reporter2
30-09-13, 12:26
http://www.straitstimes.com/archive/sunday/premium/invest/story/issues-condos-over-the-years-20130929
Issues at condos over the years
Published on Sep 29, 2013
Recent complaints
The Coast @ Sentosa Cove
Alleged problems: Water leakage, termite infestations, plaster cracks on external walls and more in the common areas of the 249-unit development handed over to the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) in December 2010.
The case: A lawsuit has been filed by the MCST seeking damages in its own name and on behalf of 108 owners - the remaining 141 are unrepresented because they are "subsequent buyers, foreign investors who do not reside here, or friends and relatives of (developer) Ho Bee", said MCST council secretary Monica Neo.
She added that about $93,000 has been spent thus far on urgent issues, and a chartered engineer has estimated that over $2 million is needed to rectify the defects.
Defendants: Singapore-listed Ho Bee Investment and three other contractors.
What MCST said: Ms Neo said the developer "had not been forthcoming" and made "half-hearted fixes that only addressed symptoms, but not the causes".
She noted that there were defects arising from "issues of design", with most occurring "almost immediately after the completion of the estate". Residents reported problems in individual units, but the MCST can "only proceed on common areas".
What residents said: A 43-year-old resident who declined to be named told The Sunday Times of the multiple water leakage issues affecting her apartment.
The director of a food and beverage company added that she was "confident" because many owners have had gripes. She added: "The time and money... spent is totally uncalled for when the development is so new". She said there are early talks for residents to band together for a separate lawsuit addressing the internal defects.
What Ho Bee said: The repair works "would not exceed $200,000", and many of the defects were "due to fair wear and tear or the lack of adequate and proper maintenance". It added that the claims of more than $2 million were "grossly inflated".
The Sail @ Marina Bay
Alleged problems: Water leakage, a burst underground water pipe, and in the past week, three glass panels shattered.
The case: No lawsuit has yet been filed against developers Glengary, a subsidiary of City Developments Limited (CDL).
But at an extraordinary general meeting this month, up to $250,000 of management funds were approved as potential legal fees. The Sunday Times understands that a third-party surveyor has been engaged to assess the problems.
What residents said: A resident in his 40s who declined to be named said there were "multiple design flaws", like the fact that windows directly above the glass canopy can be opened.
"Who can prevent people from throwing something down? It may be intentional or accidental, but it is reasonably foreseeable."
Resident S.K. Cheah, who owns a studio apartment, added that the "whole list of problems" involving structural issues underline the potential culpability of the developer, who handed over to the MCST in June 2010.
What CDL said: Glengary has arranged for a main contractor to assist in investigations of the burst pipe "out of goodwill". It added that the "aesthetically designed glass skylight complies with all building and safety codes", and that "killer litter prevention requires constant education".
Previous cases
Emery Point in Tanjong Katong
A lawsuit brought by the MCST against developer CDL, main contractor Hytech Builders, five subcontractors and the architect was settled out of court in 2011. The terms of the settlement are confidential. The MCST of the 18-storey block of 51 units had sued for about $600,000 in compensation for damages such as a leaking basement carpark and lift lobbies with ceilings damaged by rainwater.
Seasons Park in Yio Chu Kang
A lawsuit brought by the MCST on behalf of all 390 owners for damages (amount unknown) incurred from repairing defects like water leakages through the roof failed in the Court of Appeal in 2005.
The court found that the developer Seasons Park Ltd was not liable in tort as it had relied on expertise and competence of independent contractors.
Walter Sim
Issues at condos over the years
Published on Sep 29, 2013
Recent complaints
The Coast @ Sentosa Cove
Alleged problems: Water leakage, termite infestations, plaster cracks on external walls and more in the common areas of the 249-unit development handed over to the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) in December 2010.
The case: A lawsuit has been filed by the MCST seeking damages in its own name and on behalf of 108 owners - the remaining 141 are unrepresented because they are "subsequent buyers, foreign investors who do not reside here, or friends and relatives of (developer) Ho Bee", said MCST council secretary Monica Neo.
She added that about $93,000 has been spent thus far on urgent issues, and a chartered engineer has estimated that over $2 million is needed to rectify the defects.
Defendants: Singapore-listed Ho Bee Investment and three other contractors.
What MCST said: Ms Neo said the developer "had not been forthcoming" and made "half-hearted fixes that only addressed symptoms, but not the causes".
She noted that there were defects arising from "issues of design", with most occurring "almost immediately after the completion of the estate". Residents reported problems in individual units, but the MCST can "only proceed on common areas".
What residents said: A 43-year-old resident who declined to be named told The Sunday Times of the multiple water leakage issues affecting her apartment.
The director of a food and beverage company added that she was "confident" because many owners have had gripes. She added: "The time and money... spent is totally uncalled for when the development is so new". She said there are early talks for residents to band together for a separate lawsuit addressing the internal defects.
What Ho Bee said: The repair works "would not exceed $200,000", and many of the defects were "due to fair wear and tear or the lack of adequate and proper maintenance". It added that the claims of more than $2 million were "grossly inflated".
The Sail @ Marina Bay
Alleged problems: Water leakage, a burst underground water pipe, and in the past week, three glass panels shattered.
The case: No lawsuit has yet been filed against developers Glengary, a subsidiary of City Developments Limited (CDL).
But at an extraordinary general meeting this month, up to $250,000 of management funds were approved as potential legal fees. The Sunday Times understands that a third-party surveyor has been engaged to assess the problems.
What residents said: A resident in his 40s who declined to be named said there were "multiple design flaws", like the fact that windows directly above the glass canopy can be opened.
"Who can prevent people from throwing something down? It may be intentional or accidental, but it is reasonably foreseeable."
Resident S.K. Cheah, who owns a studio apartment, added that the "whole list of problems" involving structural issues underline the potential culpability of the developer, who handed over to the MCST in June 2010.
What CDL said: Glengary has arranged for a main contractor to assist in investigations of the burst pipe "out of goodwill". It added that the "aesthetically designed glass skylight complies with all building and safety codes", and that "killer litter prevention requires constant education".
Previous cases
Emery Point in Tanjong Katong
A lawsuit brought by the MCST against developer CDL, main contractor Hytech Builders, five subcontractors and the architect was settled out of court in 2011. The terms of the settlement are confidential. The MCST of the 18-storey block of 51 units had sued for about $600,000 in compensation for damages such as a leaking basement carpark and lift lobbies with ceilings damaged by rainwater.
Seasons Park in Yio Chu Kang
A lawsuit brought by the MCST on behalf of all 390 owners for damages (amount unknown) incurred from repairing defects like water leakages through the roof failed in the Court of Appeal in 2005.
The court found that the developer Seasons Park Ltd was not liable in tort as it had relied on expertise and competence of independent contractors.
Walter Sim