Serious maintenance issues in my building

Teacher Terry said:
Because one of the elevators in my condo complex has been broken for 3 months I know something about the issues regarding this problem. Our buildings are 47 years old and unfortunately the electrical panel can no longer be bought but must be custom built after obtaining the parts from Asia.

All the parts have arrived but one. It’s causing a big hardship for people not able to use the steps. I was surprised to find out that some of the parts are only made in Asia.
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Same here. Not sure where the parts from our elevator come from, but they are "not made any more"
 

Marie5656 said:
Same here. Not sure where the parts from our elevator come from, but they are "not made any more"
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A person on our board who works for the feds said all the parts come from Asia. I’m assuming it’s true but you would think 3 months would be enough time to receive them.

I bought on the third floor because I wanted to be on the top. I can easily go downstairs and can go up a few times a day. But we have people on our floor that can’t use steps at all. I’m planning on staying on the board a few more years hopefully to get everything fixed so I can continue to age in place with no problems.
 
It has always surprised me that people with mobility issues are housed on the higher floors of flats as, in the event of a fire, you should not use lifts/elevators. @Marie5656 do the managers of the building have any emergency plans in case the building ever has to be evacuated quickly, say in the event of a fire?
 

Trish said:
It has always surprised me that people with mobility issues are housed on the higher floors of flats as, in the event of a fire, you should not use lifts/elevators. @Marie5656 do the managers of the building have any emergency plans in case the building ever has to be evacuated quickly, say in the event of a fire?
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Supposedly emergency personnel will help us evacuate
 
This is an eye-opening thread for those of us living in private homes but may one day consider downsizing to a multistory condo or apartment.

I consider a 40 year old building to be relatively new, and would never have imagined parts for that age elevator would be so difficult to obtain.

What a terrible thing to go through, particularly for those with serious mobility challenges.
 
Marie5656 said:
I went to PT to help with my balance. We did work on doing steps, But I am unable to do much more than a few, plus having to drag my walker with me. In case of emergency evacuation, I would need help on stairs.

I did call authorities, building inspector and code enforcement. I did leave messages with my number in case they want to call me
Thing is, the new owners of the building is some corporation which owns several properties. Not sure they would be of much help
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Stay strong, Marie. In a disaster help may be scarce.
 
Teacher Terry said:
I’m on the condo board and there’s nothing we can do to get it repaired faster. The electrician said as soon as we get the part the panel will be finished and installed immediately. I’m assuming this is probably the case in Marie’s situation.

People are furious in our complex but there isn’t a thing we can do to make it go faster. Since we have 2 buildings we are replacing the one in the other building before it breaks. We have many seniors and people with disabilities that bought here because of the elevator.

In my building the hot water boiler broke and we had no hot water for 16 days. The boiler had to come from the east coast. We decided to replace the boiler in the other building before it breaks. There’s no quick fixes when you have older buildings because the parts aren’t readily available.
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.. and I would worry that, with inflation, cheaply or shoddily made parts and equipment are all that will be available. I'm seeing that problem in many products.
 
Here is where I stand so far. I sent a message to the company that owns the building. They are in another state, and own many properties. Not sure if anything will happen there.
I just called Code enforcement for my city again. Waiting to hear back. I did stress that this is a building of Seniors, many with mobility issues..walkers, wheelchairs, etc. I did say in both messages that Emergency responders lose valuable time if they are responding to a floor higher than 4
So, will see what happens
 
Pepper said:
Would it help, @Marie5656 to notify your fire department/station, of this potential disaster?
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I am not sure....but I think Code Enforcement may handle that. But I will look into that option. I am not sure if any first responders who have come here have reported it...but one would think it would have been acted on
 
Aunt Bea said:
Marie,

Encourage the other residents to join you in making calls, sending emails, etc…

A volume of calls may get a bit more attention than a lone voice.

I hope that you are able to get some action on this, don’t give up!!!
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Took your advice and talked with 2-3 other residents about it....while we were riding in the one working elevator. They agreed it was a good idea. Hope someone helps out
 

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