Good quality windows are essential to a building's aesthetic appeal, as well as its energy efficiency. But what is involved in changing out the old windows for the new? There are a few important things boards and managers should kno…
Any board or manager that arranges for a contractor to come onto their property to do a project or render a service always hopes that the job will be done well, or that the service will be delivered exactly as expected. While the majorit…
When you hire a contractor to do some work in your condo, co-op or HOA development, whether that work is lobby renovation, installing new windows, repairing elevators or fixing the roof, you and the contractor have two other partners: th…
Condominium communities and townhomes have meticulously landscaped grounds. It is only right that the exteriors be well maintained too. Maintaining the exterior of the building serves two purposes. First, just like an impeccable landscap…
When it comes to amenities in homeowner associations, few are as desirable and enjoyable as swimming pools. Having a semi-private place where people can swim or relax on a deck in the sun—without the hassle of actually maintaining the po…
In a suburban community, outdoor lighting is an important part of any good overall security plan. A well-planned lighting scheme may deter intruders and also prevent falls and accidents by tenants and visitors. Outdoor lighting can also …
For any residential development, dirt, extreme weather conditions, and everyday wear-and-tear can play havoc with even the most durable building materials, such as stone or steel. Those same elements take an even greater toll on painted …
Everyone knows the old phrase about April showers bringing May flowers, but what the saying doesn't tell you is that the rain in April can also bring a lot of damage to your gutter system. Hard rain and blustery wind are always around on…
Once the first home in a new community development is sold, its homeowner association is activated. And from that moment on, the association has to fulfill its obligations to the community and its residents. At the start of the proc…
Successful property owners and managing agents routinely obsess about maintenance issues—everything from minor cosmetics to major structural or mechanical improvements. You must think about the roof over your residents' heads, and carefu…