Our roof membrane needs replacing. Owners on the top floor want to include an insulation layer for ‘heat mitigation’. This is likely to only reduce heat in their apartments. Should other owners need to pay for this? – Jim, NSW

Q: Our roof membrane needs replacing. Owners on the top floor want to include an insulation layer for ‘heat mitigation’. This is likely to only reduce heat in their apartments. Should other owners need to pay for this? What effect might it have on the overall value of all apartments?

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A: If the insulation layer is solely for their use and benefit they will be responsible for having the renovation by-law drafted and registered, as well as pay for any future maintenance and repairs related to the work.

It is also worth noting that the roof membrane will most likely be considered common property. This means that for the insulation layer to be approved for installation, it must be voted on in a special resolution at a meeting and require a 75% approval vote from all eligible voters.