Condominium RePiping: A Second Wave of Plumbing Failure (ON)

The second wave of plumbing failure has arrived. First it was Kitec, which caused chaos and floods in buildings due to the use of two dissimilar metals in the plumbing system. And now there’s another system raising eyebrows, and budget expenditures.  Although on a smaller scale, the newest pandemic in plumbing failure is epoxy-lined plumbing […]

FIU interdisciplinary team supporting federal investigation into 2021 Surfside condo collapse

A team led by the federal government continues to investigate the 2021 partial collapse of Champlain Towers South, the 12-story beachfront condominium in Surfside, Florida, that resulted in 98 deaths and multiple injuries.  Now an interdisciplinary FIU team will contribute to the search for answers into what caused the disaster, its ramifications and precautions that […]

Everything You Need to Know About Concrete Restoration Projects (FL)

At some point, every building will require concrete repairs and restoration. If you’ve ever undertaken a concrete restoration project, you’re aware of the many challenges they entail: substantial costs, lengthy time delays, irritation over hurricane shutters, windows and doors, uncooperative owners and the potential for incidental damage.     Read the article…………………………….

No threat to resident safety at Elkhorn Springs condos, new report says (ID)

Structural rot discovered last year in parts of the Elkhorn Springs condominiums in Sun Valley has not compromised residents’ safety, according to the latest investigation of the buildings.  The investigation, conducted by Seattle structural engineering firm AJP Engineering, is the latest in a series of reports on the buildings sparked by the late-2023 discovery of […]

Roof Preventative Maintenance for Multi-Family Communities

A roofing Preventative Maintenance Agreement (PMA) is a key component in property up-keep. This article will cover the basics of roof preventive maintenance: what it is, why it’s important, and what to look for with different roofing systems.  To start off, roof preventive maintenance is scheduled maintenance and cleaning designed to help maintain the overall […]

The Ariel West’s Terra Cotta Troubles (NY)

Ariel West has found that when it rains, it indeed pours. The 32-story luxury condo on Manhattan’s Upper West Side has been forced to take on the lengthy and expensive process of replacing its terra cotta rainscreen after dangerous defects appeared less than 10 years after the building’s construction. The alarm was raised in 2015, […]

NE Miami-Dade condo community deemed unsafe after failing 50-year recertification (FL)

Residents at a northeast Miami-Dade condo community are concerned after the county’s Unsafe Structures Unit declared the buildings “unsafe” for failing its 50-year recertification.  Vanessa Ortiz, a single mother of two, says she is moving out of the Jade Winds community because the conditions are too much for her to handle.    Read the article…………………………….

Navigating Financial Challenges: Structural Integrity Reserve Studies

Ensuring the structural integrity of buildings is a primary concern for community associations in Florida, where climate and weather events can pose a significant threat to buildings and their residents. Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS) address this by offering crucial insights into a building’s condition and future maintenance needs, safeguarding buildings against potential damage and […]

Post-tension cable snaps at Emerald Bay – Village says no safety concern (FL)

Village officials said Friday night they are monitoring a failure of at least one post-tension cable that snapped at the Emerald Bay condominium Friday that sent chunks of concrete flying in the luxury condominium’s garage. More than a dozen parking spaces were closed off with yellow caution tape and holes could be seen in the […]

Mastering NYC Building Codes and FISP

Welcome, Manhattan Coop and Condo Board Members! In the sphere of urban architecture and safety regulations, New York City sets the standard with its stringent building codes and standards. As stewards of your community’s safety and integrity, understanding these regulations, particularly the Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), is paramount. Let’s dive into this informative explainer […]

New videos released as officials give update on Surfside condo collapse investigation

Engineers studying the June 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium building in Surfside are releasing portions of video that confirm the sequence of visible events, but still cannot say whether the failure that triggered the collapse – what they call the “initiating event” – occurred out of sight, including in the pool deck, […]

When has a Condominium Building Reached the End of its Service Life? (CA)

If you read the earlier installments of this series, you know that the service lives of condominium buildings are shortened by inspection, maintenance, and funding failures. Recognizing when a building may begin to reach the end of its service life may be easy or hard, depending on the type of failure. A catastrophic failure by […]

Demolition Underway at Deteriorating Condo Building in Coral Springs (FL)

Demolition is underway of a decrepit condominium in Coral Springs, despite a request from a potential investor to save the building.  In 2021, the city declared the former Villa Bianca condominium at 3990 Woodside Drive to be unsafe, leading to the relocation of residents in 15 of the 16 units.    Read the article…………………………….

City orders evacuation at Panama City Beach condo (FL)

“On Thursday night, February 8, 2024, the city received a concerning report from Slider Engineering Group, Inc., following a structural inspection of all guardrails in Calypso Tower III,” city officials wrote in a letter to the condo owners. “The findings reveal significant structural integrity issues, particularly with the guardrails on the east side of the […]

When Time Runs Out…Part II (CA)

The Typical Condominium “Business Model” will Not Sustain the Buildings: Condominium buildings are like rental apartments in their aesthetics and construction, with one significant difference—condominiums are mapped and built to be sold to individual unit owners. The ownership of rental apartments remains with one owner. Apartments are rented for a fixed period. Read the article…………………………….

When Time Runs Out…

Many condominium buildings will soon reach the end of their service lives. Others are already there. Maximizing the surviving property’s value may be the key to protecting owner equity. Read the article…………………………….

Sick Building Syndrome: Home Buyers, Homeowners, And Renters Beware

If you tend to feel unwell when at home, but fine when you go outside or move to another location, you’re not losing your mind. It’s quite possible that your home is causing you to feel ill. “Sick Building Syndrome was coined by the World Health Organization in 1986, one year after a mysterious Lake […]

Ask the HOA Expert: Recoat of Many Colors

Of all roofing designs used in homeowner associations, flat roofs are the most problematic, particularly in rain, wind or snow prone areas. The need for consistent and quality maintenance is extremely important for maximum performance and longest life. Recoating builtup flat roofs is a fundamental preventive maintenance which should be performed at least every five […]

Residents of condemned condos once again in search of housing (RI)

The former residents of North Providence’s Canterbury Village are once again scrambling to find somewhere to live.  Dozens of residents were forced from their homes back in October after the town deemed the building uninhabitable.   Read the article…………………………….

Horizon West condo owner overwhelmed following denied insurance claim (WI)

A justice in the 7th circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled against the residents of the condemned Horizon West Condos in their lawsuit against traveler’s insurance.  This is putting them on the hook for the cost of razing the building, as much as $7 million dollars.     Read the article……………………………..

HOA Winter Preparation: Getting Your Community Ready for the Cold Season

To any planned community, HOA winter preparation is vital. The winter season, especially in some states, can be very harsh. Pipes can freeze over and burst, while snow can quickly pile up and cause traffic problems. A competent HOA board would do well to get ahead of the winter months by preparing the entire association […]

Marion City Council hears about Westwood Chateau situation (NC)

In early 2019, officials with McDowell County Emergency Management, the city of Marion, McDowell County and other local agencies notified the residents at the 32-unit condo complex, located behind the Lady Marian Plaza shopping center, of a voluntary evacuation order. It was issued for the Westwood Chateau residents because of “possible sinkhole formation under the […]

Horizon West demolition, federal judge rejects condo owners’ appeal (WI)

As Waukesha’s Horizon West building comes down, a federal judge Tuesday rejected an appeal from condominium owners who sued their insurance company to cover demolition costs.  The city told condo owners in December 2021 they had to evacuate the building due to concerns it might collapse. Nearly two years later, demolition began – with an […]

Maintaining Your Elevators: Regular Care Can Help Avoid Huge Replacement Costs

The elevator is one of those inventions—along with running hot and cold water and indoor plumbing—that have been around for so long we take it for granted. But elevators obviously weren’t always a part of the architectural landscape. Without them we’d still be living in a world of six-story buildings (maybe seven for the strong-legged), […]

Waukesha Horizon West condo demolition begins, case still in court (WI)

Demolition of Waukesha’s Horizon West Condominium building began Thursday, Nov. 9 – crews removing sections piece by piece because of asbestos.  The city forced everyone out of the building in December 2021 due to fear it might collapse. Residents sued their insurance company to cover demolition costs.    Read the article………………………………

Collapse at Boynton Beach condo complex causes some resident evacuations (FL)

Fire rescue crews responded to a condominium complex in Boynton Beach after a soffit collapsed Tuesday………No one was hurt, and no one was trapped by the third-floor collapse, according to Boynton Beach Fire Rescue. However, some residents had to be evacuated from their homes.    Read the article…………………………

Perseverance Pays Off for the Board of the New Hampshire House (NY)

After a year of intense grassroots efforts, the board at New Hampshire House, a 139-unit condo in Rego Park, Queens, finally succeeded in persuading owners to take out a $3 million loan to repair the building’s facade. The board’s success means the condo will finally be able to perform the necessary repairs mandated under the […]

Maintaining Your Elevators: Regular Care Can Help Avoid Huge Replacement Costs

The elevator is one of those inventions—along with running hot and cold water and indoor plumbing—that have been around for so long we take it for granted. But elevators obviously weren’t always a part of the architectural landscape. Without them we’d still be living in a world of six-story buildings (maybe seven for the strong-legged), […]

The Essential Role of a Structural Engineer in Condominium and HOA Repair Projects

In today’s evolving infrastructure landscape, the role of a structural engineer is paramount, especially when it comes to repair projects for condominiums or homeowners associations (HOA). Their contribution not only ensures that the repair works are of high quality but also that the process remains transparent and in line with the expectations of the board […]

Florida Statute 2023-203: A Comprehensive Look at Building Safety Regulations and Florida Milestone Inspections

It often takes a crisis for society and government to react. Whether it be seat belts, smoking, or building safety, unfortunately, catastrophe can move the needle toward addressing public safety issues. This paper explores the events leading up to Florida statute 2023-203, the steps that impacted owners/developers/managers can take to ensure compliance, and how experts […]

‘It’s just not feasible’: North Providence residents given eviction notices after town condemns condos (RI)

Dozens of residents living in North Providence’s Canterbury Village have been left scrambling after receiving a 24-hour eviction notice.  North Providence Mayor Charlie Lombardi confirmed that the town’s building inspector and fire department condemned the condominiums due to the deplorable conditions inside.    Read the article………………………………..

California HOAs Must Prepare for New Balcony Requirements

Community associations in California must meet new balcony inspections requirements by the end of 2024.  The state’s “balcony bill,” SB 721, was approved by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2018. The bill requires an inspection of “exterior elevated elements” within all multifamily residential buildings containing three or more dwelling units no later than Jan. 1, 2025.  […]

Iconic Metairie Towers up for grabs in multimillion-dollar deal (LA)

Metairie Towers, a prominent piece of real estate in Old Metairie, is expected to be sold in a multimillion-dollar deal.  The tower, vacant since Hurricane Ida, is now on the market with the aim of maximizing profits and finding a developer aligned with the neighborhood’s vision.   Watch the news report………………………………..

How Much Does it Cost to Paint a House? A Comprehensive Guide

The average cost to paint a house is $3,300, depending on several factors like the size of the house and the cost of labor in your region. Today we’re going over the cost of painting a house, the factors you can control, and tips to save money on painting your home’s exterior.   Read the article…………………………..