If they say problems never come alone, this is a good example. Mainly due to a dampness issue that had persisted for years and spread throughout several areas of the property.
Its president, Mar Baena, explains how the residents had been bearing annual expenses for the upkeep of the property.
And if after the storm comes the calm, in Abedul Street, after many setbacks to fix the problems partially, the moment arrived when the neighbors began to join forces to find a total solution.
Patching things up was no longer enough. They needed real change.
The best results are achieved game by game
When they considered a rehabilitation project, they started with everything against them: a building constructed in three different phases and very little documentation that did not correspond to the work carried out.Conclusion? They needed to start with a thorough and detailed analysis.
When everything seems unstable, the best thing to do is to go little by little, approaching the work gradually and in an orderly manner.
First, they focused on solving the dampness that was causing damage throughout the building and also resolved other problems related to accessibility and the deterioration of the roof.
To do this, they tackled the problem at its root by focusing on the need to replant the vegetation area.
As in life itself, getting involved in complex situations can sometimes be complicated, but also necessary. In this case, they raised the garden area to prevent dampness from the building's perimeter from reaching the garage.
Inside the garage, many aspects were improved: the height was increased to allow safer access for cars, LEDs were chosen to illuminate the future in a sustainable way, and dampness caused by seepage from the landscaped areas was eliminated.
To close the chapter on the parking, they expanded the portico area because its integrated planters were also causing dampness in the garage ceiling slab.
Regarding accessibility, efforts focused on improving the ramp leading to the upper entrances, as it was too steep and posed a danger. They also created another access ramp to the complex.
And, since health is the first, second and, if possible, the third priority, they removed the asbestos pipes that collected the building's sewage.
In a project like this, decisions have to be made quickly. And it's not so much about surrounding yourself with a lot of professionals, but about surrounding yourself with the right ones.
A decision is easier when they trust you
Here, UCI's role was key. Through the College of Architects' Rehabilitation Office, they came into contact with us, and we were able to offer them the flexibility they needed.In addition, we offer highly competitive interest rates and products tailored to your needs.
Undoubtedly, our proposal was well-suited to the type of work that was to be carried out. And, as always, we provided the necessary funds as the project progressed. On three separate occasions, we contributed additional funds to cover the improvements they wanted to make.
Communication is important, which is why the president of the community and Beatriz Aróstegui, UCI rehabilitation account executive, have maintained constant conversations.
They haven't even spoken this much to their loved ones.
When the effort is worth it
The community is happy because they have seen that, although it may seem like a distant goal, good results eventually come.One by one, the problems have been resolved and, best of all, the changes have not only been on the inside, but also on the outside, leaving a much more beautiful and pleasant residential space.
In this type of project, as is the case on Abedul Street, a building renovation also implies an increase in the value of the homes.
The owners are extremely happy, and so are the family and friends who visit them, aware of the effort and time they have needed to fix something that was deteriorated from day one.
Without a doubt, everything seems impossible until it arrives, and it really does arrive.
Now, enjoy your well-deserved home.