With freshly-fallen snow blanketing your condominium landscape, it’s easy to be lulled into thinking the property really is “pretty as a picture.” But keep in mind that in a few short weeks, that blanket may be melted away, revealing an ar…
A small-scale project is pending, and the management company is considering proposals or bids from several local contractors. The job could be as basic as trimming shrubs, staining decks or wiring some new lighting, so it’s no wonder that …
If you’re on a board in a New England condo or HOA, now is the time that you should be talking about making any of the major improvements that you’ve discussed or considered over the past few years. Even if you have a plan in place to do a…
Nothing lasts forever, and though you can’t predict the moment a piece of building equipment will break down, you can prepare for it. Even the toughest boiler, HVAC unit, or elevator will eventually tucker out and need major repairs, or ju…
Air conditioning, climate control and proper handling of waste play a huge role in maintaining quality of life—not only in terms of comfort, but in terms of health as well. In a multifamily building with scores, or possibly hundreds,…
Modern cities are amazing creations, pulsing with life 24 hours a day, and built to cater to every need of residents. Take away just one of any city dweller’s basic necessities like plumbing, electricity or heating and air conditioning, th…
Stairwell safety may not get front and center attention from condo associations but should not be side-stepped. In the event of a fire, it’s important for stairwells to be well lit with access to the exit. If an elderly person slips and…
When summer rolls around many New Englanders can be found at The Cape, Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard or any of the numerous beaches that are dotted along the Northeast coast. New England’s stunning water vistas are rivaled only by its …
As we approach the 2013 construction season, it’s time to begin planning for any major building envelope projects that are needed at your property. In fact, if you are only planning now, you are behind schedule already. Getting your job…
The shingles on the roof look worn. Paint is peeling off the clapboards on a few buildings. Potholes have turned the parking lot into a slalom course. But collections are down, several homes are in foreclosure, and the temptation to le…