It was great to see so many people attend the information meeting! Below is the established sequence of steps for the pipe replacement project.
Step 1: Preparation and Project Plan, Information, and Extra General Meeting
Your consent is required to proceed beyond Step 1. Therefore, it is important that you attend the extra general meeting on January 29th. If you are unable to attend, you may give a proxy to someone you trust. The board can also assist with this.
It’s important that even those who have already given their consent vote at the meeting on January 29th at 7:00 PM in the Tallbacka School auditorium (registration from 6:30 PM).
Step 2: Tendering for a Contractor, Practical Planning, and Project Execution
Involves selecting a contractor, planning the practical aspects of the work, determining where the work will start, how long the contractor expects it to take, etc. We discussed the second quarter during the meeting, but we want to clarify that even if a contractor is selected in the second quarter, the work in the apartments will not necessarily start immediately. The contractor will need time to finalize detailed planning, set up on-site, arrange temporary solutions, etc., which may take 1 to 2 months. We have received numerous recommendations for suitable contractors, and after performing checks on the companies, we have narrowed the options down and will soon send out requests for proposals. At this stage, we will also begin sourcing loans. Banks will only discuss loans after a decision at the general meeting.
There were a few questions that we want to clarify further:
Previously Renovated Bathrooms and the Discussion Around Them
Yes, they have tiles, waterproofing, and replaced drainage pipes in the bathroom floor, but neither the drainage nor the water pipes (the main pipes) have been replaced. There are also penetrations in the floor (pipes going up through the floor, to the heating, for example), which is no longer an approved installation.
Some of the drainage pipes have also been installed incorrectly, causing recurring problems and leading to unnecessary costs for the association. It’s unfortunate that the main pipes weren’t replaced during the bathroom renovations, and we understand that it might seem like “wasting” money to redo the bathrooms now. However, the previous bathroom renovations have not been in vain, and likely many water damages have been avoided up until now. We’ve also gained significant advantages from the asbestos remediation and much of the demolition already being completed. The bathrooms will be repaired more quickly, and time equals money.
The board sees great value in resetting all the pipes, essentially bringing us back to “Year 1.” A ”reset” means that the pipes will be considered in the same condition as newly built, which will reduce the association’s insurance premiums and deductibles. It will also give us greater opportunities to negotiate better interest rates on existing loans, as the value of the property increases with the pipe replacement. Simply relining the standing drain pipe is not feasible at this stage, as confirmed by two independent project groups. It would not provide the economic benefits mentioned, and the issues in the bathrooms would remain, such as the old water pipes.
Laundry Room inside the apartment (Utility Room) Functionality
The functionality is flexible. We know that many currently have a shower in the room. The room will be fully prepared, including waterproofing and a floor drain, to allow for a shower. The simplest option is to install a shower mixer and shower curtain rod. It will also be possible to opt out of installing the toilet bowl (only the cassette) if a toilet is not desired in the laundry room. If other toilets in larger apartments currently have a floor drain/shower, they will also be restored with this.
Regarding the Heating Replacement
The heating system needs to be replaced, and we want to avoid extra costs from keeping the existing system. Replacing the heating system along with the pipe replacement will ensure more even heating between floors and better energy efficiency. Many apartments are experiencing issues with temperatures not reaching the desired level, and electric fans have to be loaned out.
Opportunity to View the Material?
Yes, there will be a place in the building where you can view materials, and any additional choices will be handled in consultation with the contractor.
Additional Choices and Other Requests?
For things like kitchen renovations, painting, door replacements, etc., you will need to arrange these separately with the contractor.
Electrical Installation
To perform installations, including power outlets in wet rooms, a residual current device (RCD) and grounded outlets are required. For the installation of new appliances, a 3-phase system will also be needed.
There are likely more questions, and you can email them to us. We will update this page with answers.
/The Board