2004 Nov
2004 Nov Vol. 24, No. 11
Focus on...Building Maintenance
A Look at Building Anatomy
In many ways, the homes in a detached condo development resemble any other single-family dwellings: they have their own driveways, their own water and electric meters, distinct roofs, and heating and cooling systems. Other types of condo associations take the form of attached townhouses, or high-rise apartment buildings. Regardless of the architecture, a thorough understanding and regular maintenance of all the components that ultimately deliver the essential amenities like heat, air conditioning water, plumbing, and electricity is required in order for the association's operating systems to run safely and efficiently. Read More
Considering a Utility Audit?
Every year, condominiums and co-ops in New Jersey pay millions of dollars in utility expenses, including electric, water/sewer, gas, and steam. Are you certain your board or homeowners association (HOA) is paying the correct amount? What if it isn't? Without an expert audit, you may never know if your complex is due refunds, savings, and credits from overcharges that appear in a surprisingly large percentage of utility bills. Read More
Stocking Your Association's Supply Closets
They say cleanliness is next to godliness, and while the average homeowner's association doesn't have the vast expanses of marble and carpet many high-rise condo buildings have, clean, well-maintained common spaces and neatly-kept landscaping are integral to association members' quality of life. Not only that, but they're also the first areas potential buyers see, so it's important to keep these places looking immaculate—both for residents and for home-hunters. Read More
Preparing HOAs for Winter Weather
The thought of it sends shivers up your spine—the shrill north winds, the snow-covered roads, the traffic jams on the New Jersey Turnpike. Yes, winter is coming. And as the seasons change once again, so too do the demands on housing communities—and their maintenance staff members. Read More
Taking Care of Fireplaces and Chimneys
A fireplace is a wonderful amenity in a home, but before you go off and light that first log, its important for association members to remember that a chimney and fireplace require special care and attention to make sure they remain clear of debris and function properly. Without an annual inspection, a fireplace can become dangerous—even deadly. Read More
The Impact of Contractor Liability
We all know that accidents happen, but in today's litigious environment, an accident or injury occurring on the grounds of your condo or townhouse community can lead to thousands of dollars in legal fees, court costs, and potential judgments, even if the incident is relatively minor. Read More
Morristown
It would be difficult to find an area of New Jersey that isn't steeped in cultural history. The northeastern seaboard saw the majority of the United States' growth at our country's inception and, it's no wonder that "The Military Capital of the American Revolution" is right in the heart of New Jersey. Morristown holds this honor, and that's just one of the many things that makes this interesting little hamlet worth investigating. Read More
CAI-NJ
An estimated 50 million Americans live one of the 249,000 homeowners or condominium associations, cooperatives, or planned development communities spread across the United States—and some 1.25 million of those people serve on their association's board of directors. Read More
