Michelle Tomko

Construction Defect or Maintenance Issue? What to Do When Your Caulk Balks

October 3, 2019 by Michelle Tomko

By Michelle Tomko

It’s hard to imagine a building of any size without some kind of issue. Cement cracks. Water finds a way in. Stains form. But, when you notice things aren’t exactly in plumb shape with your association, how do you know if that’s regular wear and tear or a construction defect? In other words, should you be settling for the house settling? To figure this out Lynn A. Voorhees, Director of Community Association Services at DW Smith Associates answered questions about construction defects.

Flood Insurance Update –  What to Do With the New Wave of Information

August 10, 2019 by Michelle Tomko

By Michelle Tomko

Living by the water has many rewards. But like most things in this world, those beautiful sunrises and long walks on the beach come at a premium – a flood insurance premium to be exact. Additionally, residents can find getting the right type of coverage from the right carrier isn’t always cut and dry. [Read more…] about Flood Insurance Update –  What to Do With the New Wave of Information

Behind Closed Doors –  Executive Session Explained

May 6, 2019 by Michelle Tomko

Everyone who lives in a condominium or homeowner association knows that board meetings are no picnic. They can be confusing, loud and even get a little heated. However, some people may not know that the board also meets privately in executive session. Although this may seem secretive, it is necessary to keep the board, and board meetings running smoothly and it is necessary for certain legal reasons. [Read more…] about Behind Closed Doors –  Executive Session Explained

It’s Getting Easier Being Green

April 16, 2019 by Michelle Tomko

Going green is definitely a topic that community associations are discussing these days. But as with most improvements, there is a cost involved. Weighing the benefits against the learning curve of new technology and the financial burden of taking the leap can be a daunting task. So to explain some of the options that associations have when it comes to going green, Mitch Frumkin, president and founder of Kipcon Engineering headquartered in North Brunswick, New Jersey, with offices in Pennsylvania and New York, answered some questions about what it takes to make the switch. [Read more…] about It’s Getting Easier Being Green

Tips for Getting Your Properties Through the Winter

February 7, 2019 by Michelle Tomko

Summer is way behind us. So goes the way water plays a role in our lives. Instead of longing to get to the beach, lake or pool, us folks in the Northeast have to bundle up and prepare for the icy battle to protect our homes against snow drifts, slippery sidewalks and ice damming.

This Little Light of Mine —  Should the Board Let It Shine

January 22, 2019 by Michelle Tomko

It’s your home. You want it to reflect you and your personality. You have the freedom to do that on the inside walls of your dwelling. But what about when your religion, holiday practices or general aesthetics compel you to decorate the outside of your home seasonally?

Cats Are Moving In: Tips for Managing Feral Cat Colonies

January 11, 2019 by Michelle Tomko

For some, one of the downsides of living in a condominium or homeowner association has always been close proximity to your neighbors. This can especially become a problem when your neighbors are loud and inconsiderate. But what if the rowdy family “next door” is a feral cat colony? What are your options when feline squatters settle in your community?

Repairing and Preventing Ice Dams

December 21, 2018 by Michelle Tomko

As the seasons change, there is more to think about than how early is too early to hang holiday lights on your roof. In fact, while you’re up there untangling them or digging through the attic for extra bulbs, you should also be checking your roof for ice dams. The forming of icicles on your gutters or roof may look pretty, but it could be an indication of a bigger problem.

Paying Attention to Your Budget

October 22, 2018 by Michelle Tomko

Once the board has finished picking out the colors for the elevator renovation, signed the contract for the new landscaper, or taken their best guess as to how much snow will fall in the coming year, there is still an important question they need to ask themselves: How are we going to pay for all of this?

Manager’s Perspective: Volunteers, We Want YOU!

August 31, 2018 by Michelle Tomko

What gets us up and moving when the dreaded alarm clock rings on Monday morning? A salary? Benefits? Or maybe, if you are lucky, it’s that sweet, sweet company car in your driveway. If you aren’t that fortunate, maybe you are at least hoping for free bagels in the break room when you arrive at your chosen profession. That being said, how can condos find competent, available and motivated team players to volunteer for boards and committees when HOAs can’t promise any of that? Well, maybe there are free bagels now and then. To give us some tips on securing a good roster of helpful residents, we spoke with Denise Becker, Senior Vice President of Community Management from Homestead Management Services, Inc.