Building Cracks in Jardines Apartments

Whilst over at CDA last week, I noticed a large crack in the 'seam' between our apartment block and the next block.  It didn't look like a simple plaster crack to me but rather a proper, visible crack in the blockwork.  The Jardines are built on a sloping incline from Jardin 1 up to Jardin 13.  When I mentioned this to someone then he commented that he had already been to another apartment which appeared to have 'setlement cracks' between it and the adjacent block.  Has anyone else noticed this?  It is a bit worrying, given the carry on at Camposol over the past few years.

 If it is a building crack due to differential settlement, then the fault should be covered by the 10-year building guarantee.  However, getting PW to admit this will probably be a near impossibility.  Also, as in UK with the NHBC guarantee, there may be a large excess which the claimant must pay.  I haven't seen the guarantee supplied by PW (sad  I know) so can't confirm.

I would approach ML first for advice.  Does the community insurance kick in here?

keeve

We reported large cracks between our apartment and the one next to us to Polaris back in Jan. They requested photos which we took when we were over a couple of weeks ago. Have now passed them on to Polaris still not heard. The cracks are really bad and go from our ground floor apartment right to the top both at the back and front.  We also have large cracks by the back pation doors.

We did go to ML who advised us that it is Polaris responsibilty and there was nothing they could do. I am chasing  Polaris on a regular basis but not getting very far would be interested to hear from any one else who is having the same problems. Surely this should be covered by Polaris insurance.

We also have a large crack running between our apartment and next door, but this is a straight crack from the top of our rear patio wall to almost the top of the apartments. It seems to me that this is a mastic filled joint that has shrunk in the heat. Am I right in thinking that a zigzag type crack would be more of a concern.Any one with building knowledge your thoughts would be helpful!

 I have large cracks in the rendering on my penthouse balcony, [part of which has now fallen down] it was reported to Polaris in Oct. 2009, and we are still waiting so don't hold your breath!!  My case is being handled by the Consumer dept. at Alhama Council.

 Hi all

Just to bring people up to speed regarding Polaris, I had the water leak underground just below my meter. I chased Polaris for months and they would just not fix it and kept ignoring my e-mails. ML brought in the resort insurance company and they would not fix it because it was a constructiion issue. Eventually ML's own workers fixed it.  Two weeks ago i had a meeting with Polaris customer service and was basically told point blank that Polaris has no money and there is nothing they can do and they do not know if ever, that they will pay the massive water bill. So for anyone with problems with their properties i think you will end up in court before Polaris get around to doing anything. And the resort insurance will not cover you either.

I would love to know what they did with the €100million they got off the banks last year, Probably a case of the directors taking the money and running, seems common practice in Spain.

Mark 

Surely PW must have an obligation to repair within the 10 year period?  If they are licensed builders then the underwriters or professional institution of builders in Spain (if such a thing exists) must be able to suspend any membership they may have or decline them the ability to issue 10 year warranties?  It's one of these areas where perfect Spanish and being on CDA permanently would help to establish this.  I think a visit to their on-site sales office en-masse (preferably when they are entertaining 'new' business prospects, would annoy them sufficiently to listen???  I think I will organise a demo for July and everyone with any concerns should write them down for presentation then.  I reported the broken porcelain door handle from the Clover bar into the loo area TWO YEARS AGO - after my young daughter cut her hand on it.  They have yet to repair it and I see last week that the other side of the handle is now also smashed.  If they can't bother themselves to fix a simple thing like this then there's little hope of them fixing building cracks unless we shout to the rooftops about it.

 Good idea!!!  count me in on your demo.

Has anyone seen the 10 year building guarantee for their property?

keeve

we had the same problem with the crack between appartments, after chasing Polaris numerous times we had the work done ourselves. It wasn't too expensive and the benefit is I don't have to get stressed anymore about Polaris's lack of service.

I think we all might as well forget them doing anything, they are a bunch of you know whats.

I can pass on the details of the chap who repaired ours, they also fixed the tiles on the stairs to the terrace and a few tiles on the terrace.

Steve

I don't know where we went right then. The rains last year came in through our apartment roof. After sending email after email from England we went down to Balsicas armed with photos and DVD of damage and the builders were out the same week. May have helped that we spoke to Juana who did our snagging - keep persevering . I think the DVD may have helped rather than photos. Maybe we could do a DVD of all the problems on the resort. We were told that they were working at The Mar Menor resort and would then be coming over th Condado so they may be on their way - fingers crossed.