As an HOA board member or manager, there will undoubtedly be moments when it takes time to meet the demands of association maintenance. After all, managing an entire homeowner’s association can be both time-consuming and costly – two resources that every member wants to save. Read the article………………………..
Behind the Walls: The Damaging Effects of Unchecked Moisture
When it comes to building structures, moisture poses a significant threat that often remains unseen until extensive damage is done. This blog post explores a real-life scenario where moisture-related issues were discovered during a project involving exterior wall repair. We will delve into the consequences of unchecked moisture, highlighting the importance of thorough inspections and […]
Contractor Bids For Your HOA: How Many Is Enough?
Do you need to get contractor bids for your HOA? If so, how many bids should you get? And what preparations should you do prior to obtaining the bids? Read the article………………………..
HOA Capital Improvements: How to Plan and Budget for Them
Planning for capital improvements can be daunting for Homeowner Association (HOA) board members and HOA management. They need to balance the current needs with long-term objectives and stay within budget constraints. In addition, they need to have realistic timelines within the planning. Read the article………………………..
Why Hiring an Unlicensed Contractor is Not an Option (CA)
Everywhere we look, costs are rising all around us. Labor costs, insurance costs, material costs. And for associations, business keeps moving forward. With pressure from homeowners to keep assessments low, and increased requirements being placed on associations contributing to rising costs, associations across the state are looking for ways to keep costs down. Read the […]
Bids vs. Contracts: Warnings and Legal Liability (CO)
We have previously addressed the importance of Associations having proper, legal contracts that protect the Association and how proposals are not to be signed in lieu of contracts, etc. Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more issues with bids & contracts that produce liability for the Association and at times managers. Please note the following […]
Window Maintenance & Replacement: Caring for a Crucial Building System
When it comes to the list of most important systems to maintain—and potentially the most expensive to replace—in a multifamily building, windows are definitely near the top. The useful life of a given window depends on a number of factors, including its composition and design, as well as seasonal shifts and prevailing weather conditions. Deteriorated […]
How often do condo elevators need maintenance? (ON)
There are approximately 20,000 elevators operating in buildings across Ontario, and about 1,550 of them are more than 50 years old. Another 10,000 are over 25 years old. Read the article………………………..
Help! We’re Having Difficulty Finding Vendors and the Board Wants to Hire an Unlicensed Painting Contractor (AZ)
I recently received a question at a seminar I was teaching regarding the hiring of vendors. An association was having difficulty finding a licensed and bonded painter to paint the exterior of all the buildings at the association and was considering hiring an unlicensed or bonded painter to do the work. The association was thrilled […]
A Homeowners Association in East Portland Is in Knots Over What a $5 Million Repair Might Mean for Its Low-Income Residents
The angry homeowners had a clear mission: ditch the entire board. They needed a simple majority of owners by square footage to do so—there are 111 units total at the complex. At issue was a $5 million siding project the HOA board had recently approved and that was already underway. Read the article………………………..
Plumbing Repairs In Condominiums and Hoa’s
As buildings age, more attention has to be paid to repairs and replacements. Plumbing problems are more expensive than other repairs because they are hidden. Locating the source of a leak may not be easy, even though wet areas or standing water may be evident. Finding the actual problem source may require the assistance of […]
Are HOAs responsible for clearing snow and ice? (CO)
A snowy forecast is never good news for Linda Swan, who is disabled and must use a walker. She tells FOX31 that her biggest fear is “walking on ice or going through several inches of snow.” Read the article………………………..
Bristol condo residents say brown water has officials pointing fingers (CT)
Residents of a Bristol condominium complex have complaints about brown water coming from their faucets. They told FOX61 they feel helpless because no one is taking responsibility. FOX61 obtained a faucet sample that looked like Pepsi. Read the article………………………..
Lorain property owner pledges to repair collapsing balconies months after 19 News report (OH)
The property manager of Residents on the Green in Lorain is aiming to have the collapsing balconies fixed within the next month. Owners in this condo building have been worried for months about the balconies collapsing. Read the article………………………..
What To Do If Water Catastrophe Strikes (GA)
Although snow and freezing temperatures are often anticipated events in Atlanta, for many community association managers, winter is something to dread. With winter comes freezing temperatures and frozen pipes, and, invariably, pipe bursts and failures, and water leaks. Read the article………………………..
FAQs/ Article On SB 326 Hits the Nail On It’s Proverbial Head; Let’s Discuss It’s Highlights
I was going to write an article on SB 326 and discuss the bill and it’s intricacies, although not as a lawyer, because I’m not one and I can’t give legal advice-except to advise you to get legal advice…and so while I’m researching and of course reading other experts articles, opinions etc, I came across […]
Condo association lags on maintenance
Question: Hi, I live in a condo that I’m confident is not being cared for properly and I need some information, please, on what to ask for with regard to better maintenance not only from our board of directors, but then also with the management company. Read the Q&A……………………………….
Asphalt Lot Paving and Sidewalk Survival Guide for HOAs
In Chicago and its suburbs, weather can drastically shorten the life of parking lots and sidewalks if they don’t get proper maintenance. Plus, potholes and other uneven areas can be a safety concern. We interviewed Todd Eichholz, CEO of A&A Paving in Roselle, IL, for a survival guide, as his team has extensive experience with […]
Likely Condo Plumbing Issues and How to Avoid Them (IL)
One of the burdens that accompanies home ownership is plumbing issues. Condo plumbing issues are particularly destructive because they can not only affect the home where the event occurred, but surrounding homes as well. We interviewed Eric Stein of One Stop Contractors to hear first hand the biggest plumbing concerns for condo associations, and best […]
Problem Solved: An Elevator Modernization Takes a Nasty Twist (NY)
One of our recent jobs is a really beautiful high-end building down in Tribeca. It’s a $1.4 million job — a four-car, four-passenger elevator group modernization. They were all overhead traction elevators, 2,500-pound capacity each, which is pretty normal, especially in a building that size. It was four 34-story elevators all in line, pretty much […]
Condo association lags on maintenance
Q: Hi, I live in a condo that I’m confident is not being cared for properly and I need some information, please, on what to ask for with regard to better maintenance not only from our board of directors, but then also with the management company. Read the Q&A……………………………….
Water line problem worsened during cold weather, potentially costing Atlanta residents thousands (GA)
Francisco reached out to the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management and was told that they cannot make repairs to water lines on private property and that it is up to the Homeowners Association to fix the problem. HOA President Lauren Gibson said she had been pushing the management company that controls their money […]
Northwest Indianapolis neighborhood facing more financial troubles over burst water pipes (IN)
It’s a familiar sight on Ripon Court. “Water’s just gushing out of the ground and it causes a little flood,” said Jaime Vado with the Hanover Grove Homeowners Association. Tuesday, workers repaired a burst pipe. This is the second one in as many months. Read the article………………………..
As Winter Is Upon Us, Getting Your Property Ready In Preventing Issues Is Essential (CA)
Although Southern California doesn’t get as cold as our northern neighbors, there are still important steps that can be taken to maintain and improve the quality of life in your home. Winterization and maintenance can help keep your equipment working properly and prevent costly repairs. Read the article………………………..
‘We are desperate’: Greenacres families living without electricity beg for help (FL)
Some families in Greenacres say they have been living without electricity for more than two weeks now and the management company responsible for the repair is not taking immediate action. The City of Greenacres tell CBS12 News they have been made aware by residents in the 600 building of Lakeview Gardens Condominiums that the building […]
Condo and HOA Common Elements: Who is Responsible?
Maintenance responsibilities in condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome community associations are not always clear. Is the association or is the unit owner responsible in the event of a repair issue? Who is responsible for a maintenance issue involving a common element? Read the article………………………..
Tips for Maintaining Your HOA’s Common Areas
Oftentimes, the look and feel of a community significantly impact a person’s decision to buy a house in the neighborhood. Neighborhoods with community associations often have a better look and feel. Read the article………………………..
Are Dirty Dryer Vents Posing A Safety Risk to Your Community?
Laundry rooms and dirty dryer vents alone are responsible for thousands of house fires each year, costing up to $75,000,000 worth of damage to people’s homes. These fires are responsible for ruining many lives and causing millions of dollars worth of property damage. These fires stem from the flammability of dryer lint, which can quickly […]
Broken elevator keeps disabled residents trapped at home (CO)
The Problem Solvers were called back out to the Bayberry Condominiums in Aurora following our story on a broken elevator back at the end of August. Residents had asked for help since the elevator then had been broken going on six weeks. Read the article………………………..
Condo and HOA Maintenance: Who is Responsible?
There are many benefits to being a member of a condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome community association. By paying assessments, unit owners share the cost for a variety of association expenses including common area maintenance (ex. lobbies, hallways, elevators), amenities (ex. club house, gym, pool), landscaping, utilities, and more. Read the article………………………..
Is Your Community Association in Need of Major Repairs?
Completing repairs and capital improvements helps maintain property values and enhance the community. If your association is considering a major repair project, it’s important to know what financing options are available. Read the article………………………..
Tragedies Place Focus On Condominium Model’s Flaws
More than 14 months after the shocking Champlain Towers South condominium tower collapse in Surfside, Fla., many condominium owners lack clarity about the role of condominium associations and owners in preventing future such tragedies. Read the article………………………..
Leaking water main at Worcester condo complex finally fixed, a month later (MA)
A water main on West Mountain Street that has been leaking for a month was fixed on Monday, the city confirmed. “The leak was fixed Aug. 22 by a contractor hired by the condominium association,” city spokesman Robert Burgess said in an email on Tuesday. “The condo association is paying the contractor for fixing the […]
Broken elevator forces older residents to the stairs (CO)
The Problem Solvers were contacted by multiple residents at the Bayberry Condominiums in Aurora because they say the elevator in the building has been broken for nearly six weeks. “Many of us are seniors. We don’t walk very well,” said Geoffrey Jones, who has owned his condo in the building for 15 years. Read the […]
Tips for Streamlining Your Community’s Projects
With budget season upon us, it’s important to think about upcoming projects for the next year. Does your community need to update the clubhouse? Spruce up the landscaping? Repair the pool? Now’s the time to jumpstart these projects! Join us below for some tips to streamline the process. Read the article………………………..
Condominium Repairs: Who Is Responsible? Condo Owners Or The COA
Condominium repairs are an inevitable part of condo ownership. But, not all elements of a condo unit fall under the responsibility of the owner. Sometimes, the condo association is on the hook for maintenance and repairs. Read the article………………………..
Maintenance and Insurance Charts
An association’s maintenance and insurance obligations are typically set forth in the association’s covenants. However, in many instances, simply reading the maintenance and insurance provisions of the declaration will not give boards or managers clear answers. Often times, provisions of the declaration must be cross referenced and read in conjunction, and statutes consulted, before an […]
PAINTING THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR HOME WHEN YOU LIVE IN A HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION OR SITE CONDOMINIUM
We have all heard of that bright pink or purple house that somehow exists as an eyesore or curiosity in an otherwise traditional neighborhood. How did it come to be here? Aren’t the neighbors furious about it? Read the article………………………..
Tips for Reviewing Construction Contracts for Your HOA
A former construction company executive earned a 15 years prison sentence for his role in a scheme to control homeowners associations and took $58 million fraudulently. Often, homeowners association board members fall into the trap of inadvertently and unknowingly signing biased construction contracts. Read the article………………………..
High-Rise Maintenance Tips Your HOA Should Follow
High-rise buildings have unique and sometimes challenging maintenance obligations. An essential responsibility of the association is to ensure that the community is maintained to the highest possible standard, focusing on safety and appearance. Read the article………………………..
HOA Roof Replacement Guidelines To Follow
Living in a homeowners association comes with plenty of advantages, such as improved curb appeal and increased property values. But, it also means having to adhere to the community’s rules and seek approval for architectural changes. This includes an HOA roof replacement. Read the article…………………………
New Federal Proposal Would Help Condos Finance Critical Repairs
This week, Reps. Charlie Crist (D-Fla.) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) introduced H.R. 8304, the Rapid Financing for Critical Condo Repairs Act of 2022, legislation that allows the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Federal Housing Administration to insure condominium association building rehabilitation loans made by private lenders. Read the article……………………………
The Association’s Duty to Maintain, Repair, and Replace: Adequate Assessment and Planning (MI)
Whether your community is a condominium, subdivision, or you live in a cooperative, one of the most important functions of your association is to plan for an execute repairs and maintenance of common elements, areas, or assets. This requires money, which almost always comes solely from the assessment of member homeowners. Read the article…………………………………
Who is responsible for repairing damaged insulation in a condominium?
Q: My condominium association has repeatedly repaired our roof. It has also paid for repainting parts of the ceiling in my unit on multiple occasions. I live on the top floor of a five-story building. Whose responsibility is it to replace rain-damaged ceiling insulation? Read the Q&A……………………………….
What is HOA Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance refers to the routine maintenance tasks performed on the Association’s physical assets and mechanical equipment components. Preventative maintenance is performed to help extend the life of the different assets and equipment within the community’s property, decrease repair costs, and prevent the likelihood of equipment failure and unplanned downtime. Read the entire article……………………………….
Summer Maintenance Tasks For HOAs To Focus On (IL)
Warmer temperatures took a little longer this year, but it’s finally here! This is a great time for your HOA to tick a few maintenance tasks off their to-do list to ensure that your condo community’s shared areas are all in top shape for summer. Read the entire article……………………………….
HOA Vs. Condo Owner Repairs: Who’s Responsible For What? (IL)
Many individuals and families in Chicago choose condo life because of the benefits of living in a community with a homeowners association. One of the main perks is knowing that a portion of the upkeep will be taken care of by the HOA. But what portion exactly? Understanding what your responsibility is as a condo […]
Who Repairs the Incidental Damages Caused by the Association? (FL)
Imagine: the association has just informed you it is set to begin a massive concrete restoration project. As part of the project, the contractor will need access to the rebar beneath the concrete slab connected to (or in legalese, “appurtenant to”) your unit’s balcony. To access the balcony slab, the contractor will have to remove […]
Keys to Creating a Comprehensive Community Maintenance Plan
As an elected leader of a condominium corporation, you know that running a community involves much more than hosting events, attending board meetings, and building relationships with homeowners. Overseeing maintenance, including ensuring grounds are kept clean, facilities operational, and components working, is a big part of the job, too. Having a plan in place is […]
How to Run a Successful Capital Improvement Project for Community Associations – A Best Practices Primer for Board Members and Property Managers (IL)
Now that Spring is come it is time to switch gears from hunkering down and weathering Old Man Winter to planning for successful capital improvement projects. Capital improvement projects are the most expensive undertakings for a community association. As a result, associations must ensure that there is professional oversight every step of the way from […]