In an effort to provide buyers with better consumer protection in an improving real estate market, the province of Saskatchewan recently enacted several changes to its Condominium Property Act. Though no specifics were given, Gerry Cairns, president of the South Saskatchewan Chapter of the Canadian Condominium Institute, told The Leader-Post that these changes to the act include more stringent requirements for condo owners and associations to maintain and insure their condo’s plumbing systems.
Many of the new provisions are now enacted, while others won’t take effect until April 1, 2015. As such, those looking to sell or rent their condos in the near future might want to consult a Saskatoon plumbing company-such as Perfection Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Ltd.- before they strike a deal with potential buyers or tenants. Professional plumbers can inspect, repair, and/or improve a property’s plumbing system to make it more appealing to consumers. Such services will prove useful, considering that residential properties, particularly condos, are bound to develop plumbing problems over time even if people aren’t around to use them.
One of the most common plumbing problems in condos are leaks related to physical damage (i.e. cracks due to frozen water) and metal corrosion. The latter is even more apparent in properties that are more than 20 years old, especially those with plumbing pipes made from cast iron or galvanized steel. In such cases, it might be more prudent for property managers to replace the old plumbing pipes with stainless steel or similarly tough materials rather than merely have them repaired.
While it’s true that a plumbing renovation is much more expensive than a simple repair, the insurance costs of operating an obsolete plumbing system are far larger. In addition, old plumbing systems are unlikely to meet the new safety and health standards of Saskatchewan’s Plumbing Regulations, which took effect on October 1, 2011. A trusted Saskatoon plumber is aware of these changes and can ensure that any renovation job to be undertaken complies with the new regulations. Professional plumbers are also bonded, insured, and background-tested for the job, thus, putting condo owners and associations at ease.
(Source: Increased protection for condo buyers, The Leader-Post, July 19, 2014)
Recent Comments