Larvotto developer promises to replace defective windows
Company behind luxury Larvotto blocks to deal with faulty panes, but owners face big bills to ensure their flats are really safe
The developer of the Larvotto residential complex in Ap Lei Chau said yesterday it would replace any windows found to be defective, after two window panes fell out of flats in the luxury development within a week.
Cheerjoy Development, a joint venture which developed the estate, said that Larvotto's apartments were still within the warranty period and the developer would handle the repair and replacement of faulty windows.
However, a spokeswoman said that if the developer were to inspect all windows in the estate this would take time, as it would need the consent of all owners first.
This means that any flat owner who is worried about the safety of his or her windows and who wants them replaced immediately - prior to inspection - could face a bill of up to HK$2 million.
Clifford Berry, director of JAS Limited, which provides independent glass-inspection services, estimated that in a recently built high-rise complex like Larvotto, each window pane would cost between HK$50,000 to HK$70,000 to replace.
The complex comprises 715 flats in nine towers. Flats have floor-to-ceiling windows, and each flat has up to 30 panes.
"The process of determining the legal liability for Larvotto's window defects could take a long time," said Berry, who advised residents to take their safety into their own hands.