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Posts Tagged ‘Condominium’

Progress in preparing the draft regulations under the Thailand Condominium Act amended in 2009 with the purchase and sale agreement is almost completed and will be presented to the meeting of the Council of Ministers (Cabinet) in August 2011. The essence of the contract will be to declare the act as another measure to protect consumers, which requires that any project or condominium units which will be open to the public for sale must be certified or approved by the Environment Impact Assessment Committee (EIA) and must have a valid license for construction.

The framework of this contract will provide fairness for the buyer. Many previous condominium projects were sold or booked but without passing the EIA assessment first which meant that there were many legal cases being brought against developers.

The legislation drafting committee has now approved Condominium Act law.

Preliminary determination of the initial height from three stories up and the height of the building will be based on the building control act which regulates the rules or details already. Room sizes, for example, must have a minimum usage area of 20 square meters and a bathroom included. However, the editing of the various definitions will take a year to complete and make enforceable.

The new combined Bangkok city plans to include FAR (Floor Area Ratio) for land use along the metro system includes both open-for-business and under-construction projects and investment projects in the planning stages.

According to the combined Bangkok city plan which is considering updating and prepare to announced a new city plan enacted for 2012.

By taking lessons and shortcomings of the previous land use plan for revision as well as the growth rate of both residential and commercial development including the number of people using the area as a key element in determining the future layout of urban development.

The consideration of the new Bangkok city plan will increase the use of land along the entire metro route which is currently in service and currently under construction according to master plan and investment plan.

This is because the demand for land along metro lines is high from both investors interested in investing in all types of commercial ventures including shopping centers and low-rise housing and high-rise housing especially in the inner city and central areas and the demand of living near working areas and shopping centers. The city of Bangkok will increase the FAR ratio or total building area per land area to be able to construct more on the same piece of land as 1-2 times.

Apart from that, areas in Bangkok inner city and Bangkok middle areas that have the overhead train can be able to develop more high-rises with land high prices and are likely to be considered worth the investment of further rail systems including Bangkok’s outer areas stations.

However, BMA has planned to raise the ceiling of a maximum FAR10: 1 to FAR 15:1 especially in some of the red zone area such as some part of Silom will also increase In descending order according to their suitability and land use. increasing the FAR to 11:1, FAR 12:1, FAR 13:1, FAR 14:1 and FAR15: 1. However, it must depend on the city planning committee for approval.

http://business.ezinemark.com/progress-in-preparing-the-draft-condominium-statute-7d2f57254382.html

When you buy a Langley condominium unit or townhouse complex, there are certain things you should always consider.

The Strata:

• Monthly and annual dues – It is essential to consider that bigger strata dues are not entirely a bad thing. A condo complex with a good budget for security and maintenance can give you lots of benefits and it may entail you savings. Strata’s that have lower maintenance fees have limited capacity to secure and maintain the premises. This could result in costly repairs down the road.

• Find out if the complex is self-managed or professionally-managed. Professionally managed condo units are generally a wiser option. Owner handled complexes may not have the proficiency to correctly project maintenance expenditure and resources accordingly. Higher maintenance dues will normally turn out to be more cost efficient in the long run. In this way you can avoid more costly repairs that result from inadequate maintenance

• It would also be to your advantage if you could make sure that they have sufficient contingency account. Having ample financial buffer is advantageous as it can protect you from unforeseen problems. This can also shield you from the shock of large financial levies in the event of such problems.

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• Check if the condominium association has any outstanding legal concerns. It is always wise to do a little investigation so that you know what you are getting into.

• Ask for a copy the minutes of past board meetings. Look for signs of forthcoming expenditures. See if there are recurring issues or controversies. Assess the issues and determine if these have a direct impact on you.

The regulations:

• Find out the rules and regulations that govern your home. Are you amenable with them? Will your lifestyle fit well with their rules and regulations?

• Are pets allowed? If so, what types, what size and how many? If you have pets, make sure to clear this up before purchasing your new home.

• Are there limitations about particular activities or noise levels? If you are a car enthusiast you might want to make sure your new home doesn’t have rules that restrict you from working on your car outside your unit.

• Are there restrictions about long term guests? If you expect frequent guests that stay for long periods you might want to check if the strata have rules covering this.

• What areas of your unit is your responsibility and what areas are common responsibilities? If you plan to do major interior renovation work you should check with your strata first. It’s always best to make sure before buying than to assume that everything will be alright.

• Find out if the unit can be leased. If so, check the number of units currently owner occupied as opposed to the number that are being rented. This is a vital concern that can affect the resale value of your home. It can also possibly affect your quality of living. It is usually better to have owner residents as neighbors.

Not considering these factors carefully might lead you to end up with a less than ideal home purchase.

http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/things-to-consider-when-choosing-a-condominium-unit-or-townhouse-complex-656464.html

Article by Paul

Property management services are offered to communities to help maintain the financial and association aspects that most people do not have the time to fit in to their preexisting schedules. These services are provided to help keep a community maintain its structure while fixing areas that are in need of improvement along the way. Condominium properties may include all year round residents, but a portion of the time they are strictly used as a second home. Property management handles all the notifying of those who may not be able to attend neighborhood meetings so that every resident is aware at all times of any actions that are being performed throughout their community.

The financial portion of property management includes many measures that must be met in order to keep your condominium property at its finest. At the beginning of each year the manager is required to gather with the board and discuss an affordable budget that will allow for neighborhood improvements to be accomplished. This budget is then collected by the management service in the form of what is known as home owner fees. As property management services actively collect neighborhood fees they are also active in keeping up with the association details that have just as high of an importance.

The association aspect that comes with owning condominium property is what allows each resident to have their own voice on neighborhood improvements. Handled by management services, they allow every person an opportunity to submit suggestions directly to the board or in secret. In other words, it is your condominium property and you should have the chance to make it your dream community. Other association aspects include keeping the neighborhood utilities up and running while your schedule leaves you busy. It is important to those who use their condominium as simply a summer vacation spot to return to the property without being greeted with problems from the moment they arrive.

Property management services are in the business for the long run and will make themselves available to you year round. They focus not only on fixing current neighborhood problems, but they also put aside a budget to allow room for any future goals the residents may have. They keep a close eye on all utilities, including your neighborhood pool or tennis court. Knowing whether improvements, such as a new pool lining, are going to be needed is important so that funds are available when the time rolls around. Protect your property by hiring a professional manager and they will in turn protect you.

Raleigh Property Management

Condo Management Hilton Head

http://goarticles.com/article/Condominium-Property-Management/5070638/

MiMA, a 63-story glass tower featuring luxury condo residences in the middle of Manhattan, offers not only luxurious condominium houses, but over an acre of exclusive facilities that creates a total luxury condo destination. A Related Company creation, MiMA is expediently found in the middle of it all- Midtown Manhattan offers some of the NY City’s best nightlife, dining, entertainment, shops and parks. MiMA provides two distinct home opportunities : MiMA Rentals on floors seven to 50 and One MiMA Tower, a collection of condos on floors 51 to 63. Related’s commended dedication to service is again proven at MiMA and incorporates each detail that makes a residence a home. Non-public aides, a twenty four hour concierge, doorman and on-site valet are the start.

MiMA luxury apartment residents will have a move-in coordinator to handle each last detail from selecting the best moving service to handling application and technology set-up. Renters can utilise electronic payment or pay their rent through visa cards and earn valuable rewards. MiMA residents will also have the very latest in technology offerings including WiFi in all the common areas, 200+ channel wire and / or satellite TV service ( Verizon FIOS, Time Warner, RCN and DirecTV ), wire modem service, ethernet, DSL and our most recent option wireless Web thru Wi-Fi service.

 

MiMA is also one of the first buildings to have a distribution antenna system, which enhances cell phone service across the building and makes sure residents on assorted carriers will have reception. “Related’s dedication to developing best-in-class flats for discerning clients commenced at The Chatham and continued at The Park Imperial and was further raised at One Central Park flats and The residences at Mandarin Oriental at Time Warner Center,” announced Susan de Franca, President of Related Sales. “One MiMA Tower, offering supreme perspectives, provoked design and contemporary design, and superior services, continues the tradition of 5 Star Living.” residences Expected to exceed LEED Silver authentication, MiMA supplies the most up-to-date in green technologies. Each residence features floor to ceiling that showcase striking wide ranging points of view of Manhattan and beyond.

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The gracious layouts include chrome steel appliances, designer finishes, spacious customized closets and in-residence washer & dryer. Conveniences M Club at MiMA is the final home amenity. Totaling over 44,000 sq. Feet, M Club provides a range of health, recreation and entertainment facilities including three landscaped out of doors terraces ( over fourteen thousand sq feet worth ), a full-sized indoor basketball and volleyball court, heated lap pool, residents-only fitness center by Equinox, indoor screening room, personal party rooms, catering kitchen, tech center, game room with pool and Wii. The furnished, landscaped, outside patio, sat at the top of the city, makes you feel a bit like you are miles away from hustle & bustle. Take the lift down, walk through the David Rockwell designed lobby and you’ll find yourself among ground-floor retail to hand. Other unique & opulent features in this building include a Frank Gehry-designed Signature Center, home of the commended Signature Theatre Company, that might open in early 2012 and the YOTEL Manhattan, a cutting edge hotel designed by David Rockwell.

 

For those with the necessity to entertain, whether non-public or pro, SoftRoom offers twenty thousand sq ft of public space for dining, entertainment, conferences and events. Pet-Friendly When looking out for a pet-friendly space, you must ask the specifics, i.e. What animals are authorized, if there is a weight-limit, for example. At MiMA, both dogs ( under fifty lbs & no assertive breeds ) and pussies are allowed. One amenity that’s excellent for the dog-owners is “Dog City”-a fully-equipped, professionally-staffed pet spa that features an inside and outside play space. It could also include a wash, dry and groom facilities, on and off-site vet care, pet coaching, booked dog walks and pet play dates. Location In the middle of it all ( literally ), MiMA is sited in the courage of Manhattan.

 

Theatres, unusual eateries, nightlife, indoor / outdoors markets, museums, shopping and parks are all to hand! Bowlmor Lanes Times Square, Bryant park, Hudson Stream Park and Theatre Row are two the cultural highlights that are in your yard. MiMA is within short walking distance of the N,Q,R,1,2,3,7,A,C and E train lines. http://www.luxurycondomanhattan.com/luxurycondomanhattan/MIDTOWN/Entries/2011/3/30_MIMA.html

http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/mima-condominium-450-west-42nd-street-new-apartments-for-sale-in-new-york-city-4848237.html

Are you properly insured against fire, theft or water damage to your condominium or townhouse?  If a disaster strikes, who is going to repair the damage? Will your condo’s insurance cover damage inside the condo or is that up to you?

You may need to get what is known as an HO-6 policy. This type of insurance protects you – the owner of the condo or townhouse and makes sure that your home gets returned to its proper condition following a disaster.

When most people first buy a condo or townhouse they call their insurance agent, explain they are purchasing a condominium unit and that they need to provide proof of insurance to their lender. The agent then supplies proof of insurance for the mortgagee in the form of a Certificate of Insurance or some other Proof of Insurance and the transaction is complete. Usually that proof of insurance relates to the condominium association master policy, not to your personal condo unit.

In most cases, however, there is large gap in coverage for the interior of your condo.  Most condo association master policies just cover the exteriors and common areas.

If you, the condo owner suffer a loss, you most likely will be underinsured – or not insured at all unless you had an HO-6 policy.

In order to fully determine the adequacy of your coverage, you and/or insurance agent need to review the condominium master policy and the condominium governing documents (CC&Rs). It is possible your condominium has “walls-in” coverage on their Master Policy (now required by Fannie Mae). However, this may be a false sense of confidence in the coverage as “walls-in” coverage would likely be limited to replacing the interior fixtures with what was originally installed.

So, if you have a 30 year-old condo that was upgraded recently with granite counters, custom cabinets, marble flooring, dual-paned windows, etc., then you would only be paid to replace the original fixtures – formica counters, green shag carpet, low-grade cabinets and single-paned windows.

However, an HO-6 policy with replacement cost coverage would assure you that you have coverage for what you had at the time of loss.  Just as important, the HO-6, in Coverage, A will probably insure the condominium association master policy deductible if it is assessed to the unit owner.

Even worse would be to discover your condominium association only had a “bare walls” policy. This means that you have absolutely no coverage for anything inside your unit.  If you suffer a loss, you would essentially be without coverage unless you also had an HO-6 policy.

http://business.ezinemark.com/condominium-insurance-are-you-really-insured-4ef3b0e276b.html

Article by Jon Caldwell

Is it really advantage to invest on condominiums? I think owning a home no matter how small is indeed a very good investment. Aside from having something to leave your children when you are gone, it is also an advantage for you because this is a good way to enter into homeownership.

According to this site: http://www.century21.com, condos are already hot national investment because of the high price of single-family homes and the influx into the housing market of more single homebuyers. Visit the site mentioned and you will learn more about investing on condominiums. Actually, I want to own one!

Living on a condo is different from living in a house. I know you will agree with me. If there are good factors in living in a condo, there are also few negative factors. There are some economic downturns and association problems that can happen when you live in a condo.

Knowing these negative points, condominium associations made actions and worked very hard to eliminate this kind of problems. Successfully, lawsuits and disputes were decreased. Associations become more able and responsible to make their property management good for everyone. They did several effective steps to continually decrease and eventually eliminate disputes and lawsuits.

One of the good things that people especially couples want about living in a condo is the privacy that they can experience there. Lovers usually prefer classy and luxury condos.

Living in a condo has always been an option to every people who would want to have privacy, good, convenient and classy home. This option is ideal for people who are still starting to live independently. In America, those who are 18 years old and above prefer to live in a condo. Why? It is easier to manage. Security is not a big issue because the condo management prioritizes this for their tenants. Actually, if I were given a chance to live on my own, I would prefer to live in a condo. Here, I will train myself in preparation for owning a house.

Having a classy condominium is having a condo that has a sophisticated look with sophisticated and class furniture. Having a fancy condominium is having a condo designed fantastically through creative ideas. If these two styles were combined, we can surely have the condominium everybody would want to have.

Having a classy and fancy condo does not need so many requirements. You just need to use your creative and imaginative minds in designing your condo. By exploring home magazines, websites, and other related materials, you can easily have added information on how to make your condos classy and fancy. Use your own style. It will be worth the risk I tell you!

I want to design my own home someday. I want to use my creative skills in it. But somehow, I am afraid of the outcome if I, personally, would do the styling and decorating.

I once have painted my own room using my own imaginative ideas. I used acrylic paints to color my wall. At first, of course I was afraid to paint it by myself because I am no professional painter or artist. It is a big risk for me. It is like, one stroke would be the deciding factor whether my room would have a beautiful outcome or not.

http://goarticles.com/article/Being-Classy-And-Fancy-With-Condominium-Living/937104/

Article by Paul J Coulter

http://goarticles.com/article/Advantages-of-Owning-a-Condominium-versus-a-Single-Family-Home/1537206/

Article by Leon Belenky

Florida is well-known for having a great deal of condominium property on the market. Many of these properties are located in some of the most exclusive areas of Florida. Seaside locations are particularly popular for these residences and the price of the land makes high-rises and other structures not only attractive and easy on space but feasible. After the real estate bubble burst, many of these condominiums dropped drastically in price. While this did constitute a crisis, like all crises, it also constituted an opportunity. That opportunity is still alive in the market today.

Florida saw significant decreases in the price of homes, even in particularly desirable areas. Sunny Isles Beach, for instance, one of the most exclusive areas in Miami-Dade County, has seen significant decreases in property prices. While the market may still be showing the effects of the real estate crunch in the form of reduced prices, it will likely not remain this way for too long. Sunny Isles Beach has long been a favorite with the upscale crowd and, with prices as low as they are at present, it’s likely that the condominiums will begin to sell fast in the near future.

The trend on Sunny Isles Beach mirrors that of Florida condominium prices at large. Between August of 2008 and August of 2009, the average price of a condominium went from almost 1,000 to approximately 8,000. This represents a 32 percent decrease in the average price of this type of housing. At the same time, mortgage rates dropped. Between the availability of financing with more attractive rates and the prices being at a low point, condominiums are sure to start selling quickly again. Florida, in fact, has shown an uptick in home sales of all types in the last year.

In the same period from August of 2008 to August of 2009, real estate sales climbed 45% in the state of Florida. The more desirable locations are beginning to see demand increase again. As that demand increases, of course, prices will quickly ascend to a level more in line with what one would expect of the Florida market. In luxury markets such as Sunny Isles Beach, that increase is likely right around the corner. For those who have dreamed of owning a condo on this barrier island, there will likely not be a better time to buy than the present.

http://goarticles.com/article/Recovery-Economics-and-Condominium-Prices/2405942/

Article by Dave Nichols

http://goarticles.com/article/Deck-Design-and-Decorating-Considerations-for-the-Condominium/4462751/

In my experience as a Langley realtor, it is very easy for novice buyers to buy wrong, and therefore extremely important for them to have a well thought out purchase plan. A plan helps you to fully consider the reasons behind why you are buying. When you know what is really important to you vs. what would be really nice to have, you are much less likely to get swept up in all the excitement and make a poor buying decision.

When making your plan for buying a condo or townhome, be sure to think about the following:

Have a realistic budget and know what your top price is. The goal of your Langley realtor should to get you the best value possible without overtaxing you financially.

If you are considering a floating rate mortgage, crunch the numbers and ask yourself if you could continue to make your mortgage payments with interest rates several points higher than they are now.

Lifestyle – think about the features and amenities that are important for you to have in a particular unit and complex. How much square footage do you need? Is your family growing or shrinking? Do you want a small and intimate 4 unit setting? Or would you prefer the greater choice of amenities that a larger complex may have to offer?

Location – where do you want to live? Is it a specific location? Or are you open to different locations so long as they have the same standard of living? If you aren’t tied to one particular location you can often trade a slightly longer commute for a better lifestyle and greater affordability.

Some things to consider when selecting a condominium unit or townhome complex:

The Strata

Monthly and annual fees – it’s important to consider that larger strata fees are not necessarily a bad thing, and that a complex that has a good budget for present day maintenance can save you a lot of money vs. other stratas that have lower maintenance fees that result in costly repairs down the road.

Is the complex self managed or professionally managed? Professionally managed is usually a better choice – owner managed complexes may not have the expertise to accurately forecast maintenance costs and budget accordingly. Higher maintenance fees are usually a lot cheaper in the long run than costly repairs that stem from poor maintenance.

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Do they have an adequate contingency account? Having a proper financial cushion is desirable as it can protect you from the shock of large financial levies in the event of an unforeseen problem.

Does the association have any outstanding legal issues?

Look over the minutes of previous meetings – look for any signs of upcoming expenses… see if there are any recurring issues or contentions. Do these issues have an impact upon you?

The regulations

Know the rules and regulations for your unit – Are they consistent with your lifestyle?

Can you own pets? If so how many, what type and what size?

Does the complex have restrictions about certain activities or noise levels? If you are a car repair enthusiast you will want to make sure your potential complex doesn’t have bylaws restricting your ability to work on a car outside your unit.

What about long term guests? If you have frequent guests that stay for extended periods you will want to find out how the strata feels about this.

What parts of your unit are you are responsible for and what parts are joint responsibilities? If you are planning extensive interior renovations your strata may have something to say about it. It’s always best to check before buying than to assume that it won’t be a problem.

Check to see if the unit can be rented. If units can be rented find out how many units are currently owner occupied vs. rented AND how many units can be owner occupied vs. rented. This is an important issue that can affect the resale value of your unit as well as your quality of living. It is generally preferable to have owner occupants as neighbors

The structure

Was the structure built as a condominium or townhome complex? Or was the structure converted from apartments into its current form? Conversions can look very nice with all of their new finishes, but they can have noise and insulation problems.

Your building inspection – having a building inspection done for a condominium or townhome unit can be somewhat different than for a traditional house. Although you are buying a unit, some costs that you might face may be associated with other units as they fall under the responsibility of the association jointly. And some problems may not be discernible without invasive or destructive investigative techniques. In addition to getting your own building inspector who specializes in condominiums and townhomes it is a good idea to ask the strata if they have a comprehensive building inspection survey conducted recently by independent engineers and have your inspector look it over.

Is there a sense of community in this complex? Often you can get a sense of community fairly quickly just by spending time in the common areas.

Do people seem friendly? Do they smile and make eye contact?

Is pride of ownership displayed in the common areas and outside individual units?

Talk to some of your potential neighbors. Introduce yourself and see what they are like and how they react

The ‘extras’

Does your unit come with a parking spot? If so where is it? Having a parking spot 300 meters away from your unit may not seem like a big deal initially, but you may feel differently when you are carrying a bunch of grocery bags by hand 3 months from now…

Storage – does the complex have extra storage? Is it communal? Is it free? How secure is it?

Pools, hot tubs and other amenities – are they well maintained? Would you want to use them? Is there adequate liability insurance to protect you if someone gets hurt while using them?

Get a professional opinion

Even if your realtor is a condo and townhome specialist, you should still consider having a real estate lawyer go over the rules and agreement for your complex. Spending a few hundred dollars to get some expert legal advice can be a very smart investment!

Once your plan is in place, you are in a better position to find the right complex and unit… and well on your way to owning your perfect home!

http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/a-langley-realtors-guide-for-planning-your-condominium-or-townhome-purchase-196317.html

Article by John Carle

The Condominium Owners’ Guide to Mold

Understanding molds

mold can be harmful or helpful — depending on where it grows.mold needs moisture to grow.mold does not grow on dry materials.mold growing inside a condo can affect the occupants.occupants can learn to recognize moldWhat are molds?

Molds are microscopic fungi, a group of organisms which also includes mushrooms and yeasts. Fungi are highly adapted to grow and reproduce rapidly, producing spores and mycelia in the process.

You encounter mold every day. Foods spoil because of mold. Leaves decay and pieces of wood lying on the ground rot due to mold. That fuzzy black growth on wet window sills is mold. Paper or fabrics stored in a damp place get a musty smell that is due to the action of molds.

Molds can be useful to people. The drug penicillin is obtained from a specific type of mold. Some foods and beverages are made by the actions of molds. The good kinds of molds are selected and grown in a controlled fashion.

Molds are undesirable when they grow where we don’t want them, such as in homes. Over 270 species of mold have been identified as living in Canadian homes. Molds that grow inside may be different from the ones found outdoors.

What makes molds grow?

Molds will grow if we provide them with moisture and nutrients. If we keep things dry, molds do not grow.

High moisture levels can be the result of water coming in from the outside, through the floor, walls or roof; or from plumbing leaks; or moisture produced by the people living in the condo, through daily activities like bathing, washing clothes or cooking. Water enters the building when there is a weakness or failure in the structure. Moisture accumulates within a condo when there is not enough ventilation to expel that moisture.

Different kinds of molds grow on different materials. Certain kinds of molds like an extremely wet environment. Other kinds of molds may be growing even if no water can be seen. Dampness inside the material can be enough to allow them to grow.

Why are molds a concern?

Damage to materials is one concern. Materials get stained or discoloured, and over time they are ruined. Moldy paper and cardboard disintegrate over time. Fabrics are damaged. Continued mold growth can be indicative of moisture conditions favorable for growth of fungi that cause wood rot and structural damage.

When molds are growing inside the home, there may be health concerns. Molds release chemicals and spores.

Health experts indicate that, depending on the type of mold present in a home, the amount and degree of exposure, and the health condition of the occupant, the health effects of mold can range from being insignificant to causing allergic reactions and illness.

Pregnant women, infants, the elderly and those with health problems, such as respiratory disease or a weakened immune system, are more at risk when exposed to mold. Consult your family physician if you believe there is someone who may be at risk.

How can you tell if it is mold?

Discolouration

Discolouration is a sign of mold. However, all discolouration is not due to mold. Carpeting near baseboards, for example, can be stained by outdoor pollution entering the home. Stains or soot may also be caused by the smoke from burning candles or cigarette.

Mold may be any colour : black, white, red, orange, yellow, blue or violet. Dab a drop of household bleach onto a suspected spot. If the stain loses its colour or disappears, it may be mold. If there is no change, it probably isn’t mold.

Smell/Odour

Sometimes molds are hidden and cannot be seen. A musty or earthy smell often indicates the presence of molds. But a smell may not be present for all molds. Even when you don’t notice a smell, wet spots, dampness or evidence of a water leak are indications of moisture problems and mold may follow.

When is mold a problem?

estimate how much mold is growing.you can clean up a “small area” of mold yourself.for larger mold areas or recurrent mold problems, seek professional help.Is there a mold problem?

Molds are always found in the air outside and in all buildings. They come into the home in many ways — through open windows or doors, on clothing, pets, food or furniture. The problem starts when mold grows inside the unit.

Some mold growing, for example on the window sill but not elsewhere, is not a cause of concern. You can clean the mold yourself. The presence of mold is a sign that there is too much moisture in your condo — a situation which must be corrected.

Mold that is isolated inside walls and which cannot easily come in contact with the occupants is less of an immediate concern but should be dealt with by the Condominium Board.*

Inspect the condo to find the extent of the mold. Advise your Condominium Board if you suspect a serious mold problem.

How much mold is growing?

One way is to estimate the area of the mold.

Mold is considered to cover a “small area” if it is no larger than the size of a standard garbage bag folded in half (crosswise or lengthwise). If there is another mold patch beyond two garbage bag lengths away it is considered a separate patch (otherwise it all counts as a larger patch). Clean up small areas yourself using a detergent solution, household rubber gloves and a dust mask for protection.

Small moldy areas may become larger over time if ignored, so it’s important to clean up and remove even small patches of mold.

If the patch of mold or all nearby patches (less than two garbage bag lengths apart) combined are larger than a garbage bag folded in half but smaller than a 4 x 8 foot sheet of plywood or drywall, the mold area is considered “moderate.” You can clean up moderate amounts of mold but you must follow the proper procedures and use the proper protective equipment.

A mold area is considered “extensive” if a single patch of mold is larger in area than a sheet of plywood. Being exposed to this much mold is not a good idea. Do not attempt to clean up large areas of mold yourself. You need professional help to determine why the mold is there in the first place and how to clean it up.

When should you seek professional help?

You may need professional help when:

there is an extensive amount of mold;the condo is very damp and moist;mold comes back after repeated cleaning; anda family member suffers from asthma or respiratory problems or other health problems that appear to be aggravated inside the condo.How do you get professional help?

Advise your Condominium Board of mold problems you may be experiencing. Your Condominium Board will determine if envelope specialists should be consulted to resolve moisture ingress through the envelope.

You may wish to seek advice on how you can improve your own unit. Contact your local CMHC office for a list of individuals who have completed the CMHC Residential Indoor Air Quality Investigator program. A trained IAQ investigator, who operates a private business and sells his/her services, examines the inside indoor air quality conditions of your condo and documents your concerns. He/she identifies the problems, finds their sources and suggests solutions in a written report. Recommendations are provided to you in an action plan that consists of various options to improve the indoor air quality in your home.

Ask your Condominium Board for names of mold clean-up contractors -individuals who have been trained to clean up mold.

How to clean up small mold problems

“small areas” of mold can be cleaned with a detergent solution.wear a mask, safety goggles, rubber gloves and a long-sleeve shirt.seek professional help if there is a lot of mold or if mold comes back after cleaning.”Small area” clean-up

You can clean up “small areas” of mold (less than the area covered by a garbage bag folded in half) yourself. The minimum protective wear needed is:

safety glasses or goggles;a disposable dust mask (3M 8210 or equivalent);household rubber gloves; andlong-sleeved shirts and old clothes.Occupants with asthma, allergies or other health problems should be out of the unit during the cleaning.

Steps to follow in cleaning up small mold areas

Washable surfaces

Scrub with a detergent solution; then sponge with a clean, wet rag and dry quickly.

Moldy drywall

Clean the surface with a damp rag using baking soda or a bit of detergent. Do not allow the drywall to get too wet.

Mold that comes back after cleaning is usually an indication that a source of moisture has not been removed. Seek professional help from a trained IAQ investigator.

How to clean up moderate mold problems

clean “moderate areas” of mold, but wear proper protective equipment and follow precautions.notify your condominium board of remediation steps in your own unit.seek professional help if there is a lot of mold or if mold comes back after cleaning.

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http://goarticles.com/article/The-Condominium-Owners-Guide-to-Mold/5283810/