Gotham | 53m | 17 fl | Completed - Page 16

canabiz · #**301** Posted **Feb 7, 2015, 8:47 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ide

Originally the dates for interim occupancy were from January 30th to February 20th or so: about 3 weeks. Now, it appears that it goes from February 18th to February 24th or less than a week. How difficult will it be to book the service elevator to move-in on occupancy day, or how long after will it take as we are starting paying fees from the occupancy date, not from the time that we are able to book the elevator to move-in? Anyone talk to the head office in Toronto to find out? Any ideas how a builder gets away with this? Or by keeping changing the occupancy date? My lawyer has not heard anything from their lawyers yet? And no date for my PDI yet...One of my friend bought a house last summer and he knew 6 months ahead when was his occupancy and closing day and the builder respected that. Simply getting frustrated...

I do feel for you guys and hope everything is resolved to your satisfaction. I can confirm new houses don't typically get delayed...we have gone through the process with 3 different builders and did not experience any delay. Yes there were issues (mostly cosmetic) to address but we were able to move in on (or shortly after) our closing date, at the very least. That is the way it should be, IMO.

Best of luck folks and I'm anxious to see the final product, after all is said and done. I previously attended a number of presentations by Brad Lamb and his associates. He talked the big game and I hope he can back it up...

Skipper · #**302** Posted **Feb 7, 2015, 11:23 PM**

I surely hope that you are satisfied with your units, the building is beautiful and I hope that the inside will be as nice as the outside. It is nice to see an outsider build in Ottawa but I feel for you! While we were tempted earlier to purchase a Lamb product, will never buy new from them based on what has been reported her.

Ide · #**303** Posted **Feb 10, 2015, 1:07 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skipper

I surely hope that you are satisfied with your units, the building is beautiful and I hope that the inside will be as nice as the outside. It is nice to see an outsider build in Ottawa but I feel for you! While we were tempted earlier to purchase a Lamb product, will never buy new from them based on what has been reported her.

To be fair to Brad Lamb and its associates, they have always responded to any queries within 24 hours. The issue might be that they are aggressive on the interim occupancy schedule. Before buying a unit from him, I shopped around for at least 2 years and his choice of finishes and options are way above any other promoters. From a personal experience, his team has integrity and I would buy from him anytime. I would simply give a lot of time for the interim occupancy, at least 2 months. If you are renting, I would not give my last month notice until the PDI. That way, you play it safe.

jcphoenix · #**304** Posted **Feb 15, 2015, 7:43 PM**

^Glad to hear that's been your experience Ide, although mine has been in sharp contrast up to this point, especially dealing with Marisa who is frustratingly uncommunicative (it took her two weeks to respond to one of my e-mails...the first time I had a PDI scheduled and we got delayed, I had to call them a few days before to see if it was cancelled because Marisa never let me know - and it was cancelled, etc).

I've been dealing more with Debbie lately though and she has been on point for the most part about getting back to me quickly. And I learned that CC'ing Debbie on my e-mails to Marisa were the quickest ways to get Marisa to respond to me

.

Our bed from Montreal already arrived and despite the entire white glove service we were supposed to get with it, we had to have them deliver it in the box to my parent's place in Barrhaven to store temporarily while we wait for occupancy. Which of course means, we have to hire movers to grab stuff from our storage units on Coventry and in Orleans, pick up the bed from Barrhaven, and then deliver to the condo. More money spent. Yay.

Well at least now we are officially within 10 days of occupancy and no word of a delay so I think we may actually, finally be moving next Tuesday.

Now I'm just hoping Debbie will send me the contact information for Dan Fried(?) shortly as we need to figure out what time we will get the keys, book the moving elevators, schedule movers (there is no way we're doing the move a second time ourselves), take time off work, etc...

Boxster · #**305** Posted **Feb 16, 2015, 7:00 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcphoenix

^Glad to hear that's been your experience Ide, although mine has been in sharp contrast up to this point, especially dealing with Marisa who is frustratingly uncommunicative (it took her two weeks to respond to one of my e-mails...the first time I had a PDI scheduled and we got delayed, I had to call them a few days before to see if it was cancelled because Marisa never let me know - and it was cancelled, etc).

I've been dealing more with Debbie lately though and she has been on point for the most part about getting back to me quickly. And I learned that CC'ing Debbie on my e-mails to Marisa were the quickest ways to get Marisa to respond to me

.

Our bed from Montreal already arrived and despite the entire white glove service we were supposed to get with it, we had to have them deliver it in the box to my parent's place in Barrhaven to store temporarily while we wait for occupancy. Which of course means, we have to hire movers to grab stuff from our storage units on Coventry and in Orleans, pick up the bed from Barrhaven, and then deliver to the condo. More money spent. Yay.

Well at least now we are officially within 10 days of occupancy and no word of a delay so I think we may actually, finally be moving next Tuesday.

Now I'm just hoping Debbie will send me the contact information for Dan Fried(?) shortly as we need to figure out what time we will get the keys, book the moving elevators, schedule movers (there is no way we're doing the move a second time ourselves), take time off work, etc...

All the best with your move as these can sometimes be stress full.

Ide · #**306** Posted **Feb 17, 2015, 5:17 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcphoenix

^Glad to hear that's been your experience Ide, although mine has been in sharp contrast up to this point, especially dealing with Marisa who is frustratingly uncommunicative (it took her two weeks to respond to one of my e-mails...the first time I had a PDI scheduled and we got delayed, I had to call them a few days before to see if it was cancelled because Marisa never let me know - and it was cancelled, etc).

I've been dealing more with Debbie lately though and she has been on point for the most part about getting back to me quickly. And I learned that CC'ing Debbie on my e-mails to Marisa were the quickest ways to get Marisa to respond to me

.

Our bed from Montreal already arrived and despite the entire white glove service we were supposed to get with it, we had to have them deliver it in the box to my parent's place in Barrhaven to store temporarily while we wait for occupancy. Which of course means, we have to hire movers to grab stuff from our storage units on Coventry and in Orleans, pick up the bed from Barrhaven, and then deliver to the condo. More money spent. Yay.

Well at least now we are officially within 10 days of occupancy and no word of a delay so I think we may actually, finally be moving next Tuesday.
R
Now I'm just hoping Debbie will send me the contact information for Dan Fried(?) shortly as we need to figure out what time we will get the keys, book the moving elevators, schedule movers (there is no way we're doing the move a second time ourselves), take time off work, etc...

JC: I haven't yet dealt with Marissa as she is responsible for doing PDIs: mine has not been scheduled yet. I have been dealing with either Debbie or Susan so far and still waiting to hear for my PDI. Debbie told me that the upper floor apartments are ready: the main issue is how to get there? Likely that the elevators are not yet been permitted is my best guess. When is your latest occupancy date?

Also, I believe that booking the elevator will be the next challenge! Reading about the Lamb Corp projects in Toronto, the condo fee (payable from occupancy) will likely be higher than the quoted 0.42$ per sq.ft., maybe as high as 0.50 or 0.55 or higher...and one last surprise, the heat pump is not owned but rented. Typical monthly rent for the heat pump in Toronto varies between 40$ to 75$. Anyone heard from their lawyer about that? Is it possible to buy it outright? And, one last question I have is about parking and locker: Are they going to be ready at occupancy or later?

Reading from the King East project, things get fixed must faster when we apply to the TARION inspection and pay the 250$ fee. Nothing is free!

Hoping for the best and no more delays

jcphoenix · #**307** Posted **Feb 17, 2015, 4:26 PM**

^

When I went to my PDI, we were taken up in the construction elevator which is on the outside of the building on the north facing side so I don't think it's a problem to get to your unit. That said, my latest occupancy date - still holding - is for exactly a week from today! Next Tuesday, Feb 24. So if that's the case, the main elevators should be up and running by that point.

I hope condo fees are not higher to begin but at least because of the lack of amenities in our building, I would think that we will not see as many drastic leaps above the initial condo fee amounts in the next few years as other buildings have seen.

Regarding the heat pump, that is shitty indeed but I think I had some awareness from reading up previously that we would have to rent that. But thanks for reminding me as I did not factor that into my monthly budgeting.

ETA: I got an e-mail back from Debbie where she mentioned that occupancy should be granted by the City of Ottawa this week.

Manny12 · #**308** Posted **Feb 17, 2015, 6:31 PM**

I've been delayed again... now the expected occupancy date is March 5th.

Ide · #**309** Posted **Feb 17, 2015, 7:58 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcphoenix

^

When I went to my PDI, we were taken up in the construction elevator which is on the outside of the building on the north facing side so I don't think it's a problem to get to your unit. That said, my latest occupancy date - still holding - is for exactly a week from today! Next Tuesday, Feb 24. So if that's the case, the main elevators should be up and running by that point.

I hope condo fees are not higher to begin but at least because of the lack of amenities in our building, I would think that we will not see as many drastic leaps above the initial condo fee amounts in the next few years as other buildings have seen.

Regarding the heat pump, that is shitty indeed but I think I had some awareness from reading up previously that we would have to rent that. But thanks for reminding me as I did not factor that into my monthly budgeting.

ETA: I got an e-mail back from Debbie where she mentioned that occupancy should be granted by the City of Ottawa this week.

This is great news indeed: so that we are going to finally move-in.

Debbie told me that there were issues gaining access to the upper floors units...hummm.

I guess that everyone from the 14fl and up has occupancy of Mar 5th! I do not know how scheduling the elevator will be: there are 15 suites on 14th, 15th and 16th floor and 4 on the 17th so about 49 peoples moving that day! The site is still a construction site. The garage door is not yet installed and you need access to it to gain access to the loading dock.

Moving-in will be an adventure, like U-Haul on their moving trucks!

jcphoenix · #**310** Posted **Feb 18, 2015, 4:47 PM**

My lawyers have asked for the cheques for occupancy and the 5% remaining down payment for Monday in order to move in Tuesday. Guessing this is really (finally) happening

.

Yeah I am a bit worried about the whole garage door/loading dock thing. I assume that they should have some kind of set up for us on move in date because how on earth are we supposed to get our stuff in otherwise?

jcphoenix · #**311** Posted **Feb 18, 2015, 9:58 PM**

...And I'm back to bitching about this whole thing:

A little bird told me today that while there is a possibility I will be able to move in on Tuesday, it is more likely that that date will be delayed yet again...most likely by at least a week, possibly two (pushing back everyone else as well). I will know either way *hopefully* by Friday. Yes, only four days prior to move-in. No, none of these possibilities were communicated to me by anyone at Lamb.

Yes, I already got my certified cheques drawn up at the bank today.

MattRichling · #**312** Posted **Feb 19, 2015, 5:15 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcphoenix

...And I'm back to bitching about this whole thing:

A little bird told me today that while there is a possibility I will be able to move in on Tuesday, it is more likely that that date will be delayed yet again.

Was just sent this...(keep in mind this is for a 5th floor unit)

We have just been informed by our Construction Management team that there has been another delay in occupancy.

These delays have been frustrating for everyone. One issue related to the brick trade not being able to weather seal the building due to the extreme cold weather. Additionally, despite our efforts, the electrician trade has been very slow to complete their tasks.

Despite these setbacks, we will have elevators operational and ready for inspection and all building systems operational. We expect consultant signoff next week and City Inspection shortly thereafter. As a result, we are delaying your occupancy date FROM: 24 February 2015 TO: 4 March 2015.

Occupancy date notices will be going to each of your lawyers in the next few days.

jcphoenix · #**313** Posted **Feb 19, 2015, 7:50 PM**

The amount of anger I'm feeling right now...I can't even describe.

I can't even focus at work.

Boxster · #**314** Posted **Feb 19, 2015, 9:00 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcphoenix

The amount of anger I'm feeling right now...I can't even describe.

I can't even focus at work.

That is not good for you.
There is nothing you can do. It is out of your hands.

Focus on things you can change or do something about.
As they say, sh..t happens.
Wish you can move in soon.

jcphoenix · #**315** Posted **Feb 19, 2015, 10:27 PM**

I'm properly calmed down now and you're right, nothing I can do. Thanks for the well-wishes.

But I have to say, each time they delay creates a couple hours of work for me from phone calls for internet and movers to arranging alternate dates with my parents for picking up our furniture (some of which is temporarily stored at their house since it got delivered before we moved in) to attempting to make arrangements at our current accommodations to see if they can extend us to shifting vacation leave requests (as I'm on secondment, that is not easy either).

It's quite annoying because, I go through this over and over again. If they had set realistic dates, we wouldn't have had these shifting every week this month. I just wanted better communication from them really. And they couldn't do that.

voltz8 · #**316** Posted **Feb 19, 2015, 11:20 PM**

wow, I'm surprised they went into some detail in that email. Maybe if they've done that from the beginning...

redback · #**317** Posted **Feb 23, 2015, 6:59 PM**

Well,
I got my email today...
Being pushed out till March 13th. not easy to do PDI from Punta Cana.

Ide · #**318** Posted **Feb 24, 2015, 11:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by voltz8

wow, I'm surprised they went into some detail in that email. Maybe if they've done that from the beginning...

If what they say that the building needs to be weatherproof, does it mean that the brick veneer (outside brick layer) needs to be fully in place? There will be more delays. I am expecting more late Friday's emails to learn about more delays. Nothing is helping with this cold weather sticking around. And, I am still waiting for my PDI...no date or appointment so far.

I wish to move before Easter

. My mortgage broker told me that those delays with a new building are to be expected. Hopefully, the building will be registered quickly so we may take advantage of locking-in the lowest mortgage rates in the past decade.

Ide · #**319** Posted **Feb 24, 2015, 11:32 PM**

I had a quick look at kijiji today and there are quite a few rentals posting of mostly smaller units...interesting descriptions of the building and amenities. Some nice photos of unit 605.

acottawa · #**320** Posted **Feb 25, 2015, 12:53 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcphoenix

It's quite annoying because, I go through this over and over again. If they had set realistic dates, we wouldn't have had these shifting every week this month. I just wanted better communication from them really. And they couldn't do that.

I walk by there on a very regular basis. There was a long delay in the fall where almost nothing happened on the site for weeks at a time. They must have known that whatever caused that delay would set the whole thing back.