ASSOCIATIONHELPNOW
By Michelle Tomko
Most communities are interested in doing the right thing when it comes to recycling. But figuring out what the right thing is can be a bit confusing. Which container does this go in? Can this be recycled? What does that symbol on the bottom of my milk jug mean again? [Read more…] about Stream of Conscience “Sorting Out” Single Stream Recycling
By Michelle Tomko
If you have ever served on an association board, you know that nearly any situation, regardless how minor it may seem, can become political. In associations, political factions have been born over such issues as what color to paint the clubhouse card room. If that isn’t bad enough, communities also need to deal with their own town politics – which can affect residents in an association. Whether it’s new construction of a café or ball field that affects quiet enjoyment, or a potential danger to the community due to a variance or change in traffic rules, to a heated political campaign that can be divisive, communities are faced with challenges brought by their local governments. Although associations are their own entities, they are certainly not like islands, completely separate from their municipalities. [Read more…] about Should Associations Become Involved in Municipal Politics?
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.
[Read more…] about Construction Defect or Maintenance Issue? What to Do When Your Caulk Balks
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
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
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
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.
[Read more…] about Tips for Getting Your Properties Through the Winter
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?
[Read more…] about This Little Light of Mine — Should the Board Let It Shine
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?
[Read more…] about Cats Are Moving In: Tips for Managing Feral Cat Colonies
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.