Become our Member : JOIN SFPMA TODAY   LogIn / Register: LOGIN/REGISTER

SFPMA Industry Articles | news, legal updates, events & education! 

Find Blog Articles for Florida’s Condo, HOA and the Management Industry. 

We are Valcourt Building Services, the premier provider for waterproofing, window cleaning, and restoration services.

We are Valcourt Building Services, the premier provider for waterproofing, window cleaning, and restoration services.

  • Posted: Oct 28, 2022
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on We are Valcourt Building Services, the premier provider for waterproofing, window cleaning, and restoration services.

Valcourt Building Services

863-244-3495

We are Valcourt Building Services, the premier provider for waterproofing, window cleaning, and restoration services. With over 30 years of experience, we’ve performed tens of thousands of repairs and maintenance on the complete building envelope. So no matter what your building requires, we have the knowledge and expertise for all of your exterior maintenance needs.

Founded in 1986, we have grown from a single-operating company serving the Washington, D.C. area into one of the largest exterior maintenance companies in the nation. We maintain offices in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Georgia, Florida, and Texas. Each of our offices has a strong local staff with decades of experience in the industry — and our corporate team backs them all with resources and best practices to ensure we’re operating at the highest level in every market.

 

The Leader in Building Envelope Solutions

If you have a commercial property in the Florida/Southeast US market, Valcourt is the premier provider for all your restoration needs. As a specialty contractor that has been waterproofing and restoring commercial building exteriors for over 30 years, we know the issues inside and out.

We specialize in servicing the complete building envelope with a full range of services, including facade restoration and repair, garage restoration and repair, plaza deck restoration and repair, and more.

President Paul Alliston leads a full-service team with departments dedicated to operations, safety, sales, administration, and customer service. Our team is composed of employees at all levels of our organization who are experts in the building restoration and waterproofing industries; from management to our field superintendents, many of whom have been with Valcourt for over 10 years.

So give us a call and experience firsthand why thousands of property managers and building owners choose Valcourt Building Services every year.

 

“We have been able to partner with Valcourt on exterior restoration and enhancement projects at multiple locations around the country. Their organization, professionalism, and communication has been spot on for each project. I especially appreciate their team approach to business and attention to detail. We’ve been able to work hand in hand seamlessly to provide an end product for facility owners that meets their goals of improving their facility image.”
 -John Ketenbrink, LMH Architecture

Antonio Posadas
863-244-3495
aposadas@valcourt.net
Valcourt Building Services
Business Development Manager
Florida Office: 941-747-7277

Tags:
4 Signs It’s Time to Consider a Security System Upgrade

4 Signs It’s Time to Consider a Security System Upgrade

  • Posted: Oct 17, 2022
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on 4 Signs It’s Time to Consider a Security System Upgrade

4 Signs It’s Time to Consider a Security System Upgrade

 

Is your security system equipped to help you monitor your property on a 24/7 basis? If you are fortunate enough that your facility still has the same security needs as when you initially installed your security system, and that system hasn’t been rendered obsolete in recent years, it could still cause issues in the future.

Consider your computer— a five year old PC is likely to experience issues such as freezing, crashing programs, or slow operation. Your business’s security system can develop similar issues over time, and if your system experiences a major error and needs to be rebooted, your property may be left defenseless.

Security technicians may be able to help maintain older systems, yet there may come a time when it is more cost effective to invest in a full system upgrade.

Older security systems are tied to a variety of issues that prevent property owners from efficiently securing the building; however, modern security systems offer exclusive benefits and new features. Security technology has developed exponentially in the past decade, enabling users to add more effective features like access control, HD security cameras,  automated alerts and schedules and other remote monitoring features.

Installing a new system that incorporates these features will bring efficiency to security management, helping to increase productivity and improve your bottom line.

Remember: your business security system isn’t a “set it and forget it” tool; rather, it’s crucial to keep up with routine maintenance and stay up to date on the latest trends and innovations.

This post examines four factors that signal it may be time to begin researching a security system upgrade. 

Your Security Camera System Can’t Accommodate Change

Older security camera systems were not built to accommodate change. If you find yourself struggling to try and make angles or shots work for your surveillance needs instead of adding additional devices, it may be time to upgrade your basic system. Modern IP based system hooked up to commercial grade servers can allow you to expand as your needs grow to add cameras and additional monitoring devices.

 

Alarm System Doesn’t Allow for Remote Control

As we mentioned earlier, security technology is rapidly evolving: products that were considered “top-of-the-line” five years ago are now obsolete. If you purchased a hard-wired alarm system years ago, you may not be able to control it remotely, meaning that it doesn’t have access or sensors for the locks, leaving your property vulnerable.

Large security software and hardware manufacturers continuously release updates that are designed to make the system more efficient and burglar proof.

Smart locks are a great modern tool to improve security, as users can access them remotely without the use of a key. Smart locks work even when the power is out and they cannot be jammed

 

Property Features Low-Resolution Security Cameras

Camera quality is imperative for efficient property surveillance, making the difference between catching the criminals and losing all the evidence. Many property owners initially install security cameras to recognize and deter potential criminals, so if you have a low-resolution camera that produces grainy images, you’re sabotaging your chances of apprehending the criminals.

High-definition video quality isn’t just important for your home entertainment system: the same technology comes is incredibly useful for surveillance. With the availability of the high-resolution cameras, there’s little you reason to hold on to your old system.

 

Surveillance System Is Lacking Remote Monitoring Capabilities

In recent years smart phones and tablets have advanced to be able to track your workouts, diet, and finances, so why shouldn’t you be able to track your building’s security as well? Having a video management system that you can access and control remotely not only reduces response times in the event of a break-in but also helps to eliminate the need for around-the-clock security officers.

From an operations standpoint, having 24/7 access to view your business allows you to plan around weather conditions, monitor traffic patterns, and assess employee efficiency. Frankly, not having that option puts your business at a disadvantage in the competitive marketplace.

Is your building’s security hinged on outdated security technology? Schedule a no-cost property evaluation and we’ll assess how an updated system can improve your property’s security.

EVENT: Jeffrey Rembaum (KBR Legal) will lead a substantive review of Bill SB-4D (Condo & Cooperative building safety) on October 17th

EVENT: Jeffrey Rembaum (KBR Legal) will lead a substantive review of Bill SB-4D (Condo & Cooperative building safety) on October 17th

SIGN UP NOW to WATCH this WEBINAR

Jeffrey Rembaum will lead a substantive review of Bill SB-4D

(Condo & Cooperative building safety) on October 17th.

Please see the flyer for details and share with anyone who will benefit from this.

The link to RSVP is: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_w-aSiEr6SAqNuNmd-tUJsA

 

Bill SB-4D Has Passed…Now What? A Panel Discussion

In May of 2022 new building safety legislation was passed during a special session. Join us for this important informational discussion as Jeffrey Rembaum, Esq. BCS of Kaye Bender Rembaum will provide a substantive review of Bill SB-4D. Attendees will learn about the history of the bill, how your association is affected and what you may need to do.

Other professionals on hand will include Nicole Johnson-Pendergrass & William Kilgallon (Haferco CPAs & Consultants), Jayme Gelfand, PCAM (Truist Bank), Rudy Martin (m2e Consulting Engineers) and Brian Street (Castle Group).

Note: This webinar is for informational purposes only and does not contain CE credit for CAMS.


Learn more on the New Website on the State of Florida PMA website. 

Tags: ,
Important Hurricane Ian Recovery Information from the Falcon Emergency Service Team

Important Hurricane Ian Recovery Information from the Falcon Emergency Service Team

Building Envelope & Façade Inspections

Our structural engineers will design, plan and execute your project, tailored to suit each individual’s specific needs and budgets. Our engineers will inspect all materials used to ensure the strength and stability of your structure from low-, mid-, to high-rise structures and facilities. Falcon’s engineers pride themselves on ensuring the services and recommendations provided to each of our clients are held at the desired level of individualized care and attention.

  • High Rise & Mid Rise Façade Inspections & Repair/Restoration/Replacement

  • Stucco & Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) Evaluations & Repair

  • Mid Rise & Low Rise Siding Inspections & Repair Replacement

  • Roof Inspections & Repair/Replacement

  • Water Infiltration Investigation & Remediation

  • Window & Door Replacement Design

  • Balcony & Deck Repair/Restoration/Replacement

  • Foundation Inspections & Waterproofing

  • Parking Garage Inspections & Repair/Restoration

  • Firewall / Fire Separation Assembly Inspections & Remediation

 

Building Envelope & Façade Inspections -Our structural engineers will design, plan and execute your project, tailored to suit each individual’s specific needs and budgets.  By A leader in the industry by providing professional, cost effective and innovative architectural and engineering designs, solutions and services through the use of highly qualified staff and outstanding customer service.


In case you missed it! Below is the link to the recording from yesterday’s fantastic webinar featuring Sinisa Kolar, P.E., Principal, on Extreme Weather in South Florida and Preventative Maintenance.
Tags: , , ,
Important Hurricane Ian Recovery Information from the Falcon Emergency Service Team 

Important Hurricane Ian Recovery Information from the Falcon Emergency Service Team 

Engineers • Architects • Drone Services • Capital Reserve Specialists • Energy Consultants • Litigation Experts

Important Hurricane Ian Recovery Information from the Falcon Emergency Service Team 

In the event your home or business has suffered storm damage as a result of Hurricane Ian, The Falcon Group is here to help. The Falcon Group has been in business for over 25 years with extensive experience in post-disaster recovery. As one of South Florida’s largest forensic engineering and restoration engineering firms with over 40 local engineers, architects, and technical staff in South Florida, we have strategically-located offices in St. Petersburg, West Palm Beach, and Miami ready to mobilize. Falcon has successfully worked with numerous clients (commercial, residential, legal, public adjusters) and assisted in recovery of claims in excess of $500 million throughout South Florida.

The Falcon team can also provide the following services:

Emergency Damage Infrastructure Evaluations

Windstorm and Flooding Safety Evaluations, as per ATC https://www.atcouncil.org/pdfs/ATC45appendixE.pdf

Structural Damage Assessments

Unmanned-Aerial-Vehicle (UAV Drone) Inspections of roofing, and visible structures

Sea Wall Inspections

Building Envelope Evaluations

Insurance Causation Reports


The Falcon team of engineers, forensic experts, and drone pilots are standing by to fully assist you in navigating through the difficult claims, analysis, and rebuilding process.

You can reach our disaster recovery experts at 813-438-3568:

Sinisa Kolar, P.E., FBRSE – Principal SKolar@thefalcongroup.us

William Pyznar, P.E. – Principal WPyznar@thefalcongroup.us

CONTACT US

1211 1st Avenue, N., Suite 300

St. Petersburg, FL 33705

(813) 438-3568

15405 NW 7th Avenue

Miami, FL 33169

(305) 663-1970

5651 Corporate Way, Suite 4

West Palm Beach, FL 33407

(561) 290-0504

 

Tags:
“Why does our HOA need a lake management company?” -Allstate Resource Management

“Why does our HOA need a lake management company?” -Allstate Resource Management

Sometimes, aquatic management is viewed as a frivolous or unnecessary expense for a community. “My lake looks fine, why should I pay to have someone take care of it?” Unfortunately, that assessment is rarely made taking into account the whole water body.
Most people that live on lakes also see them differently than someone who maintains them. The difference is homeowners tend to look “at” the water, where as waterway managers look “in” the water. Too often people put off lake maintenance until they see a problem and weed populations have already become established. Long term management at that point becomes more expensive and time consuming, with total elimination of the problem almost impossible.
An important fact that many overlook is that the lakes on their property serve another purpose other than a nice view. They are actually man made stormwater retention areas . When communities are built, the lakes are carefully designed to hold a certain amount of stormwater. Water bodies filled with weeds no longer have the correct capacity, potentially causing neighborhood flooding during storms. Algae is another constant nuisance in South Florida lakes. Because of our warm waters and long sunny seasons, algae can spread very rapidly and unpredictably.
As a property owner or property manager, it’s valuable to have a company that will respond to these unexpected outbreaks. Every lake matures differently, and it takes a combination of experience and expertise to maintain a healthy balance as changes occur.
Allstate Resource Management’s staff is always there to answer your questions and works to ensure excellent results in any lake management situation.
Contact us today on how we can help your community lake!
Direct: 954-382-9766
Tags: ,
Prepare for Hurricane Ian Homeowners & Property Owners Preparedness Tips: by Cohen Law Group

Prepare for Hurricane Ian Homeowners & Property Owners Preparedness Tips: by Cohen Law Group

It is extremely important for you to have records of your property’s condition in the event that you need to file a claim with your insurance company.

Click Here For The Homeowners Guide To Storm Damage

Before The Storm:

  • Take photos of your property- Interior of Home, Exterior of Home, Roof, Pool and Pool Area, Fencing, Trees, Front Yard, Back Yard.
  • If you are not able to take photos before a storm, collect the most recent photos you have taken of your property.
  • Document belongings- with proper documentation, you may also be able to recover lost expenses for home contents, personal property, and other items. Here is a list of some items to consider keeping receipts for or appraising: Televisions, Furniture, Jewelry, Artwork, Appliances, Computers, Antiques, Beds, Decks, Other Electronic Equipment
  • Know what is in your homeowner’s insurance policy.
  • Have records of your property’s condition in the event that you need to file a claim with your insurance company.
  • Review your mold coverage.
  • Review your flood coverage. This is normally separate insurance policy.
  • Ask your insurance agent about coverage for water damage, law and ordinance, debris removal, and additional living expenses.
  • Check your hurricane deductible, it can be much higher than your regular deductible.
  • Have a plan to move yourself and your family – especially those with special needs.
  • Have a portable radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio on hand to monitor important information.
  • Homeowners who depend on well water should draw an emergency supply.
  • Get cash or travelers checks in case banks or ATMs are not operational.
  • Ensure all your electronic/mobile devices are fully charged.
  • Gather important documentation and place in waterproof container.
  • Make arrangements for pets; emergency shelters may not let you bring your animals with you.
  • Find out where the nearest shelter is located and the routes to get there.
  • Fill your automobile(s) with gas or ensure your electric vehicle is charged.
  • If you have an emergency power source, learn how to use it properly.

After The Storm:

  • When it is safe to do so, photograph your property’s: Interior, Exterior, and Roof
  • Consult with an attorney experienced in handling insurance claims before giving any recorded statements or meeting with an adjuster assigned to the claim.
  • Call the insurance carrier and timely report the claim.
  • Homeowners should obtain an inspection by a qualified contractor and/or roofer to assess whether the hurricane force winds have damaged or diminished the roofing system and building envelope.
  • Take photos and record the questions and answers when talking to adjusters.
  • Make sure to keep track of the name and number of every person you talk to at your insurance company.
  • Check your Co-Insurance penalties.
  • Make a copy of the insurance policy and keep it in a safe place.
  • Check your policy coverages and sublimits.
  • Just because water has not began to enter the structure does not mean that there is not damage to their property.
  • We have seen too many homeowner claims where an engineer is hired months after the storm and the engineer states the damage preexisted the hurricane.
  • For more information about the work we do with insurance claims, Click Here.

Business Owners Preparedness Tips:

Click Here For The Large Loss Guide To Storm Damage

  • Businesses should pay close attention to the storm’s forecast over the weekend. The National Hurricane Center releases a new full advisory every 6 hours, at 5am, 11am, 5pm and 11pm EDT. They are issuing intermediate advisories every 3 hours, between the full advisories (1am, 8am, 1pm, 8pm EDT.)
  • During this time, it’s important to review your disaster and emergency communication plan.
  • Backup all data on servers and personal computers and ensure remote access is available.
  • Ensure your equipment is raised above potential flood levels.
  • Review your insurance policies to mitigate any possible gaps in coverage.
  • Protect and duplicate important business documents and records. Be sure they are accessible from anywhere.

For More Information Click The Link Below:

http://itsaboutjustice.law/hurricane-preparedness/

 

Tags: ,
Roof Maxx of N Fort Lauderdale, FL

Roof Maxx of N Fort Lauderdale, FL

Roof Maxx of N Fort Lauderdale, FL

Contact Mark at (954) 493-0003 or mcucharale@roofmaxx.com

The daily beating of the sun on an asphalt shingle roof bakes at a quicker rate than the same roof type in northern states. I want my customers to understand that the demise of this asphalt shingles is “dry” and “brittleness.” The best and easiest way to explain it to you is the “burnt toast” analogy. If you take a fresh slice of bread and leave it in the toaster for too long, it will come out black and burnt. If you bend it, it will crunch or break in half. Now if you spread butter on that same piece of toast and let it sit for 20-30 minutes, you would be able to bend it without breaking in half. Very simple to understand. This is the condition of your asphalt shingle. You will pay more money for a roof replacement, more frequently, because less asphalt is used in the shingle.
Insurance has been difficult with homeowners here in the Tri-County area and it was tougher to sell the service here because of that. Now that SB-2D was passed into law (May 2022) by the Florida state legislators, we now have a much better opportunity to help those older roofs qualify for at least FIVE more years of life (if not longer), thus helping those property owners save their money and their roofs.
We won’t do repairs because of our limits with state licensing, but we offer minor maintenance, such as painting rusted vents, caulking some exposed nail heads, which are common, or replacing a missing shingle tab or two. This roof tune-up is a $499 value, usually done as a courtesy if a Roof Maxx treatment is done with us. We also offer discounts on such things as seniors, veterans and civil employees (like police and fire or first responders). We also give discounts to repeat customers and discounts base on volume (like commercial jobs).
Contact Mark at (954) 493-0003 or mcucharale@roofmaxx.com
View our Members Page on sfpma.
Tags: , , ,
The team at Aruba are your professionals to go to when you’re required to bring your business up to code.

The team at Aruba are your professionals to go to when you’re required to bring your business up to code.

Aruba Permit Services just finalized another job for a small business! Need an enclosure for your dumpster?

What we do best!

We resolve code enforcement issues and permits, fast for a reasonable price in both residential and commercial properties. Aruba is leading professional that only focuses on finding solutions through the permitting process for illegal work or reactivating an expired permit. Since Aruba is a licensed General Contractor we can perform any corrective work required to bring the work up to current Florida Building Code. Our team will follow through until the code violation case is closed or building permit. Once Aruba is involved, you can rest assure that we will make sure your property will be in compliance.

Members of SFPMA – find us on the Members directory

The team at Aruba are your professionals to go to when you’re required to bring your business and properties up to code.

Give us a call 📞 @ 954.782.7292 if you have any questions, visit our website 💻 https://www.aruba-services.com

Tags: ,
Schedule Your Fall Fish Stocking Discover the benefits of professional fall fish stocking and how to set your fishery up for success.

Schedule Your Fall Fish Stocking Discover the benefits of professional fall fish stocking and how to set your fishery up for success.

Schedule Your Fall Fish Stocking

Discover the benefits of professional fall fish stocking and how to set your fishery up for success.

Are you ready to build a community fishery or grow trophy fish in your private lake? Fish stocking is an important step of fisheries management. Fall is an excellent time to stock your lake. Learn how strategic fish stocking can help you build your dream fishery!

BOOK YOUR FISH STOCKING

Why a Professional Is Needed for Fish Stocking

A diverse and productive fish population is essential to creating an ecologically balanced lake or pond. Fish stocking has clear benefits – from plant and mosquito management to exciting fishing opportunities – but many property owners are unaware of the sheer number of fish species to choose from, making it very easy to get confused.

There is more to fish stocking than the act of adding fish to a pond. Rushing the process by stocking the wrong fish, or doing so at the wrong time, can result in unhealthy population conditions and ecosystems. A key part of lake and pond management is making sure the fish population is well-balanced and best equipped to help achieve your specific goals for the aquatic ecosystem. That’s where a professional comes in.

Each body of water is different, so there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. A customized plan created by experts will ensure that your lake or pond has the right fish population to endure its health and your continued enjoyment. Based on the state of the ecosystem in your lake or pond, a professional will recommend whether or not you should add fish, what species are best suited for your waterbody, what time of year to stock, and how many.

SOLitude Lake Management | Proudly Serving Clients Nationwide

Tags: , ,