Few things illustrate the fragility of modern civilization more clearly than plumbing problems. A broken pipe, a backed-up toilet, a flooded bathroom—any one of these can quickly go from annoyance to emergency, and the longer a plumbing…
Technological applications to residential building life are becoming more prevalent, and in some cases, they’ve even become more affordable than in the past. An “intelligent” building is able to monitor its environmental, mechanical, and…
Building owners are charged with the constant battle of keeping water out of the building envelope, but sometimes the water that causes stains, mold and decay comes from within the building envelope. Consideration to design, materials a…
A Bergen County, New Jersey jury in November rendered a $1.3 million dollar verdict against a cooperative corporation and its management company for failing to remediate a longstanding water problem that led to mold growth and expos…
Water is vital to sustaining life, but keeping it in its place is vital to the sanity—and bank accounts—of both boards and residents of HOAs. Infiltration of H2O into an apartment or other parts of a building can throw people into a…
Given the thousands of miles of sidewalks running through New Jersey's suburban communities, sidewalk maintenance in this region is serious business. Foot traffic, erratic weather, tree roots, and other factors all contribute to the…
Exterior repairs and regular maintenance are a necessary part of the upkeep of any co-op or HOA. But exterior renovation or construction can be a major undertaking for any community, especially when the board is not comprised of peo…
The workers are there in plain sight, going about their jobs with intensity, laboring on the buildings around us—maybe even in your own HOA. But what are they doing, exactly? What does it mean when a contractor is hired to do a faça…
Let's take an imaginary walk with a prospective buyer up to the doorway of their future home in your condominium development. Take a look at the wilted, dried-up flowerbeds that haven't seen care or maintenance in months. Attractive, are…
For most people, after a long winter, warm weather cannot come soon enough. But, if you are a trustee in a community association or a property manager, spring means more than barbecues and patio furniture—it means tough decisions and exp…