b'shiny marketing brochures and enterMAKING CONDO WORK 1.Only work with developers with atheir new residences with extremelyMORE PALATABLE successful track record building high expectations. When expectationscondos and a commitment to arent met, claims arent far behind. No doubt, the liability issues associatedquality. If a developer lacks a history with condo projects are daunting. But thatof successful projects or has a long trail7.Poorly run condo corporations.doesnt mean you need to turn your backof condo claims, its probably time to Virtually all condominiums are run by aon all potential condominium work; it just condo corporation, which governs themeans you have to approach such projectssay, Thanks, but no thanks. You dont day-to-day operations of the complex.with your eyes wide open and the steadfast- want to be the guinea pig for a devel-The quality of condo managementness to demand certain safeguards. Hereoper just entering the arena or trying to varies greatlysome ensure theare 10 rules you should apply to any condofinally get one condo project right. Your grounds and common facilities aredesign work you may consider: early conversations with a developer expertly managed and maintained, and others, not so much. The condo assessments are needed to help main-tain common areas, which for condos include the exterior structure. These assessments are often inadequate andCOMING SOON: THE PEAK IN VANCOUVER, BCArchitectural Rendering by Cornerstone Architecturemaintenance requirements are notPassive House Multi-Family Project byfollowed. Consequently, many condosCornerstone Architecture and BOLD Construction.are quick to file shotgun claims against developers, contractors and designers at the first sign of paint chipping or sidewalks cracking. 8.Legal pitfalls. Through the doctrine of joint and several liability, the designer may find themselves fully liable for all damages sought in a class action suit even though their design error was only a minor part of the overall claim. 9.Aggressive lawyers. Add together all of the potential liabilities listed in the eight reasons above and its not surprising that litigation lawyers consider condo-minium projects breeding grounds for potential business. Indeed, some lawyers seek out condominium corpora-tions and conduct a witch hunt, lookingWindows + Doors for for design and construction flaws they can blame on developers, contrac- Passive House Projects tors and designers. They remind the condo board of directors that they eachInnotech Windows + Doors is a Canadian have a personal fiduciary liability tomanufacturer of high-performancewindows and serve all of the associations members. Unfortunately, it is the designer whodoors. We deliver the product performance and gets hit the hardest financially whenmanufacturing expertise required to achieve the developer no longer exists andvigorous energy-based building standards.the contractor lacks appropriate liability insurance.10. Costly insurance. Considering theAsk us how we can help achieve your airtightness,nine issues above, its no surprise thatenergy-eciency and durability targets.insurance companies are not lining up to offer professional liability coverage to designers of condominium projects, but coverage can normally be found. Placing condo work on a project-specific policy is an option to consider that will help reduce the cost of yourinnotech-windows.comfirms annual practice policies.SPRING/SUMMER 2021 11'