Response from HOA on modification submission

Hi - we subnitted an application to the HOA as a part of finishing our basement. I added my email address so that we would hear back sooner, but haven;t heard anything yet. Can anyone tell me how long it normally takes to get a response from the modifications subcommittee?

 

If you are Mr. Taylor...your project is approved. I try to get the emails out on Thurs but depending on the workload it may take until Fri. You will receive your "Official Letter" next week. Have a good weekend!

Maureen Burns
Secretary to the Modifications Subcommittee

 

Hi Maureen - it is indeed Mr Taylor! Many thanks for answering my question so rapidly. I'm being a little impatient I know, but we're eager to get started! Thanks again.

 

Why do you need to get HOA approval for finishing a basement? Are you having a walkout or egress window added?

 

Yes, we are repolacing one of our basement windows with an egress window and well.

 

Can I ask approximately how much does it cost to have an egress window installed?

Are you doing it yourself? If not, who are you using and are you also having someone finish your basement?

Thanks for any info. One of these days we are going to get around to doing our basement

 

We're just negotiating with the guy on the costs now, but the proposal is about $5500. We may have the same guy do our basement - I'll post his name if the references check out and they are doing a good job!!

 

You are paying $5500 to have an egress installed? YIKES!

 

The quotes have been in the region of $10k plus for a walkup!

 

Yikes is right. Anyone else had an egress or walkup installed for less?

 

How much to "uninstall" a walkup? Whenever there is a hard rain, it is a constant battle to keep the basement from flooding from the stairwell. The size drain that is installed at the bottom of the steps can't keep up with a heavy rain volume.

 

Or you can put in a portable sump pump, and pump the water out and away.

Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

Tech Head-

You might want to investigate having someone inspect the piping from the drian to the sump pump to rule out an obstruction. Some inspectors have cameras that they cna fish down the pipe. Builders have never been good at keeping concrete from seeping into the line during construction. This may be your problem.

 

The problem is if even a couple of leaves block the drain, it backs up.

 

Boy did this thread ever get hijacked! The egress window is in and looks great. I'm really glad we didn't do a walk-up as we have a lively two-year old and I didn;t want to spend all my time chasing her away from the steps! Cost was $5000 (below estimate, how often does that happen these days...) and it took about a day all told to do.

 

Who did you use for the egress window? Are they also finishing the basement?

jmb

 

Choice Home Services Inc., Jim Ohlstrom - a good, straightforward guy. They subbed out the egress window (apparently you need a $3000 saw to cut into foundations for the window and Jim doesn;t do it enough yet to make it worth buying one). They are doing the basement, framing starts tomorrow. I'll give an update on progress if anyone is interested.

 

Hi Nutria,

>> I'll give an update on progress if anyone is interested.

I am interested How is the basement going?

 

We are very close to completion: framing, wiring, plumbing, dry-walling, and painting (mostly) are done. Carpets are being fitted tomorrow. It's been a pretty good experience all told, although having dust EVERYWHERE gets old after a while..... We just have enough time to clean up and move all the toys downstairs to the playroom (plus of course add new ones) before Christmas. If you want Jim's contact details, let me know.