25 Alterations

ALTERATIONS

There are some limitations inherent in the building itself and others that are necessary to protect the safety, comfort, and investment of all residents.
The Master Deed prohibits any alteration of the exterior of the building, including the exterior color and the look of the window treatment. This is intended to preserve the appearance of the building and the value of the units.
This means, for instance, that residents cannot install window boxes under their windows or install exterior shutters. Residents cannot enclose their balcony or choose to repaint it a color they like better.
Residents should read all the restrictions in the Master Deed before beginning any work.
The interior walls in each unit are made of 5/8” gypsum wall board, attached to steel studs on load bearing walls and wood studs on non-load bearing walls.
The wall board is strong enough to support most pictures and other wall decorations. However, if residents are planning to hang very heavy objects (large mirrors, flat panel TV sets, or other heavy items) on the walls, the wall board alone will not support these heavy items.
Residents must either mount these items directly to a stud or add additional structural support to the wall to support these items. Adding structural support would involve cutting holes in the drywall and installing braces between the studs.
Even if residents are only using picture hooks for a light-weight pictures, there are pipes and cables hidden behind some walls. Resident must take care not to penetrate them.
The simplest rule is not to use any nail or other fastening device that will penetrate beyond the 5/8” thick wall board, unless a screw is being inserted into one of the studs.
The interior wall separating two units (called “demising walls”) are designed to provide good insulation. Under the Fire Code, they must be “one hour’ walls.
For that reason, it is important that residents do not cut through these walls or otherwise alter them without authorization from the management company. Doing so will almost certainly compromise the integrity of the assembly.
If a resident must absolutely attach a heavy object to a demising wall, a written plan must be submitted to the management company describing how the work can be done without compromising the fire protection qualities of the demising wall system.
All units include hardwood flooring in living areas and kitchen. Although a sound-absorbing mat was placed under the flooring itself, some noise will be transmitted to the units below, especially when walking in high heels or heavy shoes.
To further limit the transmission of noise, resident should place an appropriate number of floor rugs in traffic areas.
Each unit is furnished with kitchen appliances. Residents must purchase their own electric clothes washer and dryer.
When residents shop for a washer and dryer, they must check all dimensions, electrical requirements, and blower capacity to meet all codes and match the utilities provided in each unit.
A plaque is displayed at the dryer hose vent connection indicating the minimum length that the dryer must exhaust.
Residents should hire a professional installer to install both the washer and dryer. If they are not connected properly, serious damage can occur – not only in resident’s unit, but to other units as well.
Owners and residents may be responsible for the cost to repair any damage or any insurance deductible required by the insurance carrier resulting from faulty installation.
These rules and regulations have been established to protect the health, safety, security, comfort, and financial interests of our owners and all other residents. Noncompliance can result in fines and/or additional consequences.