When we return I hope to find the letter from the regie - either way, I will be taking this to resolution rested and recharged. On hold music till after Easter, people. Happy holidays
The usual update round - the regie is now asking the mandatory permission from owner to secure the premises by inviting an expert... If this fails, I will be invited to step up. As this may take a week or more, we took a somewhat radical angle on things - we booked a last-minute 10day holiday for the family LOL
Dear fellow members - we're back from holidays and I was pleasantly surprised to receive a call from the regie the morning Tuesday. They requested access to the apartment to assess the easily measurable things like hight, position, etc. We agreed to hold the meeting today and lo and behold - all measures were in conflict of the current security rules and regulations.
The gentleman from the regie was kind, on time and direct in his language. First thing Monday they are addressing the owner in writing to advise the discrepancy and possible associated risks of non-compliance. He expects this to move swiftly.
I will be returning with updates as this unfolds - hoping this will serve others later.
Sounds like good outcome Defcon.. Well done in persisting.
I'm sitting here watching my 1 yr old on the balcony now. Two wooden horizontal bars with a 40cm gap then another wooden horizontal bar. She could pretty easily get over there if she really tried, especially as we have table and chairs out there too.
So far we've found a sharp NO has done the job and she just stands looking over but i suspect we may need to do something. Same with our stairs, they are open wood type and our mezzanine barrier is steel wire. I think we'd fail on a few levels!
Dear John, I do hope you do NOT fail on many levels, actually none for that matter. I will spare you the nagging of which should go first but rather share a piece of my son's mode operandi: he has a set of favs which are *always* met with firm NO. What this ensures is that he will never stop trying. Case in point: knives. Until I found a butter knife with zero sharp edges I could "overlook" and allow to end us in his hands, every-single-knife-within-view was a magnet. He also learned how to open the dishwasher and whenever left 30sec flat unsupervised in the kitchen, he would be halfway in the dishwasher searching for knives... The butter knife managed to peel a few chairs (banging like drumsticks) and wore off his fascination. He is now onto his next - permanent markers. Although we have resorted to extermination and direct trashing of all permanent markers in the house, he is still finding them somehow. Last visit to Manor, we found one tucked in his stroller - he is becoming more inventive and resourceful by the minute, and I believe this is part and parcel of growing up and discovering the world around him with curiosity only rivalled by 9-life felines...
Safe and smiley days to you and your little one, John. Best of luck
temporary measures.
You can buy thick, clear plastic sheeting- It is on a roll about 1m20 wide and usually standing up on a green iron machine with a guillotine. About 3 or 4 mm thick. It can be cut with strong sissors but better to get it cut to size at the store.
I have seen this in Coop do it yourself DIY shops, and it is worth asking for at any large garden center or DIY. You buy enough pieces for the balcony, make holes, and fix it with cable ties. With a smooth side, the child will not be able to climb up.
My experience is that if a toddler can see through a fence he will lose any inclination to climb over it.
IKEA sell fixings to hold doors and windows open, adjustable from about 1 to 3 cms. So you could hold the balcony door ajar but not wide open.
Latest update, fellow members: out of the blue today we got a call + visit from a company that has been tasked to secure the balcony right. What we found out from them is the following:
- nobody does any horizontal bars anymore, not even if they are 5cm apart - it is frowned upon in the industry
- glass is cheaper than plexi and it does not age as poorly
- the usual approach to regies is to propose several scenarios at different price points,
- the regie usually picks the glass reinforced solution as best value proposal.
- our regie will cover the entire cost of this exercise
Offer will be submitted by the company tomorrow, and soon we should see action and the balcony should be secure! Yey, cannot wait for this to happen.
Switzerlanded people will be nodding heads like "yeah, not so fast, Jimmy"
Almost a month past the update above and two more visits, we are awaiting installation. This morning I paid the regie a visit to ask, in polite language, WTF
Owner has apparently had a wedgie with a recent building renovation (first world problems, millionaire style) and as of last month is requesting minimum 3 offers to compete for each small job. So, we're now awaiting third/forth or whatever offer to reach owner for decision...
I told the regie that for months they have been notified of this risk and they are unwise to follow process saving a few bucks when talking of huge liability. It seemed to strike a chord and technical supervisor promised to personally track this to action this week. Fingers crossed it really does.
Once all the quotes are received and the decision is made, next challenge will be the delivery time for the materials and installation time. Oh, don't forget we are approaching summer holidays and that slows everything down. So I hope you have a good interim solution, however unattractive it might be, (safety first!) because Unrtunately suspect you still have a long while to wait.
Our solution is working fine for now.. Although little one like to pull bits off all the time.. Cost was 24chf from Migro garden store, 30 mins installation.
Sunset in the background but you get the idea!
PS - She's in bed now, hence the chair sitting there!
This is (perhaps) the last of updates - delayed as it may be.
Earlier this month the company selected to secure the balcony called to book an appointment - unfortunately amidst our holidays away from home. This had to be postponed until we returned and was executed in two parts: installing the metal holder bars and then (a day later) fitting the glass.
With half the office gone on vacation I am lately working long hours and unable (or just too tired) to snap a few decent shots for you guys; note to self "make it happen", so this thread is complete.
The good news for those using the Search function is - when you are in a rented property, this expense goes to the owners. The not-so-good news is, it takes time and persistence. All is well that ends well - balcony is now secure.
Happy summer to all who have participated and followed this thread!