Maintenance was poor. The guys were friendly enough and usually showed up on time, but the quality of their work was shoddy at best. Perhaps they didn't care because construction quality in this complex is below average. For example, it's clear the Linoleum in the kitchen and bathrooms was improperly installed and therefore tends to peel up along the edges. The "fix" is a thick layer of caulking that refuses to stick to the baseboards.

Damage from prior tenants was also poorly repaired. We noted several holes in the drywall that were simply plastered and painted rather than patched and textured. Little things like this really make it difficult to write that large check every month.

Next up is the pests. Expect repeated and year-round infestations of ants and spiders if you're on the ground floor. A friend of ours who lived in the older phase claimed to have a problem with mice in the walls in addition to the bugs. At least we were spared that headache in the newer units.

Climate control was another problem. I suspect the HVAC system was inadequate for the size of our apartment. It ran constantly to keep the place cool. To make matters worse, a supposedly "unfixable" problem with the original duct work prevented any airflow to the register in the master bedroom. Our neighbor said hers was the same way. Either leave the door open or bake.

Parking in the newer phase was pretty tight. Nobody ever "claimed" our assigned space, but guests often found it difficult to get an unreserved spot after 5:00 p.m.

The office staff was OK. We had a couple of instances where they claimed our rent was late when it wasn't. They subsequently blamed it on "computer error" and credited the late fee. Other than that, they were usually friendly and helpful.

Noise was a mixed bag. We never heard a peep from our neighbors to the sides, but noise from above was a nightmare. We heard every step across the floor, every closing of a cabinet, every use of the microwave, washer/dryer, and dishwasher, etc. It's as if there was no insulation whatsoever between the floors.

Overall, we're glad our lease expired when it did. Overlook at Blue Ravine might be an OK place to live if they lowered the rent by 30%. But considering the premium they charge, there's no doubt you can do better for the money.

FOLLOW-UP: Since writing this review, I received our final statement. They charged us for carpet cleaning even though I had the work professionally done upon departure. When I called to protest the charge, I was told in no uncertain terms that all departing tenants are subject to this abuse. I was also treated rudely and unprofessionally for the entire duration of the call. For that, I am revising my rating of the staff down by one star. They are definitely below average.

User Responses
From: Nicimarie	Date: 07/04/2008
Very thorough response. Please contact me in private to discuss some of your complaints further. I am not in any way affiliated with BRE or Overlook at Blue Ravine - I am now, happily an ex-tenant. My e-mail is Nicole.Guinasso@gmail.com

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