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BKB Cleaning Company is a pressure washing services company. We provide Roof Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning, Driveway Pressure Cleaning and Window Cleaning. We service both residential and commercial customers. Call for a free quote.
BKB Cleaning Company serving communities in Parkland, Coral Springs, Margate and Boca Raton. If you are looking for the best pressure washer for residential and commercial properties.
We believe in arriving on time at the customers home, providing extra ordinary service and leaving you happier than when we arrived. We care about our customers property and treat it with great care. Our cleaning process includes no pressure roof cleaning, driveway power washing and power wash fence.
We have the ability to wash with either hot water or cold water. When you wash with hot water you are able to get more dirt off than cold. We give the option to our customer as to which one they want.
We also have the ability to provide soft wash services to ensures that your home walls and roof are safe for years to come. It is safer way of cleaning because no pressure washer is used to apply chemicals or to clean the roof or home. This helps your home and or roof stay clean and safe from damage from a pressure washer. As technology evolves, so must we. That is why we are relentless in researching and testing new ways to get house washing done better and faster. We know the last thing you want is to have someone at your home all day.
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Brighten Your Business: How Commercial LED Lighting Boosts Productivity and Sales
The lighting in your business space does more than just brighten up the area; it can have a profound impact on productivity and sales. As businesses strive to create optimal working environments and enticing shopping experiences, commercial LED lighting has emerged as a game-changer. In this blog, we’ll explore the powerful ways in which LED lighting can elevate your business, enhancing both productivity among your employees and customer satisfaction, ultimately leading to increased sales.
A well-lit workspace is vital for employee productivity and well-being. Studies have consistently shown that commercial LED lighting can positively influence concentration, focus, and overall mood among workers. The bright, uniform illumination provided by LEDs reduces eye strain and fatigue, leading to improved performance and reduced errors. With LEDs, your team will feel more comfortable and motivated, leading to increased efficiency and productivity that directly impacts your business’s bottom line.
Focused Lighting Solutions:
One of the key advantages of commercial LED lighting is its versatility. LED technology allows for focused lighting solutions, meaning you can highlight specific areas or products in retail spaces. Whether it’s accentuating merchandise in a store or illuminating important workstations in an office, LEDs provide the flexibility needed to create the perfect ambiance for each section of your business. By directing attention to critical areas, you can guide customers to key products, driving sales and optimizing their overall shopping experience.
Vibrant and Inviting Spaces:
First impressions matter, and your business’s lighting sets the tone for customers’ overall experience. Commercial LED lighting offers a range of color temperatures and intensity levels that can be tailored to match your brand’s personality and image. Whether you want to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in a restaurant or a bright and energetic vibe in a retail store, LED lighting can be customized to suit your specific needs. A vibrant and inviting space will leave a lasting impression on customers, encouraging them to return and recommend your business to others.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings:
Beyond boosting productivity and sales, commercial LED lighting also presents significant cost-saving opportunities. LEDs are known for their energy efficiency, consuming up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. This reduction in energy usage translates to lower electricity bills, freeing up financial resources that can be reinvested in other aspects of your business. Additionally, LEDs have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintenance costs.
As you strive to create a thriving business environment, don’t overlook the power of commercial LED lighting. The benefits extend far beyond just lighting up your space; they enhance productivity, elevate customer experiences, and contribute to cost savings. Embrace the versatility and efficiency of commercial LED lighting to brighten your business, boost employee morale, and entice customers into a captivating shopping journey. With the right lighting strategy, your business will shine brightly and enjoy the rewards of increased productivity and sales.
L.o.T.’s Solution
Inefficient lighting wastes energy which contributes to the rising global consumption of fossil fuels. Lighting of Tomorrow is on a mission to reduce America’s environmental footprint. By partnering up with industry experts, Lighting of Tomorrow facilitates communities to switch from inefficient lighting fixtures to new state-of-the-art LED lighting technology. Our goal is to achieve significant energy cost reductions through the installation of energy-efficient lighting Our services include: ✓professional lighting consultation ✓lighting installation ✓lighting maintenance
Budget preparation time is upon us! We strongly encourage, that every year around this time, association managers and Boards review and ensure that your capital reserve study is accurate and up-to-date.
This is one of the most important decisions a board will make for the future of their association. It is an easy and effective way to ensure your community’s capital replacement items are being properly funded with minimal impact on the individual homeowners.
With the recent update to the Capital Reserve Study Standards, the impact of inflation and supply chain issues over the past few years (in some cases resulting in costs as much as 50% higher for some typical components), it is even more critical to have an updated reserve study to ensure the financial health of your community.
To stay on track for a healthy financial future, it is recommended that your Reserve Study be updated every three (3) years.
The Falcon Group Capital Reserves team consists of 6 CAI Certified Reserve Specialists (RS) as well as a Professional Reserve Analyst (PRA) designation awarded by the Association of Professional Analysts.
1211 1st Avenue, N.
Suite 106
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
P (813) 438-3568
West Palm Beach
5651 Corporate Way
Suite 4
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
P (561) 290-0504
Miami
15405 NW 7th Avenue
Miami, FL 33169
P (305) 663-1970
Capital Reserve Study ( what is involved )
The primary purpose of a Reserve Study is to offer recommendations as to the amount of money a community, building or other organization should set aside on a yearly basis for the future replacement or major refurbishment of their commonly owned elements.
The Falcon Group believes that a properly funded capital reserve program is the right formula for keeping a community’s physical assets in prime condition while providing some key benefits to residents. We strongly recommend updating your Capital Reserve Study Every 3 years.
A regularly updated Reserve Study can provide the following benefits:
Maintaining and/or increasing property values by maintaining exterior appearances through timely repair or replacement of common elements.
Facilitating project efficiency and cost effectiveness, as well as, minimizing disruptions and unit owner inconvenience by allowing the association to secure contractors to complete an entire project during a finite and desired schedule.
Reducing the likelihood of member dissatisfaction associated with the passage of large or sudden assessments.
All of our Capital Reserve Studies are prepared under the direction of a Reserve Specialist (RS) and/or a Professional Reserve Analyst (PRA).
The Falcon Group has prepared over 3,500 Capital Reserve Studies. Each Capital Reserve Study we perform is a customized analysis, prepared in coordination with our Reserve Specialist (RS) and our client, and is based on a “real-world” methodology for each item in regards to:
Inspection
Evaluation for repair or replacement
Evaluation for anticipated “Useful Life”
Integrated into a repair or replacement plan and budget
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How long should HOA repairs take?
We recently published an article on how communities can speed up maintenance projects. In this article, we’ll look at how long some common maintenance jobs should take to complete.
HOAs have an obligation to maintain certain parts of the development. They must set aside a portion of the dues or fees collected from owners to pay for big and small maintenance projects. If the association fails to meet those obligations, it not only creates safety problems for members, but legal issues for the association as well.
If members feel that the board is not properly caring for the property, they can write official complaints, vote to remove board members, or even sue the HOA.
Maintenance must be taken seriously, but it is far easier to manage when you have a system or solution that enables you to organize components, schedule/assign work, and track tasks.
Defining maintenance obligations
The maintenance responsibilities of an association versus those assigned to individual owners depend primarily on whether the item or equipment is classified as part of a common area, exclusive use common area, or separate interest.
Common areas typically refer to shared spaces such as pools, sidewalks and roads. Exclusive use common areas are spaces or elements used by one or more, but fewer than all, of the owners. Separate interests are the separately owned lots belonging to members.
While some maintenance obligations are quite clear, others can be a little murky. This is especially true with exclusive common areas since they tend to be things like patios and windows. Roof maintenance may also be confusing; some HOAs cover roof repairs while others do not.
The association’s CC&Rs should detail maintenance obligations and define who is responsible for what. But if there is some uncertainty, boards are advised to refer to civil codes and/or consult with the HOA’s attorney.
Why timelines matter
There are several reasons why time matters when it comes to maintenance projects. The main one is so staff and management can plan for disruptions and costs. However, there are times when maintenance work will impact owners, and they will also need to know approximately how long the work will impact their day-to-day lives.
For example, if a parking lot is being repaved, owners will need to be informed of the work, they will need to move their vehicles before the work begins, and know how long they will have to find temporary parking.
Contractors can’t know for sure how long maintenance work will take to complete, but they should be able to provide an educated estimate. Tracking the time it takes for professionals to complete routine and unplanned maintenance is another good way to predict future repair timelines. Having this knowledge allows those responsible for setting up maintenance work to complete projects with more confidence (plus they’ll know if a vendor is taking too long to complete certain jobs).
How long should HOA repairs take?
There is no way to know for sure how long any maintenance project will take. Even a standard preventative maintenance job can become lengthy if a contractor discovers additional damage to an element. Other factors, including availability of materials, permit requirements, complexity of the project, size of the community, and weather will all impact the timeline of a project.
That being said, below are some estimates of how long common HOA maintenance work takes to complete.
To get a more accurate time estimate, speak with a contractor or repair expert. They will be able to look at the specific qualities of your community and provide you with a realistic timeline.
Pool repairs
There are many different types of pool repairs. Some can be completed in a couple of hours while others will take several days.
A simple structural leak generally takes a day or two of work. Half a day is needed to complete the first step of a crack injection repair, and another half day is required to “staple” the cracks together and plaster the damaged area.
If your pool has a heater and the warming system breaks, the entire pool may be shut down for a week. The heater can be replaced in a day, but it could take longer. After the new pool heater is installed, it might be another three days before the pool is warm enough to use again.
Most plumbing leaks can be resolved in two days, but the time it takes to fix a pool leak from plumbing can vary according to the extent of the damage.
Pool resurfacing involves the removal and replacement of the top layer of the pool surface. This may be done to give the pool a clean fresh look, or to address several small cracks. In general, this renovation process takes one to three weeks.
Water/electricity lines
A water line is an underground pipe that transports water from a water source to a home’s or building’s service pipe. These pipes typically run beneath sidewalks and streets.
A water line pipe might crack, allowing water to spill out. This can cause many issues, including unsanitary water, higher water bills, low water pressure, and floods.
Due to the severity of this problem, a water main break needs immediate attention. Plumbing technicians will need to turn the water off while they repair the break. Once the pipe is in working order, they will flush it before reconnecting it to the plumbing system.
The good news is this type of repair only takes between four and eight hours.
If an electricity line goes out due to weather, it can generally be restored in a couple of hours. However, if an entire pole comes down, the outage could easily last a full day.
Roofs
In many cases, HOAs have delegated the responsibility of maintaining roofs to the individual owners. But if the association covers the costs of repairs, expect each home to take up 1-3 days of the contractors’ time. More complex designs and materials will add time to that estimate.
Gutters and downspouts
Routine maintenance of gutters and downspouts prevents more serious water damage from occurring. Like roofs, many HOAs have stated that owners are responsible for maintaining these items.
Minor gutter repairs can be completed in as little as one to two hours. Partial replacements can take two to four hours, and full replacements can take two to three days of work.
The timing is similar for downspout repairs and replacements.
Parking lots
Most HOAs can complete routine parking lot maintenance in two to three weeks, but timing will vary depending on the size of the lot and weather conditions.
Paving can take less than a week, but keep in mind that proper curing (letting the asphalt cool and settle) is an important part of the process as well. Depending on the size of the parking lot, thorough curing can take anywhere from one to two weeks.
General landscaping
While not a traditional repair, landscaping is a maintenance job that can be hard to plan for, at least the first couple of times. The size of the property, availability of materials, and weather conditions can greatly impact the time it takes to finish the job. Once you have found a landscaper that you like, you will become more familiar with the time it takes to do certain jobs.
From start to finish, most projects fall into the two- to three-week range, but cutting grass or trimming plans can take half a day.
Conclusion
HOAs have an obligation to maintain certain areas of the development. By scheduling routine maintenance, associations help prolong the useful life of elements and components, and keep the community safe and attractive too.
It’s important for staff, board members and management to have repair timelines so that they can budget for costs and time accordingly. While projects don’t always go according to plan, just having a guideline allows them to manage expectations more effectively.
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Now is the perfect time to start planning for the upcoming construction season!
At Falcon, we understand the challenges communities face when it comes to site improvements. That’s why we offer comprehensive engineering services to help you tackle these projects effectively.
Contact us today for a free consultation and proposal and let us help you transform your community into a better place to live.
Are you tired of the deteriorating condition of the roadways in your community?
Is drainage becoming a major concern during heavy rains?
Are the retaining walls in your neighborhood showing signs of wear and tear?
If so, it’s time to take action!
Planning and executing site improvement projects can be a complex process. From roadway resurfacing to tennis court replacement, these projects require careful planning and development.
Now is the perfect time to start planning for the upcoming construction season.
At Falcon, we understand the challenges communities face when it comes to site improvements. That’s why we offer comprehensive engineering services to help you tackle these projects effectively.
Our team can assist you with feasibility studies, design plans, construction documents, bidding, and even construction management services.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take advantage of the construction off-season to plan your site improvement project.
Tax planning is one of the best ways we know to reduce your tax bill, and at RMS Accounting we take a proactive approach to helping clients pay the lowest amount of tax allowed by law.
We do this through a two-step process. Step 1 requires us to keep up to date with the latest changes to the tax laws, and tax savings strategies. Step 2 is all about you our clients, it requires us to keep you updated on just what steps you can take to ensure that you can take advantage of ever tax saving strategy that will help you.
Since everyone’s situation is different the only way, we can assist you is to be available when you have questions and prior to year-end to review your situation with you, so that you can take the steps required to maximize your tax savings.
That is why every tax preparation engagement includes year-round access to our tax professionals and year-end tax planning, free when we have prepared your tax return for the prior year.
Below are links to this year’s tax planning letter which is mailed to all our clients along with links to planning worksheets for individuals and business. You can use these documents to help you get the most out of your tax planning consultation.
Starting next year, Community Associations (HOAs & Condos) in the U.S. will have to follow new rules. These rules are part of something called the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The CTA requires most Community Associations (HOAs & Condos) to share information about the people who own or control the association. This is called a beneficial ownership report. While some non-profit groups are exempt from this rule, most Community Associations (HOAs & Condos) are not.
Community Associations (HOAs & Condos) are groups that take care of neighborhoods. There is a lot of money flowing in and out of these associations and many boards of directors and even their management companies are not quite ready for this process. There are a lot of Community Associations (HOAs & Condos) in the U.S., more than 355,000 of them. They serve around 74 million people which is about 24% of the population of the United States. Community Associations (HOAs & Condos) are not exempt as they may be the perfect place to engage in money laundering for the purposes of fraud (unjust enrichment), and terrorism. The CTA was specifically established to make money laundering more difficult.
The new rule says that Community Associations (HOAs & Condos) need to provide specific information about the people who own or control the association. This includes their names, addresses, and other details. This information will be collected by a government agency called FinCEN. The goal is to make sure this information is not available to the public, but it can be used by law enforcement. There remain some questions regarding owner access to association records but as we all know Federal law overrides State laws and an association’s by-laws.
Most Community Associations (HOAs & Condos) need to report. They are considered “reporting companies” under the CTA. This means they must file the beneficial ownership report. There are some exemptions, but most Community Associations (HOAs & Condos) won’t qualify for these exemptions. This will add costs to the management of community associations and naturally will be passed through to the owners making life more expensive for community associations. Adding this to structural inspections, increased insurance premiums, and rising costs, this is not good news.
Community Associations (HOAs & Condos) need to figure out who their beneficial owners are. These are people who have control over important decisions in the HOA. It could be board members or others who influence how the HOA operates. Community Associations (HOAs & Condos) need to collect specific information about these people and report it to FinCEN. They also need to update this information if anything changes. The Board of Directors will now be scrutinized more than ever before, making it even more difficult to enjoin volunteers to run for board positions.
The new rule starts on January 1, 2024.
Existing Community Associations (HOAs & Condos) have until January 1, 2025, to file their first report.
Community Associations (HOAs & Condos) formed after this date must file within 30 days of their formation.
Community Associations (HOAs & Condos) need to understand these new rules and make sure they follow them. It’s important to collect the right information and report it on time. If they need help, they can talk to community association specialists who have studied this matter. These rules are meant to increase transparency and prevent fraud, so following them is essential.
Within 90 days after the end of the fiscal year, or annually on such date provided in the bylaws, the association must have prepared a financial report on the financial activities of the preceding fiscal year.
Within 21 days after the financial report is completed, but no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year, the board must provide each member with a copy of the financial report or, at a minimum, provide written notice that a copy of the financial report is available upon request, at no charge to the members.
Some things to consider:
Don’t delay – Start the process as early as possible so that you don’t miss items that could significantly impact your budget. Now is the perfect time to start preparations if your budget starts January 1.
It is a monotonous task, but a vital one. In this day and age, assessments will more than likely have to increase due to increases in insurance, utilities, and that never ending “wish list.” Have a budget plan. Look at the goals for the community. What does the Board want to achieve?
Review past budgets and the final year performance. If you overspent more years than not, obviously you need to make some changes.
Pet projects don’t always make the cut. Be realistic about what can be achieved.
Go over all contracts. You should have a spreadsheet of all contracts with expiration dates, whether they are auto renewed unless you send a cancellation notice, what is the cancellation timeline, does auto-renew have an increase and how much.
Ensure you are funding enough for your reserves.
Get a Reserve Study, or at least an updated Reserve Study to ensure you have accurate numbers.
Have a well-funded maintenance program. The disasters of the recent past is an indication of just how important it is to keep up even the most mundane maintenance. Proper maintenance may help delay some of the replacement items in your reserve study.
The financial report must consist of a complete set of financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The level of financial reporting that must be prepared by the board is based on the total annual revenue (including reserves) of the association, as follows:
An association with total annual revenues of $150,000 or more, but less than $300,000, shall prepare compiled financial statements.
An association with total annual revenues of at least $300,000, but less than $500,000, shall prepare reviewed financial statements.
An association with total revenues of $500,000 or more shall prepare audited financial statements.
An association with total annual revenues of less than $150,000 shall prepare a report of cash receipts and expenditures.
Interestingly, if the board desires to raise the level of financial reporting, it may be increased without membership approval by board action alone, unless the governing documents provide otherwise. In addition, if the board is not inclined to approve a heightened level of reporting, but the members want to do so, then upon twenty (20%) percent of the parcel owners petitioning the board to increase the level of financial reporting from that required by Statute for that fiscal year, the board must notice and hold a membership meeting within thirty (30) days of receipt of the petition. To raise the level of financial reporting, a majority of members present at such meeting must cast their vote in favor of doing so.
However, lowering the reporting threshold is a different matter entirely because only the members can make that decision. To accomplish this, a majority of members present at a properly noticed membership meeting must cast their vote in favor of lowering the level of financial reporting. The meeting must take place prior to the end of the fiscal year in question.
SFPMA works throughout the State of Florida, we are a multi-member organization for the Condo, HOA and Property Management industry. Through knowledge based Articles, Events and our Members Directory, Clients find the right information to make an informed decisions for their Florida properties.
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Tax planning is one of the best ways we know to reduce your tax bill, and at RMS Accounting we take a proactive approach to helping clients pay the lowest amount of tax allowed by law.
