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January 03, 2007
Home Sweet Home
In the flurry of pre-closing chaos yesterday, our attorney called the developer of the condo building and said she was standing out front. She demanded to see our crappy floors. She had a general contractor with her. She called me. I was at the bank paying RIDICULOUS fees to be issued a RIDICULOUSLY huge amount of cashier's cheques. I raced down to the subway, which of course took FOREVER to arrive, then crept through the tunnel at a snail's pace. When I'm not in a hurry, the train is right there, and goes a like a bullet.
The construction foreman took us through several apartments, and showed us that the issues were not just in our apartment. They had glued 6" solid walnut floors to concrete. No plywood sub-floor, no nails.
The contractor, the attorney, and I went across to Starbucks. I had water. The last thing I needed was caffeine. The contractor said it was bad product and bad workmanship. $12-13,000 to rip it out and replace it.
Our attorney gave us two options: (1) don't close, and sue the developer, or (2) ask for a credit to the purchase price. We opted for (2). We showed up to the closing. She asked for the credit. The developer said no. It went back and forth for 3 hours. We got zip. We closed.
We knew that if we didn't close, the developer would simply sell our apartment for way more than we paid. We were better off closing, and putting it up for sale, or living in it for 6 months, during which we would no doubt scratch the half-coat of sealant off the floor, then need to replace it anyway. Besides, it would cost us at least $15k to sue, and you don't win your costs in this country.
In the days leading up to the closing, we were told things by the developer. These things turned out to be bold-faced lies, and in some cases, according to our attorney, ILLEGAL. Today, she will send the developer a letter, recording these things and others, with a copy to the Attorney General.
We're unlikely to sue, because it's not in our nature. But I am going knocking on doors to see if anyone wants to launch a class action suit. This way, I'll get to meet our neighbours!
Posted by dave at January 3, 2007 06:54 AM