Typical Property Manager Responsibilities: Over the last 20 years when things go wrong at condo complexes, I often get a call to provide solutions. Sometimes the call comes from the property manager and sometimes it is a member of the Board. Sometimes the call is from a unit owner. These types of inquiries remind me….
Save Energy, and Money This article may not be for you but if it is, its message could save you thousands while improving the quality of your life. Maine has a wide range of condo and HOA communities with a variety of configurations and bylaw restrictions. This article targets owners with units where they control….
There is an old Chinese saying, ‘May you live in Interesting Times’. This statement is interpreted to be more of a curse than a friendly greeting, as the interesting times refer to upcoming periods of chaos or uncertainty. Ask any investor or economic forecaster what they fear most, it is uncertainty. Unfortunately, this is….
HOA Maintenance Plans As a young engineer, the most valuable lesson I learned early on was not to try to remember everything but know where to find the answers. It is no different for a new condo board or property manager. The Community Association Institute (CAI) has gone to great lengths to provide community leaders….
Finding the Leak Like the bumper sticker says, Leaks Happen. Eventually all roofs will leak. The various available condo roof surfaces typically have different reserve fund plan expected useful lives. High slope roofs such as fiberglass composite shingles are budgeted to be replaced in 25 to 30 years while low slope roofs surfaces such as….
Selection Process All condo or HOA boards face the task of hiring a service provider or construction contractor periodically. The final success of this effort often depends on establishing the initial selection process and following it to its conclusion. Most service contracts are routine and do not require significant planning or project management oversight. This….
Reserve Study Guidelines Are you aware of the significant changes in the Community Association Institute (CAI)’s recommendations for best practices in future reserve fund studies? If you are not, you are not alone. In July 2023, the Foundation for Community Association Research published its Best Practices – Community Association Maintenance manual. Let me explain why….
Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt Condo association unit owners’ meetings can be a challenge. Boards often need to make hard decisions. People can become very emotional when it comes to issues affecting their money and they feel a lack of control. From what I hear the New England meetings I attend are mild compared to the….
Conventional pool safety measures, including covers, perimeter fences, and subsurface alarms, can prevent unauthorized access when a pool is closed. However, these measures do not protect against drowning when a pool is in use. Lifeguards, swimming lessons, and parental supervision have traditionally served as the primary safety measures during swim time, but tragically, even these….
Over the last twenty years I have had the privilege of meeting with many condominium and HOA boards and leaders. Some were seasoned and experienced while others were new and exposed to the culture of community living for the first time. All wanted to do their best, yet failings and mistakes were acknowledged. With the….