As buildings age, small and large maintenance issues arise, and condo boards are called upon to address these situations. The questions frequently revolve around whether to use in-house staff (if the condo employs them) or to hire an o…
Years ago, the only remedy for uneven sidewalks or foundations was what pros in the business call “rip out and replace,” which means tearing out the old pavement slab and pouring a new one – and spending a lot of time and money doing it.…
Edgar Dworsky is the treasurer of a small Somerville, Massachusetts condo complex that was built back in 1987. He loves where he lives except for one, quite large, problem. Water leaks have plagued the complex since it was built. Durin…
Even cavemen knew that fire was dangerous. But, ironically, we have 21st-century people blithely building fires right in the middle of their furnished, wood-filled, carpeted, upholstered and bookcase-jammed condominiums. And they want s…
Q I purchased my condo three years ago and at that time I was given a copy of the rules & regulations. This is a small associationwith 12 units. The documents stated pets were acceptable. I have been on the board for the last three year…
Every claim by a resident that he or she needs a special accommodation in connection with a condominium’s rules, policies, or services due to an alleged handicap – whether physical or emotional – must be taken very seriously. The failure …
What do Northampton, Massachusetts, and Brooklyn, New York, have in common? A fair share of transplanted Manhattanites. Restaurants featuring local ingredients. Great music. A strong gay and lesbian community. Families with young kids.…
The fortunate fact is that most associations do not have claims on any regular basis. The consequence of this, however, is that many associations are not experienced in the claims process, and are prone to make mistakes, which can result…
“When there is a river in your parking lot where the cars and the dumpsters are floating away, it really puts the property manager to the test to see how well he or she has planned,” says David J. Levy, PCAM, veteran property manager an…
Decisions, decisions, decisions. Board members have to make them all the time, from how money should be spent on repairs to what contractors should be hired. Making decisions might seem easy, but deciding between two courses of…