WRITTEN CONSTRUCTION DEFECT REPAIR AGREEMENTS FOR CONDOMINIUMS & HOAs
Construction Defect Attorneys use them with Developers to avoid Disputes and Effectuate Proper Repairs
Condominium associations and HOAs should be careful about accepting verbal offers from developers to make unspecified “repairs” in response to complaints about construction defects. The informal nature of such an agreement may be appropriate given the circumstances. On the other hand, problems may arise when the developer’s definition of “repair” differs from what is required by code, contract or industry standard. For example, when a developer agrees to informally repair a window or roof leak, the “repair”, as far as the developer is concerned, this may consist merely of sending out a worker with a caulk gun to seal gaps that should have been protected with a solid flashing material during the original construction. Caulk is generally not an appropriate substitute for flashing. In this example, caulk is a temporary fix that conceals the underlying absence of flashing until the caulking seal breaks and the leak reappears six months later. Left If not repair properly, this type of defect can cause insidious an extensive damage behind siding and around window openings as in the photos below
This example demonstrates the need for written clarity as well as the opportunity to seek the assistance of a construction expert. The association does not have to accept whatever repair the developer is offering. Instead, the association can request a written description of the proposed repair. That description can then be evaluated by a construction consultant working for the condominium. The consultant can review the applicable drawings and field conditions and advise the association whether the repair is reasonable and appropriate and also suggest alternatives or request additional information if necessary. In this manner, the association makes an informed decision rather than accepting whatever the word “repair” means to the developer. In effect, the written description of the developer, if accepted, becomes a written repair agreement and creates a standard by which the repair can be judged.
This model can be employed on a larger scale when the association is negotiating the repair of defects discovered during a “warranty study.” Repairs agreed upon by the parties should be specified in writing, including a description of the method of repair, the scope of repair (i.e., locations where it is to be performed), and any construction standards by which the repair is to be judged. These written understandings can then be incorporated into a larger ongoing draft repair agreement that will ultimately serve as the basis of a written construction defect repair agreements between a developer and a condominium / HOA. Where repetitive repairs are concerned, it is often appropriate for the parties to agree upon a prototype repair in the field that will serve as a standard for all other repairs.
Written construction defect repair agreements between developers and condominiums / HOAs can also take into consideration certain future contingencies. For example, should there be a dispute as to whether a repair was performed properly under the repair agreement, a mutually agreed upon third-party can be designated to resolve the dispute, with the losing party paying the expense of the successful party involved in the resolution process. A provision can also be provided for unforeseen defective conditions that are discovered during the repair process. For example, if a repair involves removing siding, which reveals an unknown latent defect, it should be repaired and not simply built over. The parties can agree that such unforeseen defective conditions will be repaired by a mutually agreed method of repair, and if unable to agree, have a third-party resolve the dispute on their behalf.
Written construction defect repair agreements between developers and condominiums / HOAs should have a provision for the association’s expert consultant to inspect the developer’s repair work for approval purposes. This helps provide finality and acceptance of the work. During the approval process, punch lists can be created setting forth miscellaneous items that need to be addressed before the work is deemed finally completed.
Nicholas D. Cowie is a partner in the law firm of Cowie Law Group, P.C. and a former Professor of Construction Law at the University of Baltimore School of Law.
Maryland and Washington DC Condominium and HOA attorneys
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