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Topic
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I purchased a unit but now realise what I thought was not a major
problem seems its huge. My floor boards squeak. There is carpet on the
floor but the boards beneath make a terrible noise when I move about
the flat, most noticeably in the bedroom and living room. as I am on
the top floor the problem affects those below me, plus it drives me nuts too.Im not sure how to go about fixing this propblem
Help as Im worried Im going to have a huge cost now that my neighbours
below me have complained, quite reasonably I agree.
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Replies
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Was the wooden floor part of the building as constructed? If so, would it not be considered common property, with the squeaking being a defect for the OC to remedy? If it was put in by a previous owner with or without permission, responsibility for it could be the subject of legal argument.
As the wooden floors are part of the structure, then it will likely be the responsibility of the OC to fix (one caveat: if your building is not a new warehouse conversion, then given the age of your building you will need to check the particulars of the scheme, particularly if you are in a company title building)
Just a general point about renovated older buildings like warehouses: such defects provisions as there are don’t apply to the original structure – only to additions that were built or installed and then only in the last six years. The flooring joists will almost certainly be common property but they will just as certainly not be covered by defect insurance unless they were installed at the time of the renovation.
The opinions offered in these Forum posts and replies are not intended to be taken as legal advice. Readers with serious issues should consult experienced strata lawyers.
The owner of a ground floor unit in an older building (1930’s) removed the floor coverings – cork on masonite sheeting from the kitchen area & carpet from all other rooms (excepting the bathroom which remains tiled). This was done to expose, sand & clear finish the timber floor, & the result is visually attractive. However in a few locations floor boards are squeaking, & at one point in the kitchen the noise from this is quite excessive.
The tenant is complaining and the owner wishes to have it fixed but wants the owners corporation to pay for this work. The noise is not transmitted to any other units.
Given that this problem did not exist prior to the floor coverings being removed & the timber floor being exposed who should pay – the owner who has carried out the work or the owners corporation?
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