As a state certified general building co ...
As a state certified general building contractor with over 15 years of experience in commercial construction, post - construction inspections and storm - damage evaluations, we have never encountered such unprofessional / lack-luster attitudes from upper-level management. Nor such a blatant attempt by upper-level management to gloss over, and conceal, illegal construction activity and unsafe living conditions throughout their apartment community. Within twenty-four (24) hours after hurricane Irma, we were hired by our client to perform a home inspection that revealed a significant amount WATER intrusion, RAW SEWAGE intrusion, the presence of MOLD, as well as personal property damage due to the storm; and the response from management, as well as their repair personnel was less than acceptable.
Their lack of reply to our evaluation, as well as their lack of concern to our client's parlous living conditions, lead us to investigate their history with the Health Department and Building Division of Hollywood, Florida. Upon which, we found NO open permits for the construction work we observed during our site visit. The illegal construction activity we witnessed consisted of: air conditioning change-outs, interior demolition and remodeling...as well as the use of the community dumpster for disposal of construction debris.
We questioned a gentleman named Eduardo (non-English speaking handyman), as well as a gentleman named Joseph (who presented himself as the property manager), and he vehemently denied any illegal construction activity taking place on the property.
Our client has since relocated, and is in the process of following through on several complaints with state regulatory agencies. Any hopes of recovering their deposit will be a challenge, since this complex specializes in verbal contracts (which can be a challenge to prove should a disagreement arise). Although it is our recommendation that Hollywood Park Apartments should be deemed unsafe, we advise that you exercise full due diligence prior to considering tenancy.
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The digital images posted, feature: an air conditioning unit being installed without a permit, window screens screwed onto window frames (preventing escape during a fire), a demolished shower pan and concrete discarded in the community dumpster, improper air conditioning (window unit) installed as an in-wall unit, water intrusion at windows and floors, several gallons of water collected in containers AFTER hurricane Irma.