When associations discover damage to their buildings, there are several potential sources for financing to effectuate the necessary repairs. One source is the homeowners, whether through built-up reserves or additional assessments. Another source is a banks or other lending institution. Sometimes a third-party, such as the project developer or a contractor, may be liable to the association for damages.
There is another potential source for funding repairs that may be overlooked: the association’s own insurance. First party insurance claims have become more prevalent as multi-family buildings (condominiums and apartments) age. There are more and more associations facing repairs as the exterior cladding systems on their buildings fail over time. Repairs are often necessary to address substantial rot and damage that is sometimes discovered hiding beneath roofs, siding and walls. Some of this damage may be covered by property insurance.
Due to the complexity and multiple factors involved in tendering and evaluating such claims, the team at Barker Martin is offering free webinars on the topic. Our first webinar, providing general information and Washington-specific case law, was given by Jim Guse and Dan Zimberoff last week and can viewed by clicking here.
Jim and I offered a second webinar focusing on Oregon-specific case law and issues this morning. That webinar will be posted on our website shortly.
Along with the webinars, the Barker Martin team will be writing a few blog posts and emails in the coming weeks.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
As always, please feel free to contact me with questions related to insurance coverage for your association.
