"It took several months to translate the settlement into a construction contract with Robert Cunningham Construction. We needed construction experience so used Queen City Law.
"We handed over the entire complex with vacant possession to Cunninghams on March 1 last year for 12 months of repairs and rebuild. All tenants were given notice and all owner occupiers had to find somewhere else to live for the 12 month period. We employed a project manager from N-Compass to manage the works from our end and any issues and general sign off of works was handled by the engineer to the contract from Peddle Thorpe Aitken," she said.
Practical completion and code compliance certificates were issued at the end of February and the complex and keys handed back on March 1.
Owners spent extra funds on maintenance which had been delayed due to leaks. They also opted to spend an extra $340,000 on a better cladding system than the settlement allowed for.
"All owners were very keen to ensure that not only the stigma of leaky buildings didn't follow us but also that the cladding used was considered top-of the-line for anyone wanting assurances when buying into the complex."
The works included replacement of walls, some ceilings and timber; recarpeting and painting; extra drainage; replacing and upgrading the fire system and recladding.
SAGA ENDS
* 41-unit Parnell townhouse complex.
* Dispute settled before High Court hearing, big council payout.
* About $10 million to fix.
* Residents now back after a year away.
