Boiler Issues in a 'New Condo'-How to fix

Hi there, So, I just got an apartment style condo in Prospect Heights. Unfortunately, the heating system is not working properly. It never reaches the actual temperature I set it to when it ‘works’ and then most times it never turns on. Apparently, prior to getting my unit, the boiler sat dormant for like 3 years. I don’t know if the developer is using highly qualified mechanics/plumbers because the heating issue has yet to be rectified. What should I do??? I was thinking of getting an independent consultant/contractor to inspect the gas boiler system as well as the electrical system to run the boiler. That way I could have a better way of knowing what the developer needs to do. Any suggestions for understanding the process of getting the developer to fix the heating system? Any suggestions for finding an outside party to do an assessment on the heating/boiler and all of its components? Just in case, what rights do I have as a person that only just bought the unit, in case the developer does not want to fix the boiler that he left dormant for so long? I mean, legally, is it ok to sell a unit where the boilers are practically broken and not fix it?

chanel

in Boiler Repair 13 years and 2 months ago

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Scotland | 13 years and 2 months ago

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I went through a similar issue with my heating system for a new condo I purchased a few years ago.  Depending on when you made your purchase and when the problems started occurring, you may have legal remedies under the NY Housing Merchant Implied Warranty Law (Section 777-a) under which the developer is required by law to provide a warranty for certain defects (the warranty for heating systems is two years).  I suggest you review your condo offering plan very carefully to see what representations or warranties the developer has provided.  You have to stay on top of the developer to get the problem fixed and keep good records of all the times you complained about the problem, and keep records of when/how the problems occurred.  For my own situation, it took about 2 years to finally resolve the issue, which involved providing the developer formal notice of the problems under the terms of the condo plan, getting independent assessments of the problem from plumbers that I brought in and threatening legal action.  It was a time consuming process.  Hopefully, your developer isn’t as difficult to deal with as mine.

chanel | 13 years and 2 months ago

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Hi, sorry, here is a bit of clarity: ejalblk: it appears that each unit has its own boiler. gennady: so,are you saying that if i got my own contractor to look it over, it is not likely that the developer would actually pay the right/qualified people to actually fix the issue. So, essentially, I would be wasting the money on the independent qualified contractor, and or whatever else I would need to try and force him to fix it versus just doing it all myself? I def. need a cost estimate to see if it is worth it. I’m not the only one complaining of issues with the heat system so this might be too exp. to take on without hte developer. Legally, I must have some rights?? Selling a apartment without a working heating system? How did the developer pass inspection?   Eman: I will send you an email, what information do you need to understand the basics of the problem? I dont have a firm grasp of the actual issues with the boiler myself.

eman134 | 13 years and 2 months ago

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sounds like the boiler is shortcycling …may be due to control failure or poor installation. For a free consultation contact me at the email on my profile

ellenlourie | 13 years and 2 months ago

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Usually dvelopper is using cheapest materials and contractors to do plumbing and heating. It is always a substandard  cover up jobs, meaning unlisenced contractors do the phisical work, and licensed plumber sighs off the job via self sertification, meaning no actual inspector inspects the job. Design of these types of jobs also substandard, using cheapest and least qualified architects.  Dealing with develpper and trying to get it fixed will be long and expensive, and even if you win, they still will do substandard job, and for the money you spend making him do it, you as well can fix your issues faster and cheaper.

ejalbk | 13 years and 2 months ago

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I’m confused. Is this a central boiler for the building or does each unit have its own boiler?