Reviewer:
Unregistered User
Rented a unit in this building

Reviewed on Jun 17 2016


• Overall Rating:
  
  
  
• Conditions:
• Maintenance:
• Security:
• Location:

"Pros and Cons"

I have lived, owned, and renovated condos throughout Canada and around the world. This place is definitely a mixed bag. Like many newer condos in Vancouver, it's been built by contractors with questionable attitudes to construction quality. On the good side: the windows are double-glazed and a good sound barrier - essential, as this complex is next to the busiest road in the area. However: NO attention was paid to sound insulation between floors. And I mean, none. There's literally a drywall ceiling, an air gap and a hardwood floor. Because this is a WOOD FRAME condo building, it's just a big drum. The people upstairs have small children, and THEIR footsteps make the plates in MY cupboards rattle. The contractor could VERY easily have gotten around this problem - by a few slight tweaks of his design, or use of soundproofing drywall, or even just some rockwool for god's sake - but he didn't because he didn't want to spend even a few bucks more than he had to. There should be a warning bell going off in your head, right there. Basically, it looks pretty with its faux-granite countertops and wood veneering, to sucker you in by giving an illusion of quality and class. In reality, it's a thin facade over some pretty questionable construction. Nice windows, though. This might still be an OK purchase, given the location and the underground parking, but if you're buying, budget $10,000-$15,000 to retrofit the ceilings and floors. Overall opinion: meh.

Unregistered User recommends this building for:
Students, First Time Buyers, Young Couples

Was this review helpful for you?   Yes   No

Comment on this Review: unregistered user on June 16 2016: EXTRA INFORMATION: You can check the soundproofing problem out by climbing on a chair or small ladder and just tapping the ceiling with your knuckle. You will note that even a light tap causes a huge, resonating, BOOM. I've used a snake camera to look into the above-ceiling space and, yup, there's nothing at all in the way of insulation. In most provinces in Canada that would be below code and illegal. There's carpet in the bedrooms, but this is simply because the developers would have faced a very swift revolt (and probably a lawsuit) if they hadn't tried to cover up the noise problem by adding that in... people tend to get very antsy when they can't sleep! The condos themselves are... small. Don't expect storage space, because you won't get any. Which is bizarre because there's sweeping and spacious courtyard space in the middle of it all which could easily have been used to make the building more spacious. But that would have cost the contractor more, so of course he didn't do it and elected to put in a "wow-factor" garden area instead. Gardens are pretty, but a view of a rosebush isn't going to help you live your everyday life. unregistered user on June 16 2016: Another issue (for me) is that the condos have in-rooom fire alarms complete with pressurized sprinklers. This is, of course, because it's required by law: the contractor has basically elected to build a gigantic, 4-storey campfire. It would take no time at all for the whole thing to burn to the ground, hence the sprinklers. So far so good: but the problem for you, the homedweller, is that if there's ever a fire, you're GUARANTEED to lose everything you own. If it doesn't burn, it'll sure as heck be soaked with water... and there's not a whole lot of things which survive that real well. The flooring in the apartments is just standard wood-panelling but of the cheapest grade. If you look in the right light, you'll see that it's begun to bubble and deform around the edges, just from having been mopped over the years. This is classic of very thin veneer panelling; it won't last for another 10 years. Beneath that, there's the thinnest underlay I've ever seen in my life. Again: don't expect noise protection. unregistered user on June 25 2016: I live in a different building, different developer. What you are describing is normal in most if not all buildings that went up as per the Building Code that was in place. It should be first year Council to identify building weaknesses and report it as a deficiency. If necessary create guidelines or rules for owners. It's also scary when barbecues or smoking sets of smokes alarms. unregistered user on February 8 2017: I live in 3260 and as far as sound goes it's okay but I might have good neighbors. Some other guy I know on theirs floor says it's like living in a drum too ahaha.. what worries me is all this moisture damage! The didn't vapour block the inside out side so 9 years in owners have to pay to have it put in once the bottom units show scuctual damage from moisture.. bassicly at the ten year mark and this is why I don't own this and won't but if it's in 15 years old.. now I have serious plumbing issues in the kitchen, landlord is in denial and I think to cover my ass I'm gonna have to go to tenancy and file just in case.. do not buy! Write a comment about this review Enter image text:

Reviewer:
Unregistered User
Visited a unit in this building

Reviewed on Jan 16 2010


• Overall Rating:
  
  
  
• Conditions:
• Maintenance: N/A
• Security: N/A
• Location:

1 of 1 found this review helpful:

"The square"

Nice, simple and clean - it looks like good quality - did notice how much you can hear the suite above. Overall good location on St.Johns - not too crazy about the fact it is right next door to the Golden Spike pub - does get a bit rowdy at times on the weekend.

Unregistered User recommends this building for:
Investors, Students, First Time Buyers, Young Couples

Was this review helpful for you?   Yes   No

Comment on this Review: unregistered user on October 4 2012: It is very noisey and small. With the asking price, it is not worth it unregistered user on October 9 2013: i live here as well, the party crowd at the spike seems to have gone somewhere else. no more line ups at the bar on weekends is good for us! unregistered user on July 22 2015: the pub has changes hands and is now the Brew Street. The crowds seem a little less rowdy and he noise has been reduced. You can hear the trains and traffic but the buildings are well kept and clean. Write a comment about this review Enter image text: