Think Long Term for Condo and HOA Planning

Association's and their Board's sometimes seem to have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), and we really mean no offense by that. However, we notice more and more everyday that Association's tend to spend a lot of time juggling a number of projects. This tactic not only makes it more difficult for projects to be completed, but are also signs of a disorganized Board and Manager. This makes both homeowners and board members frustrated. A good Property Manager knows just how to overcome this ADD syndrome.

Board of Directors need to not only have a plan, but they need to work their plan through their manager every single day.

The plan must primarily include major capital expenditures, such as roof replacement, painting, and pavement resurfacing. Without a Capital Improvement Plan most Associations will have no choice but to defer major maintenance issues which will most certainly cost more in the end. Board Members should work with their Property Manager to develop a long term Capital Improvement Plan for adequate reserve funding.

Your plan should also include regular property maintenance from your Associations operating budget. These regular maintenance items include lamp replacement, tree trimming , or elevator upgrades. Repair items should be built into your monthly operating budget in order to avoid costly emergency repairs and to preserve the condition of the property. By performing regular repairs on a monthly basis and avoiding emergency repairs your Association will save in the long term. 

Board Meeeting

The Associations plan should also have a time frame built into it which sets expectations for the Property Manager, the Board, and homeowners as to when items should be paid for and completed. This keeps everyone on track and avoids the unnecessary juggling of uncompleted projects. 

In closing, a Board should always think Long Term. "What's here today is gone tomorrow" is not necessarily true for Community Associations because what's here today will only be a bigger more expensive problem tomorrow.

Our Property Managers in South Florida work closely with Board Members to develop property maintenance plans that focus on long term repairs that help increase property values in the association communities we serve throughout Miami Dade and Broward Counties.