Reporting on our progress

We have been making progress in maintaining our property as planned. Hilton has completed his work to our satisfaction, and Pierre will begin his work in May as agreed upon. We are closely monitoring our budget and are still within its limits.

Here are some specific updates:
– APRON SLABS: Hilton has successfully repaired the apron slabs near the units we identified, meeting our expectations. However, we need to be cautious as the roots of poplar trees may continue to cause problems by lifting the slabs closest to the road.
– GUTTERS AND DOWNPIPES: We have installed a new downpipe and closed the outlet on the same gutter between units 5 and 6. This will improve the efficiency of our drainage system.
– MOTOR GATE REPLACEMENT: The DTS motor, which was installed by deMezzi Construction during development, has finally failed completely after seven years of subpar performance. We have decided to replace it with a Centurion motor that has three different methods of opening and closing the gate: an MTN call-to-gate system, remotes, and a coding system.

 

Thank you for you patience and support!
Joan

Reporting Feb

Read an update on the progress regarding the maintenance of our property, particularly focusing on the units identified for attention based on Hilton’s previous reports and recent developments.

APRON SLABS
Background:
In early 2023, Hilton diligently provided detailed reports highlighting areas of concern within certain units. These reports indicated that Units 2, 4, 6, 7, 12, 14, 18, 20, and 21 (Reports attached) required attention due to issues such as apron slabs sloping towards the flats, exacerbating damp problems. Reinstating the apron slabs around each house experiencing moisture problems on the paving, raising areas where ponding is occurring to ensure stormwater runoff instead of seepage into the ground.

Subsequent to these initial assessments, there was a discrepancy regarding the units requiring treatment. Late last year, Hilton presented a revised list, wherein Unit 18 was excluded for attention. Hilton now contends that Unit 18 was not part of his original quote. Consequently, he has submitted a new quote specifically for Unit 18 amounting to R4560. The initial quote for the nine units, which required attention, amounted to R28894, equating to R3210.44 per unit. Considering the additional work needed for Unit 18, requiring an increase of R1350.44, we acknowledge this adjustment without contention. Owners of units 19, 20 and 23 agreed to commit to the difference. These amounts will be added to their monthly levies.

Current Progress:
Unit 7 has been successfully treated. Regarding Unit 4, Hilton has undertaken necessary revisions, and we are awaiting rainfall to assess the effectiveness of the new plan. However, the work carried out at Unit 18 has not met our standard expectations. Hilton and Simon are scheduled to discuss the required course of action to rectify this.

GUTTERS AND DOWNPIPES
We have taken steps to enhance our facilities by installing an additional 25 downpipes across the complex to better manage rainwater. Hilton completed this project in mid-December of last year. Furthermore, in response to recent discussions, we have decided to proceed with fitting a new down pipe and closing the outlet on the same gutter between units 5 and 6. This action is scheduled to take place within the coming week, and we trust that it will further enhance the efficiency of our drainage system.

INTERIM MAINTENANCE
The wood trusses in several units have undergone thorough sanding, sealing, and painting. Additionally, we encountered some issues with three geysers which unfortunately led to leaks and subsequent damage to ceilings. One geyser was fitted with a wax sealant, another required a new valve, and the third needed to be replaced entirely. Furthermore, rusting steel corners were identified. These areas were carefully sanded down and treated with a protective red oxide coating to prevent further corrosion. Then we had the issue with the electric distribution boxes. The developer neglected to seal these boxes, resulting in shorts due to wetness. We had to replace two.

Thank you for you patience and support!
Joan