I am the President of a 111 unit co-op in Inwood, Manhattan. Our old patched roof was leaking into both public spaces and units (including my own).

In the past, the Board tried to do a quality job on its own (i.e. on the cheap) however the contractor didn’t finish the work, the co-op was unable to obtain a warranty and the roof needed patching. While doing a quality was the intent, it was unsuccessful in the end.

The Board and I had set our minds to doing the best job possible: hiring an engineer; repairing the parapets; replacing roof doors to code; replacing skylights; repairing the masonry on the elevator rooms and replacing the elevator room roofs; and replacing the insulation. The Board opted for a seamless covering too.

In the end, the roof looks fantastic, all of the leaks stopped, all of the units and public spaces were repaired and we use less energy for cooling. The engineers inspected, prepared the bid package and supervised the work. However, this process took longer and the Board spent time reviewing the engineer’s bid package for completeness. We used Rand. I would highly recommend them. The whole process took about a year and we already had the funds on hand (no assessment was necessary). It would have taken longer if we had to find financing.

The reason I say all this is - what is your reason for wanting to review the very lengthy engineer’s output: their report and/or bid package? Is it to litigate? Or are you offering to assist the Board with the process of repairing? Are you interested in how quickly the leaks stop (not a quick process if done right) or is your interest in making sure the job is done right the first time?

Remember that your Board is a group of volunteers. Offers of help are often well received while perceived threats elicit a defensive response. Put yourself in the Board’s shoes and see if a different track can get you the information you are seeking.

Good luck!

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Did coop reimburse you for leaks in your apartment?

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All units and public spaces were repaired at the cost of the co-op. No reimbursement was necessary.

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The reason I am asking for the report is that I've had the same leak for 7 years. the board refuses to put anything in writing to tell me someday we will fix this. The management company wrote me winter 2012 saying we will fix this in the spring - never happened. The board needs to be accountable and put some thing in writing to indicate this will be fixed and they refuse. my ceiling is an eye sore and I can't sell or sublet my apt. in it's condition. I want accountability and for my burden a maintenance reduction.

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As the report is necessary to determine the condition, future expenses of the building, and therefore the value of an apartment, it is unreasonable to withhold it. Caveat emptor.

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