2012 March
2012 March Vol. 2, No.3
Focus on...Exterior Maintenance
Papers, Please
Whether it is redesigning light fixtures in a common space or replacing a roof,
repair jobs and capital improvement projects are like death and taxes: they're
inevitable. Though an HOA's property manager most often handles the hiring of
contractors and oversees the execution of the job, problems and issues often
arise that make it important for board members to understand licensing,
documentation and accepted protocols of working with contractors.
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All Hands on Deck
During the building boom of the 1980s, 90s, and early 2000s, condominium
developments all across the country were trying to give their units a little
edge. Some added upgraded cabinetry and flooring. Others included high-end
appliances, sunken living rooms, and vaulted ceilings. Those developers who
really wanted to add something special, however, went the extra mile and added
wooden decks to the exterior of their units.
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Let There Be Light
As recently as the 1930’s, only 68 percent of American homes had electricity. By the middle of the last
century however, most Americans enjoyed well-lighted homes, and the light had
started to spread outdoors as well. Initially, yards and gardens were lit
purely for visibility and safety, but once decorative lighting became a
reality, there was no turning back. Today exterior lighting provides an
exciting way to protect, beautify, and showcase properties, both brand-new and
historic.
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Concrete Concerns
Florida does not have the harsh winters of the north, where thawing and freezing
take their toll on concrete. But corrosion of concrete is an issue in South
Florida, and homeowner associations need to ensure that the concrete making up
their sidewalks, pavements and parking lots, as well as walkways and balconies,
is properly installed and maintained.
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Prepping Your Outdoor Amenities
Thanks to its tropical climate, erratic weather changes are nothing new to
Southern Florida residents. There are cold fronts from November through March,
and if that’s not enough, the hurricane season is kind enough to coincide with the wet
season. Despite the lack of four distinct seasons, this occasional volatility
makes the maintenance of outdoor HOA amenities a year-round proposition.
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Best Impessions
As the old saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first
impression, and for homebuyers, that first impression is almost always the view
from the street. No matter how deluxe the accommodations inside, if the property’s exterior is less than desirable, a buyer’s mind is often made up before they enter the front door—if they even bother to go that far.
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Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beachers may have been rocked by the Bernard Madoff ponzi scheme scandal
(More than a few islanders had losses in the eight figures) but the tony
island, 65 miles north of Miami on Florida’s east coast still boasts, multi-million dollar mansions, mega yachts, world
class dining, luxury upscale resorts, pristine beaches and some of the most
expensive second-home real estate in the county.
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Q&A: Banding Together
If a co-op gets the run around from its board about finances, and there is evidence of mismanagement, how can a resident shareholder organize to get other residents together and collectively hire their own attorney to represent them? Read More
Q&A: Renter's Rights?
We have an owner in our condominium association who is several months behind in his fees. He currently has a tenant in his unit. The association pays the bill for his water, sewage, pool and other amenities. Do we as an association have the right to take any of these amenities away from the renter, and would it be possible to have the renter pay his monthly rent to the association until the delinquency is resolved? Read More
