Buying new condo vs "used" condo

[meme405]

Originally Posted by MindBomber

In 2009 the Provincial Building Code was changed to allow six-storey wood frame construction. Prior to the change code only allowed for four-storey wood frame construction. And, wood frame is way cheaper than concrete so most sub-six storey structures are built with the former.

Well aware of the changes in BCBC.

I would stay far away from any 6 storey wood frame structure, for the simple reason that the NFPA has not yet caught up to the BCBC in this regard, so most places (assuming no commercial on the ground floor) would still use NFPA-13R. It is pretty scary to think that a 6 storey building can be built with the most minimal of fire protection standards.

For those that might not understand, the "R" version of NFPA 13 deletes certain requirements like sprinklers in closets, sprinklers above balconies, and sprinklers in attic spaces, there is a whole lot more as well. Reduction in pendant heads from changing a building from NFPA 13 to NFPA 13R is basically just to save money, reduction in pendant heads and associated systems can be as much as 30%. So logically thats like 30% less firefighting power, in a building which is all of a sudden 2 storeys taller. Plain and simple: Your gonna have a BAD time.

[yray]

pendent sprinklers above balconies

strata repair bills in winter time

Only wood condo with attic sprinkles I've seen were built in the early 90s. Anything late 90s to now lack attic sprinklers.

[Spidey]

used doesn't necessarily mean "old"... you can get a used condo that is 5 years old that is still a shoe box.