Association Problem

[f***hoas]

What is the name of your state? AZ

We purchased a condo in a new development in Phoenix. The HOA was formed in Sept.06. We requested to install wood flooring in our condo. We are being denied because they say they do not know how to proceed with requests like mine yet. This is bull****!! What can I do?? What is the worst thing they can do to me if I install it anyway?? Why should I suffer because they are stupid.

[IndianaOwner]

First, do you live in a stacked arrangement? If so, would you want hardwood floors above you?

Second, read the Dec and Bylaws, maybe you can put in hardwood floors...why even ask the HOA in the first place?

[f***hoas]

Yes, we live in a stack building and I am on the top floor. It is not even hardwood, it is engineered wood, which is less noisy and is glued directly to the cement floor. Originally there was nothing in the bylaws about it, but then there was a revision made to include all installed "hard surface" floors.

We told the HOA to eliminate any future problems and if when we want to sell. And, our downstairs neighbor is a prick, but he is only there for the winter anyway. But he would probaly report it if heard or saw something.

[Paddy Reagan]

The noise issue in condominium construction has led to development of several products and techniques that limit transfer of sound through floors. Recently, one of my clients installed cherrywood flooring throughout a 26 unit, three story condo conversion. He used an acoustic floor mat between the 5/8 inch flooring and the concrete subfloor. In six months of high volume traffic, there's not been a single complaint.

Discuss the project with your flooring company. Ask for specifications and sound transfer tests conducted by the manufacturers. Use these materials to present your case to the board of directors. There's a better than even chance that you'll succeed and, in the process, open the way for other owners who dislike carpeting in a region that is hot and arid.

[cornchips]

The worst of the bunch is a floating laminated floor -- followed by a floating engineered floor. The gaps under floating floors create additional noise and actually amplify all traffic noise. Also, shoes with "grown up" soles and heels make 90% of the noise.

Look for an underlayment with cork rather than foam. If you can find one that features both materials -- that's even better.

Best advice was already given -- check with your flooring retailer or installer.

Be advised that quality underlayment will cost 2x what the cheap stuff does.

And since when is concrete NOT a hard flooring surface?

Good luck.