With severe weather events becoming ever more common—and more intense—waterproofing your building’s envelope against rain, wind, snow, and ice is a growing concern. To counter the effects of climate change on buildings both old and new, our main focus must be on maintaining the integrity of the structural envelope. Proper, proactive exterior maintenance saves money […]
Important Construction Contract Provisions for Major Repairs in Condominiums & HOAs (MI)
The overwhelming majority of condominium and homeowners associations will, at some point in time, need to enter into a large construction contract for a major repair or replacement. Complex construction contracts are more frequent in condominiums, where associations have a much larger number of items that they are responsible for maintaining. However, even smaller homeowners […]
California HOA Condos and Homes: Unveiling the Top 10 Pitfalls of Faulty Gutter & Fascia Installations
A common oversight with potentially significant financial impacts is the quality and installation of gutters and fascia. At Naumann Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how these defects can lead to extensive property damage and financial strain. In our most recent blog, we delve in a bit closer the top 10 construction defects resulting from poorly […]
Spring Has Sprung! Is Your Community Association Ready?
Spring has sprung! Which means that community associations through North and South Carolina will begin seeing increased community traffic, amenity use (including use of playgrounds, pools, tennis and pickleball courts), and increased social events. So, is your community ready. Read the article…………………………….
Ask the HOA Expert: Gutters That Work
Rain gutters are an inconspicuous but necessary building component that homeowner associations deal with. Their need to perform consistently triggers ongoing maintenance and repair to themselves, exterior paint, siding, roofs and trees. Failure to keep the gutter system running smoothly causes overflows, water intrusion, interior damage, structural dryrot and enormously expensive repairs. There is a […]
When Pipes Fail & Preventative Maintenance
When considering your piping systems, there are two main systems in question: Domestic Water Systems and Drain, Waste and Vent (DWV) Systems. Below are some signs of aging to look out for with each system, and how to best maintain them. In the event that systems fail, repiping is the primary option that can prove […]
When Should You Contact an Engineer?
When it comes to the reconstruction and restoration of HOA communities, the civil and structural engineers who make up a part of this niche market are accustomed to working behind the scenes. After all, there’s nothing high-profile and flashy about designing repair plans, pulling permits, or writing up engineering reports about potential issues within a […]
Roof Replacement 101: A Project Too Vital to Put Off
Nothing lasts forever, not even your roof. While roofs have a relatively long life compared to other building systems and components, at some point they will need either partial or full replacement. Here are the facts and factors you and your community need to know when your roof’s useful life starts winding down. Read the […]
The Essential Guide to Spring Inspections of Townhome Sites (ON)
As the cold grip of winter loosens its hold and nature awakens with the warmth of spring, it’s the perfect time for managers and the board of directors in townhome communities to conduct thorough inspections of their properties. Spring inspections serve as a vital preventive measure, allowing management to identify and address any issues that […]
When Negotiations Fail: Forcing Your Association’s Neighbor to Grant a License for Protection May Be the Only Way (NY)
Property managers, take heed! A recent court case highlights the power you have to protect your associations when a neighboring building owner does not cooperate in giving a license for protection on their property so that the association can perform its work . In this case, the court awarded a license fee and mandated typical […]
Maximizing Insurance Savings: A guide to maintenance, replacement, and risk mitigation in community associations (CO)
For community associations, managing insurance costs can be a challenging but crucial task. Focusing on maintenance, replacement, and risk mitigation can significantly impact insurance premiums especially when dealing with separate carriers for property and general liability insurance. Below, we explore strategies for community associations to proactively maintain and replace key elements, ultimately reducing the risk […]
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 […]
When Pipes Fail & Preventative Maintenance
When considering your piping systems, there are two main systems in question: Domestic Water Systems and Drain, Waste and Vent (DWV) Systems. Below are some signs of aging to look out for with each system, and how to best maintain them. In the event that systems fail, repiping is the primary option that can prove […]
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 […]
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 […]
Strategic Budgeting for Deferred Maintenance: A Roadmap for Long-Term Success (CO)
Analyzing the financial health of a homeowners association is a crucial task to ensure its ability to maintain and enhance the community and common areas. For a variety of reasons, sometimes the association will be faced with deferred maintenance. Creating a funding plan to address maintenance helps establish a sustainable financial foundation. Completing an assessment […]
Getting Your Community Ready for Spring and Summer
As the winter chill begins to fade away, it’s time for HOA communities to gear up for the vibrant seasons of spring and summer. Ensuring your community is prepared for the warmer months involves a checklist of essential tasks to enhance safety, maintain amenities, and foster a sense of community spirit. Here’s a guide to […]
Oro Valley tests no streetlights along Rancho Vistoso Boulevard (AZ)
Monday, March 18, might live in lore as the night the lights went out along two sections of Rancho Vistoso Boulevard in Oro Valley. The Vistoso Community Association turned off the 226 streetlights it owns and operates along the major roadway. It wants residents to express whether they’re fine with being in the dark, or […]
Q&A: HOA Balcony Repairs and Updates (CA)
Are you wondering about the balconies in your community? Well if you missed the presentation by ADAMS | STIRLING PLC regarding HOA balcony repairs and updates, here’s a follow-up Q&A by the Davis-Stirling.com Newsletter that may help. Read the Q&A………………………………..
Brooklyn Condo Owners Face $90,000 HVAC Repair Bill: A Tale of Legal Accountability and Community Livelihoods (NY)
A Brooklyn condo building’s faulty HVAC system leaves owners facing a $90,000 repair bill. Residents question if the building’s sponsor holds responsibility due to potential design flaws or installation errors. Legal experts advise reviewing offering plans and contracts for potential solutions. Read the article…………………………….
Getting Your Utah HOA Community Ready for the Spring Thaw
Winter is one of the most beautiful and exciting times to live in Utah. We have majestic mountains with stunning vistas, over 22 million acres of public land, and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation during our long winter season. Read the article…………………………….
The Maintenance Matrix: An Incredibly Helpful Tool
Alternatively, if an association has planned ahead, the association’s board and management can turn to their handy dandy maintenance matrix! A maintenance matrix is a compilation of the maintenance, repair, and replacement responsibilities in a clear and concise chart which depicts the specific assignments for each component. A maintenance matrix is prepared by reviewing all […]
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…………………………….
Year-End Maintenance Checklist for Associations (FL)
As the year draws to a close, we at Wise Property Management understand the importance of ensuring that associations are well-prepared for the upcoming year. Year-end maintenance helps to ensure that communities are not only well-maintained but also compliant with legal regulations Read the article…………………………..
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 […]
Essential Cool Weather Maintenance Tasks for Community Associations
As the leaves start to fall and the temperature begins dropping, fall and early winter present an excellent opportunity for community associations to prepare their neighborhoods for winter weather. From common areas to landscaping and amenities, there are several tasks board members should address during the fall/winter season to ensure a smooth transition into winter. […]
My Home Community Is Forcing Inspections. Can They Do That?
A homeowner’s association is a democracy, but living in one involves subjecting yourself to some intrusion. It’s all in the bylaws. Read the article……………………………
Winter Safety for Multi-story and Townhouse Style Condominiums (AB)
As the winter season approaches, it’s crucial for condominium owners and property managers to prioritize safety in their multi-story and townhouse style condominiums. The combination of harsh weather conditions and unique architectural considerations requires specific measures to ensure the well-being of residents. In this blog post, we will explore key aspects of winter safety and […]
5 Important Steps You Can Take to Deal With Rising Maintenance and Construction Costs in 2024
It’s probably safe to say that maintenance and construction costs are going to go up, perhaps way up, in 2024. Why? Ongoing economic uncertainty in the market, higher interest rates, continued labor shortages, rising costs of materials, and (oh lucky us…) a highly charged political season. Read the article……………………………..
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), […]
Challenges: Condo Boards and the Duty to Maintain Common Elements (NY)
In a recent legal battle, LiNQ1, LLC found itself at odds with 170 East End Condominium and its Board of Managers over allegations of negligence, breach of contract, and more. This case, indexed as No. 154594/16 Appeal No. 953 Case No. 2022-04598, serves as a cautionary tale for New York condominium boards, emphasizing the importance […]
Essential Fall Maintenance Tasks for Community Associations (NC)
As the leaves change color and the temperature begins dropping, fall presents an excellent opportunity for community associations to prepare their neighborhoods for winter weather. Read the article…………………………..
Understanding Balcony Support Systems: Maintenance, Damage Identification, and Material Choices
Balconies serve not just as a personal outdoor retreat but also as a significant architectural feature for any building. They offer residents a space to enjoy fresh air and views without leaving the comfort of their home. However, a balcony’s functionality and safety are heavily reliant on its structural support system. There are various materials […]
Essential Fall Maintenance Tasks for Community Associations
As the leaves change color and the temperature begins dropping, fall presents an excellent opportunity for community associations to prepare their neighborhoods for winter weather. From common areas to landscaping and amenities, there are several tasks board m 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), […]
Maintenance and Insurance-What’s the Difference and Why is it so Hard to Understand? (CO)
Understanding the difference between a maintenance obligation and an insurance obligation is a crucial part of community living. Maintenance and insurance obligations differ between associations depending on how the governing documents are drafted whether the association is classified as a condominium, townhome, or single family community. It is important that an association understand the difference […]
How Preventative Maintenance Saves Time and Money
As a member of your HOA board, your responsibilities often revolve around ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of the community. Managing the upkeep of common areas, amenities, and infrastructure can be time-consuming and demanding. However, implementing a proactive approach through preventative maintenance can save you valuable time and resources in the long run. […]
Common HOA Maintenance Mistakes and How to Avoid Them (CA)
Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) play a pivotal role in maintaining community standards and preserving property values. Maintenance is often a top priority when managing a homeowner’s association (HOA). However, common HOA maintenance mistakes can occur even with the best intentions, leading to headaches and unexpected costs. Recognizing and understanding these errors is the first step to […]
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…………………………..
Castle Village Is a Snapshot of the Pressures on City Co-ops and Condos (NY)
When its 65-foot-tall retaining wall collapsed onto the Henry Hudson Parkway in 2005, shareholders in the Castle Village co-op were on the hook for $27 million in repairs. That trauma is ancient history, but today those shareholders are faced with rising costs that are less dramatic but possibly even more devastating. And they’re emblematic of […]
Best Practices: Community Association Maintenance
A regularly applied maintenance plan and program are essential parts of a community association’s responsibility to its homeowners, according to Best Practices: Community Association Maintenance, a new report published by the Foundation for Community Association Research. Read the report……………………………….
Mastering Condo Maintenance: Why Legal Guidance Is Key For Crafting A Responsibility Matrix
A responsibility matrix is a summary of association and co-owner responsibilities for maintenance, repair, and replacement of the condominium common elements and units. Because condominium master deeds, even when clearly drafted, can be complicated and often challenging to interpret, a responsibility matrix that is properly and accurately prepared can be a helpful guide for management, […]
Best Practices: Community Association Maintenance
CAI’s Foundation for Community Association Research has produced a new, free report. A regularly applied maintenance plan and program combined with a properly prepared and funded reserve study can lead to safe, desirable, financially secure community associations. Read or download the report (PDF)………………………..
Problem Solved – Accessing a Unit (MA)
Most governing documents allow the trust to gain access to an owner’s unit to deal with both emergency and non-emergency situations. So the first step is to review the association’s documents to make sure they provide this authority Read the article………………………..
Local residents speak out after unresolved housing repairs (NV)
News 3 spotted dead landscaping, broken sprinklers, and leaning signs throughout the community near Washington and Torrey Pines. Homeowners Association Management CAMCO employees tell News 3 they haven’t been able to make improvements because four of its five volunteer board members quit, and by law, they must vote first on any action relating to the […]
How to Prepare Elevators in Your High-Rise for a Hurricane
Keeping your community functional, safe, and beautiful can be particularly challenging if it is located in an area that is prone to hurricanes. Here are some of the most important things to consider when preparing your high-rise’s elevators to reduce the likelihood of damage during a hurricane. Read the article………………………..
No Hot Water: A Problem at a North Palm Springs Condo Building Sheds Light on a Lack of Protections for Residents (CA)
The Palm Springs Villas 2 condominium complex is tucked away just east of Palm Canyon Drive in northern Palm Springs, along the north side of San Rafael Drive. Sitting at 701 N. Los Felices Circle West is Building L, part of a community with a relaxed vibe, at least at this time of year. It’s […]
How Maintenance Standards Protect the Association (CT)
Recent revisions to the Common Interest Ownership Act (also known as the CIOA) offer an opportunity to defer some insurance expense liability to unit owners who do not adhere to maintenance standards for certain wear items that may fail in the interior of a condominium unit. Specifically, properly adopted maintenance standards may allow the Association […]
A Condominium Association’s Right of Entry (OH)
As lawyers representing Condominium Associations, we are often tasked with asserting a Condominium Association’s right of entry into a unit or limited common element. Reasons for the Association’s entry may vary but usually are related to performing common element repairs which must be completed within the interior of the unit, immediate repairs to a component […]