Saw this article, very relevant to HOA's who are considering major repairs or renovations.
Preventing a Condominium Renovation Nightmare
Has this ever happened at your condominium? You're on the Board of Directors. The building has not been painted in 20 years and could definitely use some restoration. You realize that a special assessment is going to have to be passed in order to start a painting and restoration project, but before an assessment can be passed, you need to know how much it's going to cost. Bids for a painting and restoration contractor are requested, and ultimately High & Dry Painting Company (“High & Dry”) is hired to do the work. Without having an attorney look anything over, the association signs a contract with High & Dry and the project is underway. High & Dry arrives at the building along with a crew and equipment, and the company finishes the job in a month. The association writes a check for the full amount of the contract and everybody is happy. Or so you thought.
Six months later the paint starts to crack, the manager realizes that High & Dry forgot to deliver a warranty for the work, and the association has just received a document in the mail entitled “Claim of Lien” from ABC Equipment Supply, a company the association did not contract with, threatening to file a lawsuit against the association and lien the entire building if payment is not made within 30 days.
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