Aquarius: Carpet in the Hallways are good – 8 notes
Here the notes of residents that like carpet in the hallways of Aquarius:
We have 8 notes that favor carpet in the Aquarius’ hallways. Here are their opinions: ⇓
Carole Pumpiam to Cecilio Berndsen
Each paragraph of the text Carole Pumpiam wrote has a comment, in red, I prepared in response (red):
Cecilio, I am happy that you are happy with your hard surface penthouse hallway floor. However, may I suggest that you do not disparage the carpet throughout the rest of the hallway floors.
Carpets are a sanitary problem. In time of pandemic, they are not to be used.
The decision and suggestion by both the designers and the industry state that carpet is the way to go for many reasons: one of the most important to remember is the sound amplification. Anyone living in the middle units can hear sound echoing throughout 24 hours.
It surprises me that after 4+ years of bare concrete in the hallways sound was never an issue. Funds had been provisioned by the Special Assessment 2017, but the project was kept dormant for a long time. During this period, I am not aware of complains regarding the sound in the hallways. I had been reassured by Board members that the Condominium would not go back for vulnerable and mold prone carpets.
Also, I hope that measures are being taken and noticed by the board for residents to train, hold, and manage their pets.
So, the Board will take measures, so the pets do not have accidents? I think this is to ask too much to the Board or to the pets. I see pet owners every day. It seems to me they are careful, and they follow the rules. Could they prevent accidents? In addition, I did not mention accidents with leaky trash bags being taken to the trash room. It is difficult to imagine anyone intentionally carrying a leaky trash bags, but you know sometimes trash bags leak. On drop is enough to ruin the carpet forever.
One topic that seems to be forgotten: Aquarius is on the beach. The beach has sand. It is hard to remove all the sand from the feet of beachgoers. Some sand will end up on the hallways carpet.
Warning to residents with hard surface hallways beware of slipping. We have many elderly residents and one slip or fall on the hard surface is no fun.
This statement has two problems. The Lobby Level floor with beautiful Italian marble has not had a slip and fall during the 48 years of our Aquarius, that I am aware of.
The second observation is that the junction between the tiles in the elevators landing and the carpet is a problem. In the past I am aware of people tripping on these junctions. In addition it is obstacle for a seamless traffic of apparatus with wheels such walkers. Tiles may be much safer than poor combination of carpet and tiles.
And finally, our old building really is not built to withstand the weight of hard surface hallway floors. The penthouse floors were given leeway because of their proximity to the roof access….and I hope that he owners of the penthouse floors will help to maintain the new clean look.
I have visited inside many, many units at Aquarius. All of them had tiles installed. When we compare the surface area of the private residences with the hallways the area of the later is minimal. How come apartments with tiles (large area) are OK but hallways (small area) are a menace?
Carole Pumpiam, Chair Beatification Committee 2016-2018, 1107 N
Diane Benson
Cecilio,
As someone whose apartment is on the 18th floor, I’m really angry that you chose tile for the penthouse floor. It will be NOISY when women wear heels clicking, clacking on our heads below. Did you even consider the idea that this flooring would DISTURB the tenants underneath? Probably not. I, for one, am thoroughly disgusted that you didn’t even consider the inhabitants of the 18th floor and how they would feel about tile on their heads! Probably not.
Diane Benson #1802N
response:
Diane,
Thank you for your opinion.
I have two observations:
1. I did not participate in the decision to install tiles. Although the Hallways project had funds since December 2016 the Board decided to start this project in 2020. At that time – 2020 – I had no say in the business of the Aquarius Condominium. None. But I must confess that I applaud what they did in the penthouse.
2.The tiles installed in the penthouse have (or should have) a “Crack Isolation and Sound Membrane” underlayment. I believe this has been done because the Aquarius Condo Association Board of Directors determines that tiles installed inside the apartment must have such sound and crack protection. During 4 long years the penthouse had a floor of bare concrete. It had no isolation for soundproofing or any other protection. Now with the underlayment under the tiles the sound must have been significantly diminished.
Diane, I live on the 10th floor. I must confess that, during these 4 long years of bare concrete floor on the 11th floor, I never heard any sound coming from upstairs when people come in and out of their places of residence.
Cecílio-Augusto Berndsen, Board Member 2016-2018 #1005N
I don’t know if Phillip is in favor or against tiles, here is his note.
Phillip Cooper
The most significant oversight in my humble opinion was not the carpet but how the Association did not mandate all owners to replace those outdated shutters with hurricane windows. Seriously… 1970’s era accordion style junk shutters are going to keep this building safe from water and wind damage? That’s the big issue in my mind.
Phillip Cooper
reponse:
Phillip
Thank for your opinion. When I was on the Board (2016-2018) I put forward a proposal that all shutters should have an annual review and they should be replaced by impact windows if found faulty. The idea got a warm reception from Board members. I am not sure it was formally approved or if it is implemented. I agree that impact windows are the way to go.
Cecilio-Augusto Berndsen, Board Member 2016-2018, # 1005N
Emma Smith
We already voted for the carpet. Let’s stop this commotion.
We would like to see the end of hallways project.
Emma Smith, # 703 S
Larisa Mitnitsky
I do prefer carpeting It is less sound softer and looks richer. I believe it was decided already.
Larisa Mitnitsky, # 1506 S
Zina Bluband
Hi Cecilio,
As I was reading all discussions on the issue of hallways floor covering , there was a feeling of déjà vu. Last time this issue was discussed during the construction committee meeting on February 20, 2020. The record indicates that only penthouse floors will have tiled floors. The roof access for maintenance of building equipment is from the penthouse level and it will be difficult to preserve carpet from the oil stains. There were plenty of opportunities for residents to express concerns about carpet floors before today, including one during the presentation of hallways design by the interior decoration team. Unless we spend all these months in a state of deep freeze, the timing of renewed interest on this issue, when we are almost done with the project, is rather strange. As of today, I personally have no preference for the type of floor covering. There are pros and cons associated with any material. In addition, in Aquarius there are about 269 individual preferences based on prior life experiences or taste. I do however have one preference — I would like the hallway project to be completed ASAP. we had enough. And yes, I care about my money and how it is spent. Typically, the cost of tiled floors is more than the cost of carpeted floors because the tiles installation is labor intensive. It is my understanding we have ordered and purchased carpet already. What do you propose to do with it? There is also concern that change in floor material from the original represents the material alteration that has to be approved by the majority of membership (whatever this majority might be), thus delaying the project completion.
There is always the right time for everything and as far as the floor covering selection goes, this time was almost a year ago, not now. Ship called “floor covering” has sailed.
Best regards,
Zina Bluband, # 902 N
response:
Zina,
I appreciate your hard work on the Construction Committee. When I asked you why have you suspended the CC meetings on the Aquarius hallways project you told me that this project was not construction. Now you mention that the CC had decided or recommended carpet and no tiles. It is curious.
The recent discussion on the floor of our hallways may have been triggered by a few important issues: The beauty of the penthouse floor. The pandemic of Covid19 and the fear that the allergens harbored by carpet that may be a serious threat.
Least but not least does not surprise you that so many people feel that tiles are the way to go? It may be that the discussions you allude to have not been as ample and as deep as desired. I was an assiduous assistant of the CC. I do not recall any discussion on the hallways project. Maybe I missed all of them.
It is better to spend a couple of months and do the right thing than to have to replace smelly, fat, mold contaminated carpet in a short period. Or even worse: to live with the terrible frayed, stained carpet like we have before.
With Gratitude
Cecilio-Augusto Berndsen, # 1005N
Dear Aquarius unit owners who expressing a desire to have tiled hallways,
I would like to ask where have you been up to now? Is now the right time for expressing your wishes and concerns about sand and dirt on the carpet, about accidental issues with your dogs, etc.? All of you have seen the Hallway project presentation either in person or by email and all of you have been satisfied. Now, in the last stage of the hallway renovation, when everything is done except for the carpet, when the carpet is ordered, made according to design and paid for, when almost all money allocated to this project have been spent and the credit line is almost used-up, when you are facing a new upcoming assessment, you saw the tiles on the penthouse floors and liked to put them in all our hallways.
This is the strangest and unthinkable discussion. Have you ever been in the most prestige and high class condominiums? Have you ever seen tiles in the hallways there? Tiles on penthouse floors in Aquarius was a necessity. Tile in the hallways of condominiums almost never used for many reasons. I have researched the Internet on this issue. Below is what I found:
“Classification of Noise Control in Residential properties:
Minimum Quality: Normal Apartments, Nursing Homes, Hospitals
Medium Quality : Good Apartments, Normal Condominiums
High Quality : High Quality Condominiums
Our Condominium falls into the high-quality category and our unit owners are particularly sensitive to footfall noise which may occur relatively frequently. Floor coverings play a very important role in expected level of insulation.
It is relatively easy to achieve high impact insulation class ratings by using carpet and pad. Medium quality ratings are achievable with a vinyl floor surface on a 1/2 inch rubber mat. When hard surface materials such as quarry tile, marble, or hardwood floors are installed, low impact ratings are obtained. This rating can be improved by using relatively thick (1 inch) isolating underlayerments.
Therefore, carpet is the floor treatment most recommended by designers because of the amount of foot traffic a hallway gets on any given day. In hallways of condominiums, it is very typical to see commercial grade wall-to-wall carpeting used on much of the floors space. Carpeting wall-to-wall makes the area look more expansive. Plus, since sound bounces like crazy on a floor, it’s great for soundproofing which residents really appreciate. Additionally, there is just a “homely” feeling that is unmatched by laminate or tile.
In the past decade, floor covering quality and design have come a long way. In public spaces such as corridors, wall-to-wall carpet is best used. It is more comfortable than hard surface and it reduces noise levels. Commercial carpeting can last 15 years or more with proper care. Commercial carpet is made from synthetics or synthetic/natural blend wool fibers. Synthetics can absorb oil and stains quicker than wool blend. However, nylon can easily be cleaned and stays looking newer longer, thus making it a great choice for commercial carpeting.”
Do you want to spend money for ordering tiles for all 28 hallways in both buildings and 1 inch thick underlayerments for proper noise insulation? Do you want to throw money already spent on the carpet and contract with the contractor down the drain? Dear unit owner, please come to your senses. Dear Cecilio, why do you continue collecting opinions?
As Zina Bluband said: “Ship called “floor covering” has sailed”. It is already in ocean waters and will return with the Hallway project completed.
I express other important reasons for having carpet in the hallways: water leaks and slippery.
The carpet soaks up the water, the water from the tiles would run into the apartments. The tiles, especially wet, become very slippery. Accidents, falls and injuries on hard surfaces create huge liability for condominium and unit owners.
In addition, Aquarius Board decisions reflect wishes of all unit owners. Therefore, collection of few opinions later on, must not affect it, especially if it comes to spending significant amount of money.
Please check the residents’ notes that favor porcelain tiles in the hallways of Aquarius. Click here.
.o0o.
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It would be a shame to go back to carpet. And sound should not be an issue since there are not that many rooms per floor. And people have tiles in the rooms already. What is the difference if it is in the hallways as well. We have come this far and we should finish right.
Dennis Lantigua, # 1003S
George Ottoni
Dear Neighbors,
I have lived here in 1001-S for 9 years. I would say once a year there is some water leaked coming from one of the 8 condos on my floor, making a puddle in the hallway. A few years ago, the water heater broke across the hall and water came into my condo. That’s a lot of water to do that. It would still have happened if the hallway floors were tile, but there would be a long stretch of damaged carpeting in the hallway.
Plus, I have allergies, and welcome a hard surface over carpeting. I also have a little dog, and she has never had an accident. Still, I never walk her without some paper towels in my pocket in case of an accident.
Noise is not an issue. I work from home and can’t hear a thing from the hallways all this time with the bare floors, except for the custodian vacuuming the hallway.
I thought the comment about the weight for our building was funny. In that case, no one should ever fill up their bathtub when there’s a hurricane. Can you imagine the weight of 100 bathtubs filled? There is a generous safety margin designed in. Just like elevator cables have a 17X safety margin. So, don’t panic if someone overweight joins you in the elevator.
George Ottoni – #1001-S
Sylvia Fahrner
Yes, I prefer Tile Floors in the Hallways, it is the better alternative, it will save money in the long-term.
It looks beautiful and will not harbor Mold, Mildew and Dust!
Count me in!
Sylvia Fahrner, #1401 N
Sorgen Carole
Personally, I like the warmth and look of carpeting but in an old building such as ours with old pipes, the possibility of water leakage is probably more likely to happen than in a newer building. Therefore, it makes more sense to upgrade the hallways with tile.
Open to comments.
Sorgen Carole, # 1505 S
Scot Bennet
The carpet is beautiful, but tile is more pragmatic and will last longer and should not be as effected by traffic and tragedy.
Scot Bennett, CPA, # 302 S
Gilbert Melloul
Yes, I do want hard floor on my hallways.
Gilbert Melloul – #406 south
Lazlo Stern
(voice mail transcribed by iPhone IOS operating system, inaccuracies possible)
Hi Cecílio
This is Lazlo
Thank you very very much for you following this question on carpet and hard floor.
When I, at the Board meeting, asked the question Carole and the Board simply said the choice is because this is a money question. Carpet is cheaper.
This seems what governs decisions in this building. This is very unfortunate. I am very pleased you are following this. If It is possible, I vote for tiles.
Lazlo Stern, # 1106 S
Nathan Weinstein
I think it’s still possible to go with tile installation since the carpet hadn’t been installed.
I remember at the meeting Mr. Gupta said that tile had a slight price increase compare to carpet. I don’t remember that we voted and than it was announced that board decided to install carpet. All the data comparison is for the tile installation.
Hope the Board can revisit it’s decision and install the tile instead of carpet.
Nathan Weinstein, #807S
Alex Brik
Putting a carpet on the floor would just destroy the looks of our beautiful hallway. We want to raise value of our building, and tile really does the job. Also agree, a little leak from water heater or a/c and mold problems would be all over.
Alex Brik, # 401N
Lariza and Leonid Blyumin
From very beginning at all board and construction meetings we ask for tile installation and support it now. Sure our community will have only benefits from tile floor (include dog’s owner) Please “Board”reconsider Your decision. All our neighbors and friends demanded tiles. Lot of younger generation moved to building past few years and tiles will make life more healthy.
Larisa and Leonid Blyumin, # 1103S.
Joseph Tejada
Yes to hard floors.
Joseph Tejada, #1706-S
Teresa Manchisi
I agree. Tiles are the best way to go.
Teresa Manchisi, # 307 S
Anna and Gregory Yalkut
YES,YES,and YES AGAIN to tiles floors!
Anna and Gregory Yalkut, # 1007S
A few people that told me they want tiles in the Aquarius Hallways:
Maya Brodsky, # 1106 N
Leonard Finkelberg, # 1602 N
Ilya Gonorovsky, #1201 N
Arkady Chase, #PH 05 N
Gerald (Jerry) Lento, 1004
Many others declare in favor of tiles. Since I am terrible with names I just list those I can remember.
Please read the other post where residents voice their opinion in favor of carpet. Please make your voice heard. We are making a serious investment. We should be prudent. There is a say that is very a propos: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Some believe this is an Albert Einstein quote.
.o0o.
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