic and it could be a number of issues, including water damage (especially if Pergo or something similar). I’m not a flooring expert, but I previously had an issue with sizable gaps between flooring planks.
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Response by joseesq
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 176
Member since: Apr 2010
oops, meant to say "where the floor meets the wall".
-----
Normal expansion and contraction is due to weather and humidity. What is "normal"? A flooring expert, engineer, or inspector can tell you. Usually, it's most noticeable where the floor meets the WALL, but that's sometimes covered with baseboards so you really don't notice it all. What the OP stated seems more problematic and it could be a number of issues, including water damage (especially if Pergo or something similar). I’m not a flooring expert, but I previously had an issue with sizable gaps between flooring planks.
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Response by wisco
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 178
Member since: Jan 2009
definitely get an inspector. just because it's new doesn't mean anything. i bought into a new building and the inspection report got me a bunch of free stuff - all finishing/interior. the report also revealed really good things about the big items (quality of the guts of the building, and the exterior, etc...) so that made us feel better. don't close without problems resolved. good luck.
You lose leverage after you close.
"can easily fit 3-4 credit cards", that probably describes the cost of fixing it later.
i'm fully prepared to tell them that i won't close until the issues are resolved. i'm just concerned about the floor because i don't see how they just fix it, it looks like they have to rip it apart and re-do it! of course i am not a wood flooring expert.
Will you be able to delay the closing without adjournment fees? I heard once the date is set, any delay is at a cost per day. I would try to get the issues worked out without affecting the closing date.
For a developer, ripping up and installing new flooring is easier than you think
vis212 - i will have to check the contract, but regardless of fees it just makes so much more sense to resolve floor issues prior to me moving in along with all my furniture.
street_easy - that's actually comforting to know because while i don't want to be a pain in the *** to the developer, i'm also not going to accept a unit with huge flaws after paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for it.
thanks again for everyones input.
i live in a new building, ssssoooo many people have had floor issues. all have been resolved.
have them fix it before closing and ask what the process is if there is an issue after you close.
fix it before closing, and good job hiring the inspector,if something is not right-have them fix it. don't let them tell you they can't because they can and they will
have any issues resolved before closing, and if not, put into the closing documents that they will resolve each issue (be specific).
my own experience - they will do whatever you want if you are assertive.
DO they have to compensate your for having to wait to move in? I did a walk-through and the floors are all buckled. Which I doubt they will fix by closing.
Put everything in writing, dated and keep records. Tell them in writing that you want it fixed before closing so you don't incur additional expenses. Send a copy to your lawyer. If it is not fixed before closing, ask for expenses.
Before you close, they will hustle to fix things. After you close, they really don't have any incentive.
ItzJimmy, the advice you're seeking here should at this point be coming from your attorney. He, along with your inspector, can determine what's minor, what's major, what's a deal-stopper, etc., and what steps you can take to assure you wind up with the product you paid for.
I agree that you should resolve this issue before closing. Since some expansion and contraction is normal, hopefully your sponsor will not argue that the spacing you're seeing is normal.
i am also a buyer at a new construction.
how much time elapses before you will see gaps in the floor?
i am concerned that when i buy the apt, the floors are good but then a few months later, there would be gaps.
Normal expansion and contraction is due to weather and humidity. What is "normal"? A flooring expert, engineer, or inspector can tell you. Usually, it's most noticeable where the floor meets the floor, but that's sometimes covered with baseboards so you really don't notice it all. What the OP stated seems more problematic and it could be a number of issues, including water damage (especially if Pergo or something similar). I’m not a flooring expert, but I previously had an issue with sizable gaps between flooring planks.
oops, meant to say "where the floor meets the wall".
-----
Normal expansion and contraction is due to weather and humidity. What is "normal"? A flooring expert, engineer, or inspector can tell you. Usually, it's most noticeable where the floor meets the WALL, but that's sometimes covered with baseboards so you really don't notice it all. What the OP stated seems more problematic and it could be a number of issues, including water damage (especially if Pergo or something similar). I’m not a flooring expert, but I previously had an issue with sizable gaps between flooring planks.
definitely get an inspector. just because it's new doesn't mean anything. i bought into a new building and the inspection report got me a bunch of free stuff - all finishing/interior. the report also revealed really good things about the big items (quality of the guts of the building, and the exterior, etc...) so that made us feel better. don't close without problems resolved. good luck.