Hundreds of property owners in Hong Kong face uncertainty after renovation work on 29 private buildings was ordered suspended, carried out by a contractor linked to the deadly blaze at Wang Fuk Court. Residents who have spent millions of Hong Kong dollars worry about the quality of the work and whether to hire new firms. Experts urge waiting for a government review to avoid disputes and extra costs.
Hundreds of property owners in Hong Kong are grappling with uncertainties after 29 private buildings and estates were ordered to suspend renovation work carried out by a contractor linked to the deadly blaze at Wang Fuk Court and two other firms.
Residents at three of the estates told the Post they had already spent millions of Hong Kong dollars on the projects and were now uncertain whether the work was proper or how long the delay would last, with some struggling to choose a new contractor.
But some experts advised owners to wait for the Buildings Department’s review of the work carried out by Prestige Construction and Engineering Company and the two other firms before making any decision, as switching could lead to possible contract disputes and extra costs.
“I am worried that I have paid more than the actual cost … I feel they didn’t do much but had asked for so much money,” said Tracy Lee, a resident at the 49-year-old On Fung Building in the Mid-Levels.
Lee said each of the estate’s 102 households had to pay HK$200,000 (US$25,693) for the renovation, which began several years ago. According to a notice posted at the building, Prestige handled the fire services improvement work, which started on March 17 and ended last month.
Owners fear they might need to hire a new company and spend even more.