IP's front door needs a lot of force to close

Discussion in 'Repairs & Maintenance' started by tajid, 6th Dec, 2015.

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  1. tajid

    tajid Member

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    Hi all,

    I just received an email from PM that PM just received maintenance request and after reviewing, they are referring it to me for consideration.

    The property is brand new, just rented out for 4 months. Property is in QLD.

    "Brief Description: Security door
    Details: Tenants are requesting a security screen for the front door.
    They say the front door doesn"t always close properly (it needs a lot of force to close it).
    Would also like to leave the door open for a breeze to come through.

    It is very important when deciding whether to address a maintenance request that consideration is given to all aspects as in some circumstances it may give rise to a personal injury risk if left unattended.

    We wish to point out at this stage that some contractors charge a callout fee for quotes requested."

    This is my first IP so a bit unsure, could anyone advise what's the better action to take? and why?

    Thank you in advance.
     
    Last edited: 6th Dec, 2015
  2. Biz

    Biz Well-Known Member

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    Call the builder. 7 year warranty ftw.
     
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  3. Chilliblue

    Chilliblue Well-Known Member

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    Am a little confused. Is it a front entrance door that is difficult to close and the tenants request a security screen?

    If it is an item that was present at the end of the new build a few months back, then I would take that matter up with the builder with a please deal with asap if it is the front entrance. Most builders will be going on a 4-6 week vacation period in the next week or two so get writing.

    As to the security door request, that is entirely up to you as to whether you have one installed. The tenants moved in without one but you need to make the decision. Again, may be a difficult time of year for such works.
     
  4. datto

    datto Well-Known Member

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    Instead of a screen door I'd be buying the tenants a set of dumrbells so they can harden up and use a little more force to close the door.

    I bet they have trouble turning the taps off as well.

    For fresh air they can open a window or two.

    Geez some people wouldn't last five minutes in the Druitt.
     
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  5. vtt

    vtt Well-Known Member

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    With the door, either claim it on builders warranty or get a door specialist out to look at it. We had a very similar issue with a new door we had installed, really difficult to open and close - would jam on the sides. We got a door guy out who adjusted the hinges and now the door opens and closes perfectly.

    I would suggest getting it addressed, if you don't the tenant will slam the door to get it closed and this could cause all sorts of other issues.

    As for the screen door well this is your discretion. Unless you go for something really fancy the door will likely cost you only a few hundred bucks - I would just do it.
     
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  6. tajid

    tajid Member

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    Thanks guys for the advices.

    Yes that's how I understood it, front door is difficult to close and that they would like to get some breeze by leaving the door open and requested a security screen.

    So I suppose what I need to do is contact builder and ask them if the door being hard to close is covered by them?

    Thanks again :)
     
  7. Jess Peletier

    Jess Peletier Mortgage Broker & Finance Strategy, Aus Wide! Business Member

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    Depending on the door it may just need planing down - your builder should take care of that.

    With the screen door, as others have said it's up to you - you could always say yes but they pay or similar if you're not keen on the cost.
     
  8. Chilliblue

    Chilliblue Well-Known Member

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    Yes. Get the builder back and if they do plane any of the door ensure they paint the area or you will have an ongoing problem.

    Write to the warranty Manager and document that you need it resolved before Xmas. Have your PM keep the tenants updated.

    As to the screen door, get a few quotes and make a decision.

    Beat of luck.
     
  9. tajid

    tajid Member

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    Thanks Jess.

    Dumb question, so we could get tenant to pay for the security screen? Is that what some landlords do?
     
  10. Jess Peletier

    Jess Peletier Mortgage Broker & Finance Strategy, Aus Wide! Business Member

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    It's possible - depends if you think it will add value/keep tenants/make property more appealing.
     
  11. DaveM

    DaveM Well-Known Member

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    Neither would the screen door
     
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  12. Marg4000

    Marg4000 Well-Known Member

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    Security screens on exterior doors are usual in Queensland. I'm surprised at least the front door one wasn't included in the build.

    I would suggest you install one. It will make the property much more attractive to future tenants. And no, I would not ask the tenant to pay for an improvement to your property.
    Marg
     
  13. tajid

    tajid Member

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    Thank you guys :)
     
  14. bob shovel

    bob shovel Well-Known Member

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    Whack up a screen door for them and get the handy man to adjust hinges or plane the door. think you'll have a tough time getting the builder out for that unless they're still working in the immediate area
     
  15. Chilliblue

    Chilliblue Well-Known Member

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    Problem is that you assume that the door is at fault. It could be other items at play such as the frame or a bad construct.
     
  16. bob shovel

    bob shovel Well-Known Member

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    Handy man can report back if its in the to hard basket. But still likely a nightmare to chase the builder.
     
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  17. dabbler

    dabbler Well-Known Member

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    Get the door checked to see if it needs attention, tell tenant if they want a security door, they can pay for one but it stays when leaving.
     
  18. Mumbai

    Mumbai Well-Known Member

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    Tell him.... May the force be with you!
     
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  19. Paul@PAS

    Paul@PAS Tax, Accounting + SMSF + All things Property Tax Business Plus Member

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    Or not hinged correctly (2 but should be three, mild steel etc)
    Paint clogged hinges
    Or bottom underside of door rail wasn't painted after being planed (and has swelled)
    Bad framing
    Auto door closer with pressure set too high. I had that once with a screen door. 2 seconds with a screw driver and it was OK.
    If its a tenant issue it could be their kid has swung off the door :)

    Unsure what building defects period in QLD is but if its like NSW a door issue is NOT covered by building warranty other than initial defects period.

    Call builder and get them to inspect. They likely would send tradie responsible or they charge-back and send their own team and its no issue to them. Before you do see if you can get access and identify any other defects at same time.
     
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  20. Joshwaaaa

    Joshwaaaa Well-Known Member

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    My 3 month old house is doing the exact same thing, I have been hounding the builder. They have sent a maintenance guy out twice now. He has planed the bottom of the door both times which lasts about 2 weeks then slowly starts binding up again. The problem with mine is the base of the door frame has not been fixed the ground properly and keeps lifting up further and further.

    Thinking I might just whack a conc fixing through it then patch and forget about chasing the builder