https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/climate-change/article296831519.html
Realtors post all kinds of shiny happy videos on social media talking about how great a particular condo may be, but do they really know? No, of course not.
The Miami Herald has just released a report based on a University of Miami study that has found that 35 buildings in Miami-Dade have sunk as much as three inches between 2016 and 2023. Some of these buildings include the iconic Surf Club Towers, Faena Hotel, the Porsche Design Tower, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Trump Tower III, and Trump International Beach Resorts.
While some may blame climate change, the real problem stems from the builders, who always look to save costs even on the most important part of the project, the foundation. Both the US and Canadian governments do not force builders to disclose structural details to buyers – and buyers lack the education to know that they should even ask for these details. Imagine buying a car and not knowing the difference between a 4-cylinder and an 8-cylinder engine. When you buy a car, there is far more disclosure on the engine that drives it. When you buy a condo, you get nothing about the structure that holds it. Instead, all you get are floor plans with missing measurements and fancy artist renderings that in the end look nothing like what gets built.
Realtors, who should know better, are left to amplify the slick sales propaganda from the builders to the detriment of the best interests of the buyers.
For years, I have preached of the importance of understanding a building’s construction. If you are familiar with this blog, then you will know of the countless articles that I have written to support the unrivalled construction quality of Palace Place and why it remains the best option on Toronto’s waterfront.
Completed in 1993, at a record $200-million, Palace Place was built by Bramalea Limited, Canada’s largest builder at the time. Palace Place is not “the second Pier” or “the South tower,” it was built to set a standard and example for condominiums in Canada.
From its caisson foundation that garnered headlines from around the world to its unique curtain wall enclosure, the construction of Palace Place bears no equal.
One of the cheaper construction methods used in condo towers across North America involves an augercast pile construction method versus a superior caisson foundation.
Earlier this year, I had compared these two methods in detail when describing the new Mercedes-Benz towers in Miami.
For what had saved the builder a few million off the top, it will now cost the residents of these Miami buildings hundreds of millions of dollars to correct, if at all.
The blame is solely on the governments. Forcing disclosure of construction methods used creates education amongst buyers that ultimately provides choice. This choice will lead the market to compete in offering better construction instead of cheaper construction. The result would not only save people’s homes but also elevate the entire construction industry in building quality.
Until then, let the Dalinda Team be your guide to the best well-built condominium residences in the concrete jungle.
For more about Palace Place, order Luke Dalinda’s book.
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Palace Place, 1 Palace Pier Court, and Palace Pier, 2045 Lake Shore Boulevard West, in Humber Bay Shores.
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E: LDALINDA@DALINDA.NET • TEL: 416-725-7170
Luke Dalinda, Realtor. Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage.
View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.