Page 20 - New England Condominium March 2019

20 NEW ENGLAND CONDOMINIUM
- MARCH 2019
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Vibrations oft en “depend on activity
and proximity,” says Strnad. “We recom-
mend developers install a vibration moni-
tor throughout construction. Th e aff ected
building should also hire their own vibra-
tion consultant and install a seismograph.
Most vibrations are felt during piling
work.” Piles are oft en required to stabilize
new foundations. Strnad also reports that
some people – even those living in the
same apartment – may feel vibrations dif-
ferently, with one not noticing and the oth-
er severely aff ected by the same vibrations.
Pests
Perhaps the most disturbing result of
living next door to the changing face of
your neighborhood is the inevitable in-
crease in pests that results from construc-
tion and demolition work. While we don’t
see them—hopefully—we share our space
with many creepy, crawly, furry little crea-
tures. When their homes are disturbed,
they seek new ones – and we have to hope
it’s not with us.
“Typically, the developer will hire an
extermination company before demolition
to try to eradicate the pests,” says Strnad.
“Once you start demolition they will scatter
on their own. Pest control plans start be-
fore demolition. Pest control must be dealt
with in an ongoing, timely manner. It’s not
a one-time exercise.”
Getlin adds that “when you negotiate
an access or license agreement, cover this.
Also, increase the visits of your own exter-
minator, and seal everything up.” Th at’s the
approach she took when dealing with near-
by construction in properties she’s man-
aged. “Th e problem is unavoidable and an
uphill battle, but it can be fought.”
Governing Authorities
Freedland explains that laws and regu-
lations governing construction are found
in both state and local ordinances and ju-
risdictions. Getlin, Strnad, Shapiro and
Freedland all agree, though, that for the
most part it’s local laws and regulators who
oversee the process. In Massachusetts, the
Massachusetts Code of Regulations has
jurisdiction, and these regulations are ad-
ministered through the local fi re depart-
ment and the State Fire Marshal. In Chi-
cago, it’s the Department of Buildings and
the Offi ce of Underground Construction
who have the most oversight responsibil-
ity along with those agencies governing
historic preservation. In New York City,
it’s also the Department of Buildings and
the local community boards – and in rel-
evant instances the Landmark Preservation
Commission. Be sure to check with your
local governing authorities if a project is
about to begin near you.
In the end, Getlin off ers the following
advice. “Try to develop a good rapport with
the point person for the developer. And be
aware that your priorities are not the same
as the developer. You have to remember
that your priority is to protect your build-
ing and its residents. Sometimes that’s dif-
fi cult. Th e developer has a lot of money on
the table and they can be very emotional
about it. Know how to stand your ground
politely. Keep board and owners informed
and be proactive. Th at makes people feel
more comfortable. Th is is about their qual-
ity of life.”
Make sure the agreement is reasonable.
You should be named as an additional in-
sured on their policy, and make sure their
work will be conducted among other
things. Make sure you’re represented by
counsel to protect yourself.
n
A J Sidransky is a freelance writer/reporter
with New England Condominium.
BUILDING...
continued from page 8
and deck-related work every three years.
We do the more detailed inspection every
six years, though. When we do the three-
year inspections, we are looking for ‘D’ and
‘F’ problems – they require immediate at-
tention. When we do the six-year inspec-
tions we also look for ‘C’ level problems, as
they need to be taken care of before even
the next three-year inspection. We’re not
coming back for six years, so we want to
MAINTAINING...
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