Navigating Plumbing Replacement Challenges: A Case Study from Brf Kärraterrassen
When Riksbyggen initiated a plumbing replacement project at Brf Kärraterrassen, a housing association comprising six buildings in Gothenburg, residents faced significant disruptions that transformed their living conditions for an extended period. According to Malicka Jeremejeff, the project's manager, the absence of water and sewage for nearly eight weeks posed a considerable trial for the community. "It’s very messy, and living without basic amenities is tough," she stated.
The necessity for this extensive work stemmed from age-old plumbing infrastructure, with the buildings exceeding 50 years and suffering from leaks and insurance claims. This made timely intervention crucial.
Initially met with apprehension due to the economic downturn, the housing association's board and members feared the financial implications of addressing the plumbing repairs. However, it soon became evident that their fears were misplaced. Jeremejeff noted, "We were pleasantly surprised by the number of bids we received during procurement. Despite high-interest rates, we managed to negotiate remarkably lower contract costs than expected, resulting in significant savings for the association."
The plumbing replacement, which commenced in 2023, not only included the replacement of all pipes but also comprehensive renovations of bathrooms in all 167 apartments. The most challenging aspect of the project, as expressed by resident Annelie Hillén, was the arrangement of temporary water sources. Residents had to rely on temporarily installed sinks on each floor, fetching water in jugs, complicating daily life. Despite these issues, Hillén observed a shift in sentiment as the work progressed, attributing part of this improvement to the engaged and helpful craftsmen.
Riksbyggen has taken the reins in managing communication throughout the project, ensuring that residents were kept informed at every stage. They provided evacuation cabins for residents with special needs and coordinated temporary accommodations with the city of Gothenburg for those affected.
The project faced a rocky start characterized by poor communication, as noted by Brf Kärraterrassen's chairperson, Anita Trogrlic. Nonetheless, the experience improved significantly over time. Board member Christer Johansson emphasized, "We would never have solved this without Riksbyggen. Their expertise has been invaluable during these trying times; the process has been surprisingly smooth."
With the plumbing overhaul, residents can expect an increase in the housing association fees. Riksbyggen has assisted the board in crafting a budget for the necessary fee adjustments in the coming years in light of the project's costs. Despite the financial strain, Trogrlic remains optimistic about the future. "The value of our properties will increase, and overall, this plumbing replacement will be beneficial in the long run. By the end of the year, when everything is completed, we will be well-equipped for the future."
The experience at Brf Kärraterrassen underscores the importance of planning, communication, and professional management in complex renovation projects within housing associations. Riksbyggen’s capacity to streamline processes and lend support has played a pivotal role in achieving a smoother transition for the residents during this challenging phase. For those seeking assistance with maintenance or renovation in their own housing associations, Riksbyggen offers comprehensive services tailored to meet diverse needs.
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