More than two months after a Diamond Head Place apartment building was severely damaged by flooding during roof repairs, residents displaced or living with the destruction can finally look forward to having their homes rebuilt.
Co-operators Insurance awarded On Side Restoration a reconstruction contract in excess of $400,000 on Tuesday (Sept. 29), according to On Side property manager Jonathan Motyka.
"Definitely in the next few days you're going to see a great deal of work," said Motyka.
The start of reconstruction at the northwest corner of Mamquam Road and Highway 99, has been a long time coming for some residents frustrated at the length of the bidding process. First floor unit owner Bruce McIntyre said he feels Co-operators Insurance kept them "in the dark" about the timing of improvements.
"They're delaying awarding the contract, they delayed the tender as long as they could before we complained," he said Monday (Sept. 28). "It's a large claim and no one seems to be going to bat for the owners. It's unacceptable what they're doing and people are pretty mad."
The contract was awarded Tuesday, the day after media inquiries were made.
Of about 30 units hit by the July 25 flood, which happened when efforts to contain heavy rains during a re-roofing job were unsuccessful, about 12 units were so damaged that residents had to vacate, said Motyka.
The most serious damage occurred on the third floor while second and first floor units sustained minor to medium damage. On Side carried out a $150,000 emergency restoration project shortly after the flood to fix pressing items like the fire alarm system.
According to Co-operators Insurance adjuster Larry Robertson, the time taken to award the contract was warranted due to the long list of costs associated with various trades that needed to be evaluated.
Diamond Head's assessment time is not out of the ordinary, he said, adding that the original roofers, Carson Roofing, may eventually be subject to covering the costs.
"I know to these people that are suffering with damage or out of their homes it's seemingly taking a long time. But with a job this large nobody is going to say 'I'll do it for this much,' until they've properly researched it," said Robertson.
Although repair work is ready to begin, residents will see further delays before the job is finished. On Side must consult with the district to ensure the restoration meets new building codes. The necessary trades also have to be organized, said Motyka.
"It's a large job and obviously with 30 units being hit it's not something that can be dealt with quickly," he said, adding that people should be able to remain in their homes during the repair process unless they've already been forced to vacate.
On Side planned to distribute a letter this week to each individual owner outlining the repairs specific to the particular unit.
