What is the name of your state? New Jersey
Hi, I am in need of legal advise. Our brownstone basement condo has large amounts of water coming up through the ground. This was an issue one year ago during the purchasing process. We purchased the unit in good faith and understanding that the seepage was properly addressed, because we were informed that NJ does not have disclosure laws. On Aug 8, I notified the association that water was damaging our unit. To date, no work has been completed. Each heavy rain floods our daughters bedroom adding to the damage. Standing water as high as 1/4 inch.
I have had several contractors evaluate the exterior wall and determine that the wall is need of major repair and waterproofing. They indicated the source of water to be from the lack of and/or improper drainage on concrete slab and water trap in adjacent yard. They also indicated that this is long term erosion. (Had we had been given the opprotunity for due diligence we would surely been provided this information)
It seems to me that the association failed to properly address this situation last year. Instead of waterproofing and repairing the outer wall, they chose to patch the wall from the inside of the unit. Now this patch work has given way to large amount of heavy rain since July.
I have spoken to the new President advising that we may seek legal representation and reserve the right to seek damages. They stand fast that they had acted with good intentions last year and that the previous president addressed the problem accurately. They are trying to lay blame on the seller for a common element and saying this was a buyer beware situation. I find it hard to believe that the association and the seller were ignorant as to the source and cause of water damage. Every contractor I have had evaluate the damage immediately stated that ground water comes in from structural fractures and must be filled, sealed and waterproofed on the out side of the wall. None of this was done, as my receipts only indicate patchwork within my unit. Our attorney requested that we be allowed to retain professionals to evaluate the structure. We were not afforded this opportunity prior to the reinstallement of sheetrock on the interior wall. Our attorney forced them to provide documentation as to the nature of the work. Reseasons we were denied unknown. I believe we were past attorney review and NJ has no disclosure laws, so we were in a binding contract to purchase.
I need to seek reimbursement,as our newly install Mahogany wood floors are completely destroyed, mold has begun, sheet rock is damaged, insulation is damaged and my child is without a bedroom. What recourse do we have regarding any/all damaged caused to our home?
My association did not inform and/or advise the adjacent owner that improper drainage was eroding our outer brick wall, so he was not given the opportunity to correct the drainage. I find it hard to believe that my association was not informed last year that that this was a seepage issue, as our management company executed the work. In addition, they decided to just patch the erosion and not properly waterproof the wall. Who is negligent, my association or the adjacent building?
My Insurance may not cover this, and I do not want to increase my rates over this situation. What chances do I have of being awarded damages and lawyers fees?
Thanks so much, as your advise is much needed..I am sorry that this is long.
Hi, I am in need of legal advise. Our brownstone basement condo has large amounts of water coming up through the ground. This was an issue one year ago during the purchasing process. We purchased the unit in good faith and understanding that the seepage was properly addressed, because we were informed that NJ does not have disclosure laws. On Aug 8, I notified the association that water was damaging our unit. To date, no work has been completed. Each heavy rain floods our daughters bedroom adding to the damage. Standing water as high as 1/4 inch.
I have had several contractors evaluate the exterior wall and determine that the wall is need of major repair and waterproofing. They indicated the source of water to be from the lack of and/or improper drainage on concrete slab and water trap in adjacent yard. They also indicated that this is long term erosion. (Had we had been given the opprotunity for due diligence we would surely been provided this information)
It seems to me that the association failed to properly address this situation last year. Instead of waterproofing and repairing the outer wall, they chose to patch the wall from the inside of the unit. Now this patch work has given way to large amount of heavy rain since July.
I have spoken to the new President advising that we may seek legal representation and reserve the right to seek damages. They stand fast that they had acted with good intentions last year and that the previous president addressed the problem accurately. They are trying to lay blame on the seller for a common element and saying this was a buyer beware situation. I find it hard to believe that the association and the seller were ignorant as to the source and cause of water damage. Every contractor I have had evaluate the damage immediately stated that ground water comes in from structural fractures and must be filled, sealed and waterproofed on the out side of the wall. None of this was done, as my receipts only indicate patchwork within my unit. Our attorney requested that we be allowed to retain professionals to evaluate the structure. We were not afforded this opportunity prior to the reinstallement of sheetrock on the interior wall. Our attorney forced them to provide documentation as to the nature of the work. Reseasons we were denied unknown. I believe we were past attorney review and NJ has no disclosure laws, so we were in a binding contract to purchase.
I need to seek reimbursement,as our newly install Mahogany wood floors are completely destroyed, mold has begun, sheet rock is damaged, insulation is damaged and my child is without a bedroom. What recourse do we have regarding any/all damaged caused to our home?
My association did not inform and/or advise the adjacent owner that improper drainage was eroding our outer brick wall, so he was not given the opportunity to correct the drainage. I find it hard to believe that my association was not informed last year that that this was a seepage issue, as our management company executed the work. In addition, they decided to just patch the erosion and not properly waterproof the wall. Who is negligent, my association or the adjacent building?
My Insurance may not cover this, and I do not want to increase my rates over this situation. What chances do I have of being awarded damages and lawyers fees?
Thanks so much, as your advise is much needed..I am sorry that this is long.
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