In God's Hands..

A beautiful typical September day, morning clouds, afternoon sunshine. Saturday marks the beginning of fall. I am sure most Oregonians wonder when the rain will begin this year. I suppose the contractors working on the project here at Tanasbrook are harboring the same thoughts.

Don't read further if you have a thin skin. I am not happy with the management of this project.

I received a call yesterday from the association president, who is still in hospital following surgery. Clearly, he is unable to oversee day to day operations here at the complex. An architect has been retained to inspect the various buildings during and after initial repairs, prior to painting, after painting, and to approve repair orders.

I am still puzzled by the scheduling of work. While buildings on Rolling Hill Lane are still under repair, additional buildings on Rolling Hill Drive are being defaced with red paint, scraped and primered, and siding panels torn off. At the current pace ( 2 buildings completed in two months) it would take six months just to complete what has already been marked up. That is, if there is no rain or winter..my fear..at this point..is that the view from my window is going to be there throughout the winter, spring, and into next summer..what a depressing thought..I know many others will share the same view..

The management of this project( allowing contractors to prepare buildings for painting where there is no realistic chance of completing the work in the current season) reflects poorly on both the board and our professional management company. Sadly, we will live with the situation. Those owners with units for sale or rent..or intending to do so will bear the consequences of this "view". Those of us who try to maintain and improve our residence will live with the situation during the gray Oregon winter. I think it will be a winter where I will need to travel or take anti-depression medication.

So..what, you might ask would I do differently? There should be a general contractor or project manager who is an employee of the Association who oversees the day to day operations. The current system has some limited checks and balances.  The zone of disruption need not extend over 1/3 of the entire complex. The siding replacement company representative was unable to give any time estimate for when siding repairs would be completed. Does the board really think it reasonable to stack my patio furniture and plants in a pile, cover them, and leave them for a year? Really?

As I write this, I see another building being scraped, covered with red marks, and spot painted with primer. Where is the wisdom in defacing 17 buildings,,when you know it will be a year before you can finish the project?

Mr. President indicates that there is no support or assistance from residents. I for one tried to support and assist, but running the business of the association like a craft circle doesn't lend to quality decision making.

Considering a purchase? Well, perhaps God will favor us with a miracle. Perhaps the view from my window will improve..a selfish prayer, I know..

Paint Preparation? Really??

A major project is underway here at Tanasbrook. Thousands of dollars are being spent repairing and painting buildings facing Rolling Hill Lane and Rolling Hill Drive. Of course, my unit is one of those involved.

We received notice that pressure washing, siding repair and paint preparation would be taking palce over a span of two weeks. Of course, that is not probable. We all know that it will take 3-4 times that long, judging by the pace of the project thus far.

Reading board minutes, there is some reference to a project manager being retained, but I have no idea or informationabout who it is, nor has any contact information been provided, other that the number of an employee of Interstate Restoration.

Now that I see what is happening on my unit, I am concerned about the "lack of management"..it appears that paint preparation and caulking is being done before siding repairs. This results in some pretty outrageous use of caulking!

Here you see two examples of caulking applied to rotted T1-11 siding. It's only more confusing because I supplied photos and notice to the Association a couple of months ago highlighting the deteriorated condition of this siding.

Here you see a piece of second story trim that had become detached from the building. Apparently the "repair" involves filling the gap with a large amount of caulk. Perhaps a nail would provide a more acceptable repair???

An area of the top trim on the fence was warped and separated. Nothing like a good layer of caulk to solve the problem. I can't believe that any professional project manager would see this as an acceptable repair. I can't believe that a Board of Directors, making a good faith effort to manage the business of an association would spend their community's money for such shoddy workmanship.

My sense is there is a general lack of oversight a, management, and coordination among the various providers..sadly..we are not going to get a lasting, high quality refurbishment if this is acceptable.
The value of my investment will simply depreciate even further as a result..I have worked hard and invested my own money in landscape maintenance, asphalt sealer, and general upgrades..only to see the Association offering these tacky repairs..