36 Articles
18/05/2022
May 18, 2022 – In many co-ownerships, the creation of common spaces in the form of rooftop terraces on underground parkings enhances the collective living space. These rooftop terraces, considered essential components of modern architecture, present various maintenance challenges. While offering numerous benefits, they can be the source of structural problems requiring significant repair and maintenance interventions. When signs of deterioration appear, it is crucial to act quickly to avoid potential more serious damage. ...
16/06/2022
June 16, 2022 – The presence of mold in an apartment is not to be taken lightly. These microscopic fungi, in addition to causing aesthetic damage to surfaces, can significantly impact air quality and, consequently, the health of residents. In divided co-ownership, where the proximity of living spaces increases the risk of spread, heightened vigilance is required....
21/11/2022
November 21, 2022 - The management of a co-ownership requires a long-term vision that not only takes into account immediate needs but also the future implications of maintenance and renovation decisions. A strategic approach involves regularly evaluating the condition of the building and planning necessary interventions before problems become critical. In one of my columns, I highlighted a troubling issue affecting many co-ownerships in Quebec: the lack of maintenance of the real estate heritage. This…...
05/12/2022
Si vous habitez, administrez ou gérez une copropriété possédant un stationnement souterrain, vous avez fort probablement entendu parler de la loi 122 (chapitre bâtiment du Code de sécurité) adoptée il y a quelques années. Une des dispositions de cette loi cible les parcs de stationnement étagés. Si votre stationnement possède une zone de roulement ne reposant pas au sol, la loi exige, entre autres choses, qu’une vérification approfondie soit faite tous les 5 ans par…...
10/12/2022
December 10, 2012 - Proper governance of a co-ownsership building starts with diligent and thorough maintenance. Unfortunately, this responsibility is often overlooked by many co-ownership syndicates until the consequences of their procrastination result in exorbitant repair costs. History has shown that delaying necessary maintenance work only worsens and increases expenses exponentially. Neglecting preventive maintenance and regular inspections can lead to catastrophic failures, compromising the safety of residents and the value of their real estate investment....
28/04/2023
28 avril 2023 - Le cas de la copropriété Pimbina est une réelle catastrophe pour ses nombreux copropriétaires. Les nombreux problèmes de qualité des constructions résidentielles au Québec sont bien réels. Plusieurs acteurs de l’industrie voient depuis longtemps la fumée à l’horizon et s’époumonent à crier au feu, mais nos institutions semblent souffrir de cécité et de surdité. Au quotidien, nous aidons des copropriétés qui subissent les coûteuses conséquences de problèmes de qualité datant de la conception…...
05/08/2023
August 5, 2023 - Experience in building envelopes is a crucial factor, especially in the current context marked by the stringent requirements of the Building Chapter of the Safety Code (CBCS). Given the obligation for condominium associations to conduct periodic inspections, choosing a qualified professional becomes essential. This particularly resonates with my 35-year journey as an architect who has developed solid skills in this field. Despite my extensive experience, I remain humble and aware of…...
30/10/2023
Every step of a construction project is crucial to its success. The Square Cartier co-ownership, which has recently been the subject of a lot of media coverage, is the perfect example of a poorly planned construction project. Indeed, it seems that the preliminary phases of this project suffered from a lack of research and analysis, leading the co-ownership to the situation it is in today: uninsurable and drowning in claims. In this column, we'll analyze…...
30/11/2023
La Loi française « CLIMAT ET RESILIENCE » provoque un débat passionné parmi les professionnels immobiliers et le public concernés soit les propriétaires de logements d’habitation qui ne sont pas suffisamment isolés et vont être interdits de location ou d’augmentation de loyer tant que les travaux ne sont pas faits. Les transactions immobilières se bloquent. Les propriétaires cherchent à se débarrasser de leurs logements, mais attention ! ...
11/02/2024
February 11, 2024 - Water infiltrations, often subtle and insidious, can persist for a long time before being detected. They sometimes manifest under very specific weather conditions, and it can take years before a new infiltration occurs, as all the factors came together at that moment for the water to seep in. Identifying and acting Infiltrations refer to the penetration of water into the structures of a building, such as walls and floors. If not…...