Liabilities and Risks of Ignoring Issues: An Engineer’s Perspective Question: A recent reserve study identified a number of repairs/replacements that should be addressed in the community. However, while the reserve is being funded on a monthly basis, there isn’t enough in the current reserve fund for the repairs/replacements. With inflation and knowing that owners won’t….
News
Don’t Use Expired Caulking!
Tubes of caulking have expiration dates. Using expired caulk can result in poor performance of the caulking material after installation. There are many reasons to use new caulking for your project including: Good performance from the caulk Preventing installation issues and troubles The high cost of removing old or failed caulk The importance of caulk….
Inspecting New Condo Buildings: Unveiling Common Issues!
Are you considering buying a new condo or have you noticed problems after moving in? As experienced building inspectors, we’ve witnessed many hidden issues that could impact your investment. Let’s explore some areas of concern: Grading/Drainage: New grading is prone to settlement. Settlement and poor drainage can lead to problems like sunken storm drain grates,….
Spring Rains are Coming- Have you checked your gutters recently?
Are you experiencing drainage issues or water intrusion at your home? Wet soil around your home is one of the most common conditions that can lead to foundation problems. When considering basement foundations, “Hydrostatic Pressure” can be described as the constant force of water pressure being exerted against the basement walls. Water weighs more than….
Your Roof: 8 Things to Consider
If your house, condominium or commercial office building is like most built in the last 50 years, it probably has a sloped roof with one of the following roofing materials: composition shingles composite tile cement or clay tile wood shingles metal roofing Each type of roofing has its unique characteristics. However, there are also some….
“The Challenge of Aging Buildings” Presentation
We will be presenting at this month’s Community Association Institute Central Ohio Section meeting. “The Challenge of Aging Buildings”. We’ll be sharing our knowledge on best practices for property inspections, preventative maintenance and board communication. The event is March 23. Co-presenting with us is Christy Osborne, Director of Multifamily Operations with Feazel. Link to Event….
Purchasing Property in Associations – What You Need to Know
The number of condominium and homeowners associations continues to grow in across the country, with over 8,000 currently in Ohio. If you have clients who are considering purchasing property in a condominium or a homeowners association, there are several factors to research and review with them before they submit an offer. Associations are legal business….
Vinyl Siding – or Not
Perhaps you are on the Building Committee which has been charged by your Homeowners Association Board to recommend a replacement siding material for your 35 year old condo. Perhaps you are a property manager whose in-basket is filled with unit owner complaints about vinyl clapboard siding problems in the new condo complex. Whatever the vinyl….
Foundation Cracks & Forensics
Cracks in foundations are by far the most common structural complaint raised in either reserve fund studies or transition studies. They can occur in the youngest or newest condo building. As condo documents usually assign the maintenance responsibility of their repair to the association, board members and property managers take them very seriously. Most basements and garages have….
Building Maintenance Checklist!
A Proactive Approach is Best If you are responsible for your condo or HOA’s physical condition, this is no time to relax. Planning now can pay big dividends in being able to hire a repair contractor before the spring/summer crunch arrives. With that in mind, the following list can provide a guide to issues for….