won't sign homeowners confirmation form

[Kuhn]

We live in condo with an association of 4 owners. We are adding a walk in closet to our property. 2 of the owners have signed the homeowners confirmation form and one of our neighbors is not signing. She says she will not sign until we take the building permits, which have already been approved by the city, to a Real extate attorney. The problem is that she wil pick the attoney and we have to pay for it.
Two questions what could the real estate attorney say to us? and Can she legally make us pay for her attorney?

 

[HomeGuru]

The attorney will say "Yup, looks like permits to me, that will be $150, cash, check or charge?"
No she can't force you to pay for her attorney.
Why does a walk-in closet require building permits? Are you making structural changes, adding electrical and changing the look of the exterior of the building?

 

[Kuhn]

re: to Homeguru

Answering:
Why does a walk-in closet require building permits? Are you making structural changes, adding electrical and changing the look of the exterior of the building?

We are making stuctural changes to the exterior to the building. We are building out a extention (4 by 12 foot).
The gas meters also have to be moved to a different location.

Our neighbor also maybe seeking compensation for use of common area. The others members of the association do not want any compensation. If the attorney does say there is compensation needed does the money go to her or the association?

Also what is the Alternate Conflict resolution and does it apply to our situation with our neighbor making us pay for her attorney?

Thanks for your reply,

Steve Kuhn

 

[HomeGuru]

Based on these new facts, yes, you should pay for her attorney.
Better yet, hire your own attorney to review the condo docs and gvie you a legal opinion that everything is legal from HOA approvals to construction of common elements. That way you are protected if you ever sell or any of the other owners sell.
There is ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) which handles these types of disagreements. But you are not ready for this yet because you do not even know if what you are constructing conforms with the HOA By-Laws and House Rules.

 

[Kuhn]

Thanks for the advice

Thank you very much for your advise.

I let you know how it turns out.

We will use your advise with great appreciation,
The couple who will hopefully, someday, have enough room to hang up all their clothes.

Steve Kuhn

 

[HomeGuru]

Thats a lot of clothes.