I've posted some threads on my renovation projects (kitchen and two baths), but, unfortunately, this project will not be as pleasant. Our condo buildings (two buildings, 500 apts) are 30 years old and the copper pipes used in the original plumbing are failing prematurely. Boo...so, we are headed for almost a complete pipe replacement, which of course includes replacement in my unit. The product being used is called Aquatherm. I'm hoping for as little disruption as possible but there are about five areas in the apt which will be affected. My biggest concern is the tile in the kitchen and baths which were part of my renovations. I doubt any can be matched should they be damaged. I know of only one area so far which will directly affect the tile - the guest bathroom shower, where I had a leak not long ago and tiles were removed and replaced. This replacement means removing more tiles on that wall. Work starts in my building end of June. I expect my tier will happen in September. Although the company will be taking pics/videos of progress, I plan to take my own pics and watch them carefully! To be cont'd...

 

Looks like a good product to replace the copper pipes. I can only imagine the possible mess that will be created by replacing pipes in a multi-story building, though! Good luck.

Aquatherm Green Pipe

 

Bummer! That sounds like it could be a mess. Good luck.

 

What is on the walls on the other sides of the tile installs? Can they approach the pipes from the opposite side of the wall for any of them?

 

Depends...there are building plans that show a lot and the building engineer has workarounds for a lot, but there are certain areas (like that wall in my guest bath, which has large concrete pillars behind it) that won't have a workaround. Much of the work can be done from the hallways. So I'm hoping it is not too bad.

 

Do you have a written agreement with the owners/HOA about responsibility for putting your home back together? I wouldn't let them in the door unless I had, in writing, what they would do to "fix" things.
I'm no contractor, but where pipes have straight runs, they only have to get at the ends to replace them, not tear out the whole length of the wall, so maybe it won't be too bad. Good luck!

 

Yes, all of that is in the contract. They will be doing the restoration as they go along. We had an owners meeting last night with the management and contractor to address everything. Some details could not be addressed then, but there will be separate meetings by tier before work is done. There will also be a website for the project. It's a big deal (several million $$) with a major assessment attached since the reserves do not cover the full cost. Once it's done, it will be like a new building.

 

Ouch! Sorry you have to incur these costs and headaches.

 

Deb, since there is an assessment to all owners, was there much bitching and complaining when it was announced? Do they plan to increase the monthly dues to increase the reserve for the future?

 

Well, we've known the initial numbers for a few weeks now, but as it turns out the work is taking less time than originally planned and will result in a lower assessment. So good news there. I've not personally heard anyone complain about it. The work has to be done and will result in a better environment for everyone. Also probably boost the value of our units. Our HOA monthly dues go up once a year, but I don't think they are all that bad, at least not compared to other condos in the DC area. Perhaps they should have increased the dues more in the past in anticipation of a major event. Who knows. We already had a special assessment for roof replacement a few years ago, but I don't think it was excessive. There are several options for owners to pay the assessment which are being considered by the board. The one the majority of owners wants is three payments spread over the life of the project, which is now 18 months.