Page 18 - New England Condominium April 2019

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Certified Public Accountants 20 Freeman Place Needham, MA 02492 Tel: (617) 566-3645 (866) 842-0108 Fax: (866) 681-2377 www.DALCPAPC.net DAL CPA See Our Display Ad on Page 17 BetterVent is a NEW kind of Indoor Dryer Vent. www.adr-products.com 1-888-609-5512 Condominium and Real Estate Law Phone: (781) 817-4900 Direct: (781) 817-4603 Fax: (781) 817-4910 We may be dressed up, but we aren’t afraid to get our hands dirty. www.lawmtm.com See Our Display Ad on Page 7 Solving your problems today & strengthening your association for tomorrow. 6 Lyberty Way, Suite 201 Westford, MA 01886 (978)496-2000 www.perkinslawpc.com Plant-Based Lifestyle Having a project to rally behind – or even just a shared aesthetic delight – can help bring a community together and strengthen its bonds. “Gardens are visually appealing and re- laxing,” says Steele. “Th ey add monetary value to a property, and most importantly, they can smell great and contribute oxygen and fresh air.” “Neighbors congregate over landscaping, over fl owers, and over seasonal displays,” adds Avery. “Communities compete to be the best-looking property, and it feels good to live in a community that makes an eff ort to promote its curb appeal. During events such as weddings, graduations, and parties, you oft en see folks gather in front of plant- ers or fl owers to pose for photographs, which to me means that they want to capture the beauty of the garden at that moment.” Whenever homeowners get to own – or at least steer – a project, they tend to feel more in touch with, and even integral, to the greater community, notes Fries. “Working on a garden should enable a committee to oversee other important communal issues, including: • Monitoring the work of the landscape contractor to ensure that the duties under contract for landscaping of common areas and private homes are performed as sched- uled and in a manner consistent with the quality for which the association has con- tracted. • Becoming familiar with the operation of the irrigation system, drainage basins and aerators. • Determining the need for additional services as resident population increases or other needs arise, and make recommenda- tions to the board. • Advising the Architectural Review Board on landscape issues related to ARB applications, if requested by the ARB.” A Warning Of course, when it comes to planting gar- dens – or any common area improvement project, really – an association should be mindful never bite off more than it can chew. “As the manager, we see to it that noth- ing falls to ill-repair,” says Avery, “but I can understand how a property might allow its gardening to become overgrown. Th ese are oft en budget-challenged communities with few funds to spare for beautifi cation. Neg- ligence here would be a mistake, however, as buyers are attracted by curb appeal, and might never even enter a property to see the units if the exterior is unsightly. If there are few funds available to accommodate garden- ing, the community should consider con- tainers in strategic places, or simply plant ground cover.” n Mike Odenthal is a staff writer/reporter with New England Condominium. PLANNING... continued from page 8 we strive to get them involved as much as we’re able.” Interior Considerations Once the exterior of a property is look- ing fresh enough to will sunny, 62-degree days into being, a building or association can tackle any necessary interior work. Maistre suggests that a board look to clean carpets; strip, deep-clean and/or polish tiles in entryways and lobby areas; touch up paint on walls, doors and trims; clean light fixtures, interior windows and air ducts. “The latter, along with marble floor tiles, should be handled by profes- sionals,” he makes sure to point out. “Any elevators should be inspected, and fire safety and suppression measures should be taken care of,” adds Cabrera. Boards should also brace themselves – because as soon as the weather turns, it’s moving season. “Spring is usually busy for people moving in and out of proper- ties, so association staff should prepare heavily-trafficked service areas by in- stalling fresh corner guards and ensuring that elevator pads are in good condition to better protect the cabs,” says Butler. “These steps can save thousands of dol- lars in repairs after the moving season is over. “Also, the rain that comes with spring can often result in wet lobbies with slip- pery conditions,” Butler continues. “In- house staff should replace worn lobby floor mats, inspect seals around common area windows and doors, and confirm that building drainage systems are free of debris or blockages.” Springtime is lovely – but it can also be a lot of work. By planning ahead, pri- oritizing tasks, and delegating to com- mittees of committed residents, your building or HOA can make seasonal cleanup easier and smoother – and spend more of your time enjoying the return of sunshine and warmer weather. n Mike Odenthal is a staff writer/reporter for New England Condominium. SPRING... continued from page 15