Page 16 - New England Condominium May EXPO 2019

16 NEW ENGLAND CONDOMINIUM — MAY 2019 NEWENGLANDCONDO.COM MANAGEMENT W hen a community association and declares its expectations for a man- enters into a contract with a agement company before entering into a professional management com- pany, board members may feel a sense of gives both parties a clear idea of where their relief. After all, much of the burden of run- ning the community’s daily operations has tions for the association are going forward. now been transferred to (hopefully) capable If benchmarks are consistently failing to be hands, leaving the board more time to focus met, it becomes somewhat more clear where on members’ own affairs. And in many cas- es, this is exactly how things play out: man- agement does its job capably and efficiently, part ways with their current management and board members feel the stress leave their company because the board is doing all of bodies. But it’s also true that not every manager self,” says Ian Novak, Vice President and Di- or firm is the correct fit for every associa- tion, and some managers are outright bad! A vices with Draper and Kramer in Chicago. board that entrusts too much responsibility “Boards can and should expect management to a manager, and falls asleep at the wheel, to have proper proactive communication may not notice things are awry until the as- sociation has veered wildly off course. In porting that is delivered on time, and cut- light of that, it’s imperative that a board keep ting-edge technology platforms that serve in close contact with its management, con- duct regular performance evaluations, and be unafraid to speak up when things aren’t boards cite when asked why their last man- done to specification. The more time spent agement situation did not work out, notes in a deteriorating relationship with an unfit Jason Keller, Operations Manager with Scal- management company, the more difficult it zo Property Management in Bethel, Con- will be to undo any damage to the communi- ty – even under a trustworthy new manager. them to seek me out and entertain a switch So boards should know when it’s time to cut in management, and nine times out of 10, their losses and seek something better. Management Bona Fides It helps a great deal if a board identifies contractual relationship with anyone. This responsibilities lie, and what the expecta- the problem lies. “In my experience, a board will seek to the actual managing of the community it- rector of Condominium Management Ser- with the community, accurate financial re- the community.” Poor communication is often the reason necticut. “I ask each potential client what led the answer is a lack of communication and lack of follow-up on the part of their current Considering a Change in Management? How to Know When It’s Time BY MIKE ODENTHAL O T 617-628-8888 www.weatherproofing.net • Serving New England Building Owners Since 1981 • Concrete Restoration & Coatings • Façade Inspection & Repair • Masonry Repair & Restoration • Sealant Removal & Replacement • Parking Garage Repair & Traffic Coatings • • Specialty Coatings & Flooring • Roofing Installation & Maintenance • Emergency Repairs • Structural Repairs Waterproofing Systems BUILDING ENVELOPE RESTORATION SPECIALISTS OFFERING: Visit Our New Website! AFTER BEFORE View Project Profiles Request a FREE Consultation Sign up for our E-newsletter ISTOCKPHOTO.COM