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 After spending the last three weeks of heartache trying to find a water leak in between our bathroom walls we are finally on the road to "recovery". During this time we had a plumber come out TWICE (and there was still a water leak), getting estimates to replace the cheap fiberglass tub/surround the townhouse came with, and scheduling our "vacations" so we could get all this done quickly. (picture to the left are the old tub/walls)

Condo/Townhouse Living in Hawaii..........and A Water Leak is where all this started.

We finally had the plumber/contractors here all day yesterday demolishing, replacing the junk with a nice tub, patching my walls that the other plumber cut in our closet, putting up duracast (cement like) walls, REPLACING all the plumbing for the bath/drain, and pasting over with the cement junk to prepare for today. Today they are putting in our ceramic tile walls.

I would really like to commend Yamada's Plumbing and Contracting,  1827 Republican St., Honolulu, HI   (808) 845-1702 in expediting this job immediately and working as a team to get the majority of the work done yesterday. We were very impressed and everything doesn't seem like a miserable investment anymore. (picture below right is NEW plumbing/drain etc.)

  1.  No matter what, as a townhouse/condo owner we have an obligation to repair or fix our problems immediately; lest we fear repercussions for damaging another unit too. Responsible living in a Townhouse/Condo Association requires certain steps to follow during a plumbing/electrical/safety hazard problem to protect you and your neighbor from further damage and safety:
  2. Make sure and obtain Condo Insurance Your association has condo insurance and is included in your maintenance fees for the common elements (common land, beams, foundation, stairwells, roofs, parking, elevators, main power and plumbing, ducts and whatever else as determined by the declaration) BUT it does not include the inside of your unit. Call them immediately!
  3. Make sure and contact your Resident Manager (Association) and you Association Management Co. Notifying them of any damage to structure or potential hazards/damages that may affect neighbors is a very important to do. You want to be a responsible homeowner and let everyone know.
  4. Call the appropriate contractor/plumber/electrician etc. And get the work started on to try and remedy the problem. You may cause more damage to yours (as well as neighboring) units so be responsible for potential danger and hazards to other members of the community by nipping it in the bud!

 My husband and I "teamed up" to make this a smooth and fast "recovery". He called the insurance company and we both called for estimates and set appointments. I called the plumber in between and had to have them out twice to do some work (I won't call those people again). We worked hard and diligently to pick, prod and probe to get the job started before it caused any other water damage to ours or a neighbors unit. Luckily there was minimal damage and they tore out what was. (picture to left....almost complete! Ceramic tile/tub/new plumbing)

I REALLY hope my neighbors will do the same if they ever have something happen. 

 

 

 

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

  

                                                       

 

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman  is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.

  

 © 2007-2011 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.

All rights reserved.

     

 


 

 

39 Comments on Hawaii Townhouse Living... Responsible Homeowners Take Steps to Protect

OCT
12
2007
200,475 Points 57 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

 Ok,  had to get that one in.  :)  I have not been the first to comment on your post in a LONG time! 

It really looks like it turned out well!  I bet that your are relieved to have that done. 

9:11pm • #2
175,171 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Hi Sally - Whata relevent post.  Sorry for the long 3 weeks.  It sure is pretty now.  This kind of thing sure brings a whole new meaning to "good neighbor" when you live in a condo doesn't it?
9:16pm • #3
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Steph: You're funny! Oh, yeah...we just vacuumed, shampooed and dusted/pledged everything to death. Curtains in the washer, vacuumed the blinds ...oh, geez.  I'll be glad when it's over.

Marlene: It sure does!  Believe me...I've already forward the owner upstairs that we did everything so if they wanted to do their plumbing at the same time...nope....okay...well, I hope their stuff is in place because they have the same fiberglass cheap tub we used to have...it cracked too!

9:52pm • #4
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Sally,

Nice looking job on the redo! And Quick too! Thanks,   Fran

9:57pm • #5
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Fran: I love these guys!  Wait until I do the floors...I will do a follow up because I'm so proud....
9:59pm • #6
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I was going to ask how much you cleaned up to take that picture.  :)  I bet it was a mess with them doing all of that work.
10:05pm • #7
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Steph: Believe it or not....that picture was shot after "THEY" cleaned up...the rest is outside the bathroom. They still have to do the grout and seal and stuff tomorrow....I think I'll get the flooring done while I'm at it.
10:06pm • #8
217,536 Points 12 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Now it's ime for a long hot soak in that new tub!
10:20pm • #9
160,513 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Sally,

Things look like their almost back to normal, the new bathroom is looking good! :)

10:24pm • #10
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Dang, THEY cleaned up?  That's almost....unheard of.  Awesome!  I think I would do the floor also.  May as well.  :)
10:25pm • #11
733,669 Points 231 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Sally....   sounded like a semi horror story because of the process and because of some of the plumbers that you originally had. The bathroom looks good.

On another note, great job of your recommendation in regards to insurance when living in a condo.

jeff belonger

10:28pm • #12
591,941 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp
Be glad you don't live in Florida. Or at least in the Daytona Beach area. ALL workers are famous for not returning calls, showing up late or not showing up at all, leaving things undone, not cleaning up their messes, etc., etc. Congrats on getting it done fast! I hope your neighbors appreciate your conscientious effort.
10:40pm • #13
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Joan:  Tomorrow night..  ahhhhhhh.

Suzanne: I love it!

Steph: I walked in there and one guy was wiping walls, the other on the floor wiping....I joked and told them to do the bedroom windows...and they joked back and asked if I wanted screens done too..haha.

Jeff: I'll recommend to my broker not to use them either....(we use them sometimes for property management)

Lisa: Wow.... I really am lucky to have good ones.

 

11:22pm • #14
493,973 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Sally,

You make some really good points about impacting your neighbor in a situation like this. We came across a condo not long ago, looked like it had water intrusion issues, turned out it came from the neighbors side.

Now enjoy that new bathroom!

11:23pm • #15
OCT
13
2007
308,627 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp
Sally - it is amazing how quickly you have been able to get this accomplished - good for you
1:25am • #16
287,652 Points 33 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Sally,

Almost done, and looks very nice......isn't it amazing how a "Good Contractor" can ease our discomfort by the way they act, as well as the job?  Happy you found this one, and your future clients will be too if they ever have a similar problem......

so HAPPY you have it all almost done.......

1:37am • #17
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I was looking around for the Morning Bar, hehehe. I am sure no matter, it will be great to get back to normal. The pre-formed tub and showers can be a real hazard. Most of them eventually crack as they seem to dry up and deteriorate once the the top finish is abrased ( usually from wear and cleaning or extreme light/heat from overhead skylights). Re-glazing over even hairline cracks will not usually hold long term. From our perspective in real estate counseling on the subject may eventually become necessary. Glad you got through the mess and all is retuning to normalcy.
3:03am • #18
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Sally,

I'm glad to hear that your problem is solved. Funny how a seemingly small thing can grow so rapidly. You're info on what to do as a condo owner was great too. Thanks for sharing.

Now, I just have one question. Where does someone who lives in Paradise go for vacation? Just curious!

5:52am • #19
274,644 Points 41 Featured Posts Outside Blog
SALLY:  Glad to hear that you guys are getting back to normal.  I respect you for not only taking care of things right away, but also using your story as a lesson to others to have consideration when living in a condo, or any other attached unit for that matter.  I've lived in Manhattan, and some of the neighbors were totally inconsiderate.
6:01am • #20
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Condo ownership can be tricky.  But, you're right about attending to matters as quickly as possible.  Of course, that applies to any type of ownership. 

I have to advise folks around here to avoid making insurance claims when possible, though.  A negative C.L.U.E. report can be as bad as a bad credit report.

 

6:39am • #21
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Sally- I am happy to see your new bathroom almost finished. That happened pretty fast! Now you can enjoy a new bathroom! Everything happens for a reason and maybe it was time that Sally enjoyed a new bath!Katerina
8:20am • #22
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Sally, Believe me, I sympathize!  I thought I had done everything right myself but the first rain proved differently.  I hope to find a better quality of people and I'm SO glad to hear there might be an end in sight!  Your post couldn't have come at a better time for me, Thank YOU!
10:09am • #23
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Lynda:  And getting homeowner's insurance will protect us if we damage others units. In your situation I hope the neighbors had insurance to cover any damage to your side.

Thesa:  It's almost over....we did a lot of cleaning yesterday from two days of dust.

Kathy: It sure can...the other two estimates we got....well, let's just say first impressions make a difference too. The first one looked lazy and high on something...the second ones dressed and talked the car salesman lingo...and this family owned co. ...the owner came with one of his crew...he looked like he got down and dirty too and he gave us an estimate within the hour and told us it would take complete two and a half days. The first one said 4-6 wks for the order to come in...the second one had everything but 3k more and would take 5 days. (for what?)  We are very happy and pleased and definitely worthy of naming in my post! :)

11:09am • #24
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William: Yeah...well, we found out the hard way. Didn't realize we were on the verge here.   We knew one day we'd replace it all...sometimes things like this work out for the better. Now I just have to worry about upstairs coming down on me.

Andrew: Yup...especially plumbing problems....sure can cause some damage quick. Vacation is what I already said in the post...home and new bathroom...haha.

Adam:  I am one that will definitely get the ball rolling if the neighbor doesn't.... and that's why homeowner's insurance will help even if it's the neighbors fault...what if they don't have insurance? Where will I be then?

 

11:17am • #25
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Lenn: It applies to all ownership, yes. The condo tricky thing is that it can affect neighbors as we're all attached. In my case, I am on the corner...someone above and all three that corner my bath are butting each other. As for filing a claim. Not so much filing a claim but reporting is necessary. We contacted our insurance co. once we found out it was US!  We would be responsible if we hurt someone else's unit....but we caught it quick and just a little of our drywall was soppy and a little mildew/mold.

Katerina: I agree.....we knew one day we'd like to do it...time was a factor. We needed to take a vacation time off so here we are!

Carole:  I'm also glad I don't have a big place..let alone a big bath area. You have a big job on your hands and I hope everything works out well. What got me going was reading about your mold and getting sick....as soon as I saw water...bam! Find it ....get it...

11:23am • #26
Sally-What a recovery process that was. I'm sure you took a deep breath, kicked up your feet and sat back in relief for a bit, appreciating that the hard work was done.   
11:43am • #27
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Julie:  Yeah, they did the hard work...I'm going to pick out floor tile today.
11:44am • #28
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Sally, glad to see that you finally got that situation corrected.  Water problems can be a sometimes extremely hard to find and correct.
12:27pm • #29
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Thanks George. it's been a heck of a three weeks (and money out of our pocket)
12:29pm • #30
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Sally, how have I missed your posts after all this time on AR!  I am going to go and subscribe right now! 

We once had a water heater leak and it ran all down in the unit below us.  We had an insurance claim on that one!  Sometimes it is better to replace when you think it might be time, not when it actually happens!

12:41pm • #31
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Joanne: I kept seeing you all over as well....will go check you out too. I agree!  Glad we were on the bottom and didn't have to fix someone elses....  We told the owner...he doesn't want to do anything right now because his tenants have six more months on the lease.

12:57pm • #32
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Well that s-cks! Water is a big problem here as well especially when mold sets in...we are in the mold capital of the world when there are leaks. Renovations are difficult unless the contractor doesn't have to break down the walls...but most time you need new wonder-board or Sheetrock and most leaks come from the roof into down the walls.
3:34pm • #33
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Neal: I figured if I had to go and do the bath/walls...might as well go for the gusto...I wanted long lasting...good stuff...therefore...do ALL the plumbing, ceramic tile bath walls and gee it looks nice...they're in here doing the grout, sealer and stuff....will post a picture at the end.

3:50pm • #34
OCT
14
2007
569,934 Points 100 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
That was pretty fast.  I know you were having trouble finding the leak.  Please leave me the plumbers business card if you have an extra.  A good plumber is hard to find.
7:40pm • #37
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Randy:  We didn't like the original plumber...they were crap....

I put these good ones in the post...soooooo deserving of a mention!!!

7:43pm • #38
OCT
16
2007
211,773 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog
You are a trooper!  I'm glad to hear and see that it all turned out in the end...even after the "remodel" adventure. 
5:57am • #39

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Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman, RA, CRS, HAWAII Real Estate & Relocations

Mililani, HI

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Century 21 Liberty Homes

Address: 95-221 Kipapa Drive Ste. E-3, Mililani, HI, 96789

Office Phone: (808) 625-1776

Cell Phone: (808) 375-1404

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Reading my blog will give you the human side of this Real Estate Industry Professional as well as allowing you to walk beside me through my writing about Hawaii Real Estate & our Local Area. As a resident of Honolulu County Hawaii for 42 years you will get a tour of a lifetime. Specializing in Hawaii Relocation Military VA Home Buyers you can be rest assured you will be in good hands. I LISTEN to YOUR needs and give you sound advice. Hawaii Relocations, Hawaii Military Relocations, Mililani Hawaii Real Estate, Living in Hawaii, Army Navy Air Force Marines in Hawaii. Read more at www.cheesemanhomes.com



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