We’ve all heard Ben Franklin’s adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Nowhere is that more true than in regards to a condominium’s roof. Although it is not necessarily the most visually prominent aspect of building, a roof can account for up to 50 percent of a building’s total surface area and represent up to 25 percent of the total building value. While all roofs wi... read more

The condominiums along the white sand beaches of Sanibel Island, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico are a vacationer’s dream. At least half of the residents of SunDial East and SunDial West Condominiums rent their condos to people looking for a relaxing getaway or a comfortable spot for a business gathering. Prospective renters, as well as residents, have come to expect reliable wireless Internet as... read more

Now more than ever condo management professionals are working hard to make their developments more desirable by including details that make their units stand out. One major aspect many buyers consider is the laundry area. More and more consumers are selecting laundry rooms closer to their bedrooms or other living quarters. Making the laundry area more accessible and attractive increases the condo�... read more

Providing a sleek look with minimal obtrusion and view restriction to lower levels, cantilevered balcony construction has been a popular feature with housing developers in America’s Sunbelt states for the past 25 years. Supported from the structure’s interior, they have been ideally suited to provide outdoor living in multi-family developments where space is typically at a premium. The benefit... read more

Most business owners are aware of the problems associated with birds. Canadian geese and pigeons cause the most problems. Healthy adult Canadian geese can produce one and a half pounds of fecal matter per day – sometimes more – and pigeon feathers and droppings can clog drains and ruin ventilation systems. Nothing looks worse then a lawn or building covered in droppings, and slip-and-fall inci... read more

Integrated Pest Management, commonly referred to as IPM, is a trend that has demonstrated “staying power” within the pest management industry. IPM, as defined by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), is a process involving common sense and sound solutions for controlling pests. The focus is upon finding the best strategy for a pest problem, not merely the simplest. Pest professional... read more

Many contractors serving the HOA industry spend an undesirable amount of time submitting free estimates for jobs that will likely be awarded to other vendors. Associations may incorrectly believe that this service has no cost attached. Over the course of a year, however, these costs with no return can be substantial, and it’s the client who ultimately picks up the tab for it. The predominant min... read more

With cold weather looming just around the corner, now is the ideal time to begin winterizing your condo’s fire protection system. When temperatures drop, sprinkler pipes and other system components become extremely vulnerable to freezing. This is problematic not only because it makes safety systems less effective, but it also increases the risk of serious water damage as a result of bursting pip... read more

Condominiums and multi-unit housing are often at a greater security risk than single-family homes, in part because criminals prey on these facilities, and in part because residents must rely on their boards or managers to provide for much of their security. When boards and managers seek to secure their multi-unit communities, they often take measures to secure the perimeter, improve lighting or em... read more

The swimming pool is an important amenity for any HOA. The pool promotes relaxation and social interaction while offering homeowners a place to enjoy much-needed exercise. Swimming is often called the “perfect exercise” because it exercises almost all muscles and burns calories without stressing joints and muscles. However, for this to be possible, water temperature must be comfortable... read more