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1. |
Where can I get copies of the Declarations, Bylaws and association rules?
In the documents library section of our website.
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2. |
How do my HOA dues compare to other buildings?
Briargates dues are below average when compared to similar sized buildings in Capitol Hill (see Condo Buyers Guide). Our dues also include your heat and hot water while some others do not.
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3. |
What if I smell natural gas?
Leave the building immediately. Do not turn on or off any electrical appliances or use your telephone. Do not use the elevator. Call 911 from a neighboring building or business.
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4. |
Can I rent my unit?
Yes. The process for renting your unit at Briargate is easy: (copies of all documents are available online)
- Complete a Rental Agreement and send to the management company.
- Complete a Move Agreement and pay the move-in/move out deposit and schedule the move(s) with the management company.
- Give the renters a copy of the Welcome Packet, Rules and Regulations, Declarations and Bylaws. Owners are responsible for renters understanding and following all policies of the Association.
- Send a copy of the completed lease to the management company.
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5. |
Can I have a pet?
Yes, owners can have pets at Briargate after approval by the association board, execution of a pet agreement and payment of the deposit. Dogs are limited to 40lbs. Renters and visitors are not allowed to have pets. If you would like to get a pet, please complete the pet agreement found in the documents library section of the website and forward to the management company along with your pet deposit.
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6. |
Why does the hot water temperature fluctuate from time to time?
Briargate has central boilers that provide both heat and domestic hot water to the entire building (meaning the same system provides both). In the winter we turn the temperature of the boilers up so there is enough heat to give everyone hot water and heat the entire building. So, in general, you will notice the water is slightly warmer in the winter.
However, on any given day the temperature of the water may fluctuate as the demand for heat and hot water goes up and down. When it is really cold outside and people are using lots of hot water (first thing in the morning, for example) the temperature may drop some as the boilers are working harder to keep up with the demand. When the demand is less the temperature will be slightly higher and stay more constant.
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7. |
Can I install a storage locker in my garage storage space?
Yes. Wall mounted welded wire storage lockers (similar to the ones already installed) which allow a vehicle to pull all the way forward may be installed in the garage. The "CarLocker" by Folding Guard Corporation 1-800-622-2214 or the "Garage Locker" by Wire Crafters 1-800-924-9473 are examples of an acceptable storage lockers. Other residents have had local welders build similar custom wire cabinets.
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Do I need homeowners insurance or does the association policy cover me?
Yes, you should purchase homeowners or renters insurance (depending on whether you own or rent at Briargate). The associations policy does not cover your contents or personal effects. Contact your insurance agent for more information or call the management company with any questions.
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9. |
Can the garage door be opened if there is a power failure?
Yes. For safety reasons, residents should only do so if they are familiar with the operations of the garage door motor. First, shut off the power to the opener, then go outside and unlock the padlock using your resident key, pull the small chain down and latch it in the metal slot on the wall to engage the manual chain, then using the large chain open the door. Make sure you open the door fully so that a car exiting the garage does not hit the door. Once the door is open, release the small chain and turn the power switch back on to the opener. Be sure you lock the padlock so it is not lost.
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10. |
Can I install a satellite dish?
Yes, you can install a satellite dish at Briargate. Each unit has an approved location, please contact the management company for the location before installation. Dishes must be attached to your balcony and may not be attached to the building itself. Owners are responsible for repairing any holes made in the building and any damage that may occur as a result of installation (including water damage within walls).
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11. |
Can you adjust the pressure or temperature of the water in my unit?
No. We have two central boilers that provide both heat and domestic hot water to the entire building. The association adjusts the boilers higher during the winter months to allow for adequate heat and lower in the summer to save energy. We also have a set of pressure booster pumps that automatically adjust themselves to make sure the higher units have adequate water pressure. We are not able to adjust the pressure or temperature for individual units. If you are senstive to water temperature we recommend that you install "high temperature limit stop" faucets (this typically only applies to elderly or small children). Contact a plumber for more information. If you would like information on how to use your water faucet to adjust the pressure or water temperature see this article.
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12. |
Can I install a gas stove?
Natural gas hookups are not provided in kitchens. As such, gas stoves are not permitted at Briargate.
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13. |
Can I have a barbeque grill?
Yes. However, open-flame cooking devices are not allowed. LP-gas burners having an LP-gas containers with a capacity greater than 2.5 pounds (nominal 1 pound (0.454 kg) LP-gas capacity) shall not be located on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction. The Denver Fire Department regulates the types of grills allowed in multi-family structures such as ours.
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14. |
What if my neighbor is too loud?
The association has found that noise complaints are best resolved directly between the neighbors involved. We request that residents contact the neighbors directly (either in person or writing) in an attempt to resolve the situation three times before the association will get involved. Most people are reasonable and happy to turn down the music or be quieter. We all live in a common interest community and respect for our neighbors is important for everyones happiness. Residents can always contact the Denver Police for assistance at 720-913-2000.
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A loud clicking noise from my heater at the same time every night wakes me up. What causes this and what can I do?
A timer was installed on your heater that allows hot water to flow through your heater once a day, even in the summer to prevent the buildup of sediment the buildings hot water system. You can locate this timer (usually mounted to your heater) and change the time the valve opens if the clicking disturbs your sleep.
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16. |
What should I do if my sink or drains are clogged?
The Declaration provides that the owner is responsible for utilities, such as pipes from their sink, to the extent the utility or pipe only serves their unit. This is set forth in sections 4.4 (c) and (d) of the Declaration. Sections 4.3 and 6.3 are also applicable.
If only one owner appears to be affected by a clog, it appears that the line only served one unit, even though the clog may be as much as 25 feet from the sink. The cause is not the determining factor, the location of the clog is a factor. If the location of the clog appears to be adversely affecting only one unit, the repair would be the expense of the impacted owner.
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How are association dues used?
Association dues go to pay for heating, electricity to light the common areas, maintenance, water & sewer, insurance, and management costs. Click here to see a complete a detailed description of how dues are allocated. For a list of many of the activities the board and association perform for you each year see the association calendar.
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18. |
How do I report something that needs repair in the common areas?
Complete a maintenance request on the website.
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19. |
What should I do if my electricity goes out?
Call Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-1999. It is not necessary to contact the association.
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20. |
What if my dryer is not working and does not dry my clothes?
Dryer vents become clogged from time to time and can result in long cycles to dry clothes and can pose a fire hazard. Problems with your dryer can cause the same symptoms. If your dryer appears to be heating the clothes properly you can confirm it is a clogged vent by temporairly disconnecting the vent hose from the back of the dryer and drying one cycle of clothes. If this fixes the problem then it is likely a clogged vent. Do not leave the vent hose disconnected for extended periods as lint buildup behind your dryer is a fire hazard. We suggest you contact a company like Ductworks 303-425-0985. Per the Declarations, dryer vents are the responsibility of the owner.
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21. |
What is the biannual smoke detector test?
Denver city law requires all residents of condominiums to test their smoke detectors and complete a certificate of compliance every six months to ensure these units are in working order. The association is required by law to ask residents to complete this form and keep them on file. We now allow residents to complete the form online at http://briargatehoa.com/smoke
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22. |
What if I notice water leaking around my window or exterior door?
Windows, including external panes, are the maintenance obligation of the owner (see sections 4.3, 4.4 (a)(iii) and 6.3 of the Declaration).
Window frames and exterior walls are the maintenance obligation of the Association (see section 4.6).
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What if I have water leaking from my ceiling or wall?
Contact your neighbor above to see if their washer, dishwasher, air conditioning unit is overflowing or something else may be the source of the problem. If not, complete a maintenance request on the website and then call the management company right away if you are unable to determine the source. If it is after hours, call the after hours emergency number. Depending on the source of the problem, this may end up to be an Owner and not an Association expense.
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How do I "buzz" someone in using the intercom?
Visitors can call up to your unit using the intercom system at the front door. When you answer, pressing 9 will open the front door. If you would like to have your name added to the directory, complete a maintenance request.
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25. |
How do I keep informed about our community?
The association communicates regularly with homeowners via our website and email. Make sure you are on our email list by completing the "New Resident Registration" page and visit the main page of our website regularly. We always post important notes including the latest on major maintenance requests (such as a broken elevator, etc.)
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26. |
I am getting ready to move in or out of Briargate, what do I do?
Complete a move agreement and send it to the management company along with the $200 move deposit. They will work with you to schedule a move date and give you instructions to get the elevator pads.
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27. |
Should I install a carbon monoxide detector?
Yes. Even though Briargate heat and hot water comes from central boilers, there are still possible sources of carbon monoxide in your home. Gas fireplaces and barbecue grills can also pose dangers from CO poisoning. We recommend all homeowners install a CO alarm.
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28. |
Are there extra parking spaces available for rent?
Yes. Contact Stan or Barbara at Paramount Realty 303-370-6799 for availability.
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29. |
My access code does not work, what should I do?
Complete a maintenance request on the website.
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30. |
When are board meetings? Can I attend?
Board meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 6:00p. Check the website for a schedule http://briargatehoa.com. All owners are encouraged to attend and to get involved in the matters of our community.
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31. |
Can I setup my association dues to be paid automatically?
Yes, Briargate offers EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) from a checking account. Download the form from the document library and fax it to the management company to get setup.
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32. |
When are my association fees due?
Your association fees are due on the 1st of the month and are considered delinquent if not paid by the 10th. Association dues not paid by the 10th of the month incur a $50 late fee and interest. Association dues not paid for parking space only owners shall incur a $25 late fee for each space not to exceed $50 per month for these spaces.
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33. |
Can I install hard wood floors?
Yes, but only after receiving written approval from the association. Complete a design review change request (found in the documents library section of the website) and submit it to the managing agent.
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34. |
I could not find the answer to my question here, what can I do?
Complete a request online and the managment company or a board member will get right back to you.
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