Repairs & Maintenance

This week we take a look at a recent court case that provides a warning of how architectural review slipups might land an association in court. The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) has a lot of power in a community association, which can lead to disputes with owners. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to…

The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) has a lot of power in a community association, which can lead to disputes with owners. One such recent case provides a warning of how architectural review slipups might land an association in court. Fortunately, you can take some steps to reduce the odds of this. Good Fences Make Mad…

Many owners dread doing their laundry in the shared laundry room, but community association managers have several alternatives to help ease the drudgery. This week, we share some steps worth considering. First, technology can go a long way toward improving the laundry experience. Laundry services providers increasingly offer proprietary apps to their customers. For example,…

Many owners dread doing their laundry in the shared laundry room, but community association managers have several alternatives to help ease the drudgery. Here are some steps worth considering. 1. Embrace technology. Technology has spread to the world of laundry, from computerized washers and dryers to Internet-connected machines and notification systems. Laundry services providers increasingly…

This week, we dig into how your clients might reap substantial savings by upgrading to LED, or light-emitting diode, lighting. You've been in the dark if you don't know how much longer LED lights last than traditional bulbs. “We have some lights that will last over 100,000 hours, and most of our lights are rated…

Everyone recognizes the critical roles outdoor lighting plays for a community, from improving security and visibility to enabling nighttime activities and enhancing “curb appeal.” So the related expense generally is viewed as a necessary evil. But your clients might find they could reap substantial savings by upgrading to LED, or light-emitting diode, lighting. LED Advantages…

With spring weather taking hold in most parts of the country, community association managers can expect the blossoming of questions and concerns from owners about landscaping. Even with associations that already have board-approved landscaping plans in place, managers might have owners demanding already-scheduled maintenance, planting in common areas without permission, or micromanaging the gardening crew.…

By Carolyn Zezima

Depending upon where the community you manage is located, hot weather is a year-round issue you must manage or summer is around the corner faster than you think. One sure way you can beat the heat, no matter where your association is, is to be certain that your community’s central air conditioning system or members’ individual units are ready to go for peak temperatures. Malfunctioning systems are likely to waste energy and money—and they’ll certainly lead to member complaints.

If your association has decided that it has the funds to upgrade current amenities or add new ones, you should find out what’s most important to members before determining where the money should be spent. In a community with families, a playground or playroom might be important to members. A swimming pool might be a welcome addition to a community in a warm-weather environment. Age-restricted community members might want a better club room where they can socialize or spend time with their extended family during visits.