2013 November
Focus on... Building Maintenance

Maintenance A Breath of Fresh Air
2013 November A Breath of Fresh Air

­­­In a multifamily building with scores, possibly hundreds of people living under one roof, cooking, cleaning, dusting and breathing, it’s no surprise that the airways, chutes and garbage rooms of these buildings can get clogged and dirty…

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Maintenance Live Long and Prosper
2013 November Live Long and Prosper

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…

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Maintenance Where's the Money?
2013 November Where's the Money?

As readers of this publication surely know, well-run condo buildings and HOAs need to have adequate amounts of money in both their operating funds and their reserve funds. The operating fund covers most of the day-to-day costs of run…

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Board Operations Do It Yourself…Or Not?
2013 November Do It Yourself…Or Not?

This country was founded with a heavy dose of independence and a strong “Do-It-Yourself” attitude. The DIY mindset, with roots in Europe and European culture, crossed the Atlantic Ocean with the earliest immigrants and became part of the A…

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Management SuperMen & SuperWomen!
2013 November SuperMen & SuperWomen!

The life of a super is different every day, but it usually goes something like this: arrive at work each morning; check in with security for any possible situations that have come up during the night; review any outstanding work orders and…

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Board Operations Happy Holidays
2013 November Happy Holidays

Holiday decorations are an easy way for an association to spread some seasonal cheer and add a cozy, communal vibe to the neighborhood. But what was once a practice limited to a couple of lights, ornaments and a menorah or two has migrated…

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Real Estate Trends Getting a Little Tipsy
2013 November Getting a Little Tipsy

Whether you live in a leafy suburb or in a high-rise co-op in Fort Lee, life is expensive. Sometimes it can feel as though everybody from the barista at your favorite coffee shop to the kid who sacks your groceries is trying to nickel-and-…

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Neighborhoods Wish You Were Here
2013 November Wish You Were Here

About one hour and a half from New York City, Jackson Township, located in Ocean County, New Jersey, is the ideal place for a mini-vacation. The town, known by many as the “Gateway to the Jersey Shore,” and centered between New York …

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Q&A Q&A: Giving Access to Your Condo Unit
2013 November Q&A: Giving Access to Your Condo Unit

Q Last month a minor flood occurred in the condominium unit above me from a clogged pipe. The above unit that was affected wants the pipe replaced. The problem is the only way to get access to the repair is through my unit. I objected to …

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Q&A Q&A: Money for Nothing?
2013 November Q&A: Money for Nothing?

There have been two charges that just appeared on my maintenance statement completely to my surprise. They are small amounts of money, but I wasn't given any prior notice—they were just tacked on to my bill. One was for parking increase an…

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