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Premier Fire Alarm and Integration Systems, We assist you in ensuring that your fire alarm system complies with national fire codes and Florida building codes.

Premier Fire Alarm and Integration Systems, We assist you in ensuring that your fire alarm system complies with national fire codes and Florida building codes.

  • Posted: Mar 22, 2021
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Premier Fire Alarms & Integration Systems, Installation Division Inc. is dedicated to providing the most reliable systems and service in the alarm industry. Helping protect the lives and property of our customers is a responsibility we embrace and never take lightly. In every endeavor, we strive to satisfy our customers by meeting and exceeding their expectations.

Fire Alarm Repair and Maintenance   *   Fire Alarm Service Agreement & Contracts   *   Fire Alarm Service Monitoring

Call now for free consultation

954-404-7137

 

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“Tree Root Damage, Who is Responsible?,” by Becker

“Tree Root Damage, Who is Responsible?,” by Becker

  • Posted: Mar 16, 2021
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“Tree Root Damage, Who is Responsible?,”

by Becker / Joseph E. Adams

 

Q: I live in a gated homeowners’ association.  Roots from a tree planted on the common area has damaged my driveway.  Who is responsible for the repair? (J.K., via e-mail)

A:Probably you.

There are two theories which have been brought before Florida courts in an attempt to hold adjacent property owners liable for damage caused by tree roots or limbs encroaching past the property line, nuisance and negligence.

In a 1984 decision, a Florida appeals court noted that while there was substantial authority to the contrary in other jurisdictions, “the undoubted right of the land owner himself to cut off intruding roots or branches at the property line,” precludes a negligence claim.

As for nuisance, the majority rule in this country, which is followed in Florida, is that the owner of land is not liable to persons outside the land for a nuisance resulting from trees and natural vegetation growing on the land because the neighboring owner has the right to trim back roots and branches to the property line.

However, your association does have a duty to maintain common areas, and it could be argued that if this duty is not met, you could make a claim. However, this argument has not been tested in the courts and is contrary to fairly well-established precedent outside of the association setting.

 

Q: My homeowners’ association requires that children must be at least 16 years old to use any of the community’s amenities without an adult. I questioned this restriction and our community manager stated that the age requirement is not in the bylaws or covenants, but in the “new homeowner packet.” I never received a new homeowner packet. Can the association make this kind of a rule? My son is 15 and uses the pool and the gym regularly to exercise and I don’t think I need to be there with him when he does this. (P.S., via e-mail)

A: Restrictions aimed at families with children present difficult issues for associations. The federal fair housing law prohibits discrimination regarding the use of privileges, services or facilities associated with a dwelling because “familial status.” On the other hand, the courts have recognized that rules based on legitimate safety concerns are valid. No one would argue that an association should let a two-year-old toddler wander around a swimming pool area, unattended by an adult.

In a 2003 decision coming from a federal trial court in California, the court held that blanket rules requiring adult supervision for children under 18 years old using recreational facilities in a community were discriminatory. The court also found that the prohibitions based on children of less than a designated age was not the least restrictive means by which the community could protect the health and safety of children and residents, safety would be better served with a proficiency requirement.

There are other cases that have upheld restrictions and the law remains unsettled with no bright line as to what a reasonable age cut-off is or whether there are other means of ensuring safety in the community. You should ask your association to review your concerns with the association’s legal counsel and review whether the association should reconsider its policy.

I would also point out that as of July 1, 2018, Section 720.306(1)(e) of the Florida Homeowners’ Association Act requires that amendments made to HOA rules be “recorded in the public records of the county in which the community is located.” If the rule was adopted after that date, it should be recorded.

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Understanding Your Lake “How long will it take to clean up my lake?”

Understanding Your Lake “How long will it take to clean up my lake?”

  • Posted: Mar 09, 2021
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Understanding Your Lake “How long will it take to clean up my lake?”

 

This is one of the most often asked questions applicators get and is also one of the trickier ones to answer.  The hard part of this question is that there are so many variables to take into account when trying to answer it.  Are we dealing with one kind of weed or multiple ones?  Different ones may require separate treatments.  Some of those treatments may not be compatible with each other which means they must be done on different visits.  How bad is the problem?  If the entire lake is affected, we need to treat it in portions over time so we don’t deplete the dissolved oxygen.

Which herbicide is effective on the weeds you have?  Some work quickly, where as others take time to do the job, and not all herbicides work on every kind of plant.  What is the weather?  Forecasted rains can wash off or dilute treatments, forcing work to be postponed.  These are just a few of the things we need to consider before we can even start to give a client an answer and that is just the beginning of the process.  The EPA approved products we apply to lakes do not make the weeds magically disappear.  Once they begin to die, most will float to the surface and collect in mats.  Then water chemistry, weather, and lake circulation controls how long it takes for them to break down and sink.

Sometimes lakes will require follow up treatments to take care of re-growth, or dense pockets of plants.  An experienced lake management company can give you an estimate of how long it will take to start to see results but a definite answer can be difficult.  Understand that there is a customized plan being implemented and that your manager is working to remedy the problem.  If you ever have any specific questions about your lake and its care, the staff at Allstate Resource Management is here to answer them and provide you with the information you need.

Author:  Stephen Montgomery, Allstate Resource Management

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Comprehensive Lake & Pond Assessments Understand Your Waterbody Inside and Out

Comprehensive Lake & Pond Assessments Understand Your Waterbody Inside and Out

  • Posted: Mar 04, 2021
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Understand Your Waterbody Inside and Out

by SOLitude Lake Management

 

Lake and pond management is a complex field that presents never-ending puzzles and surprising challenges. Like a fingerprint, no two bodies of water are exactly the same—and they are always in a state of continuous change based on how the water is used, the surroundings, and even the weather. When diagnosing and designing a solution for a problem like bad odors or nuisance algae growth, professionals take all of this information into account, but it doesn’t provide a complete picture of what’s going on below the surface.

A professional assessment is the first step to achieve a comprehensive view of your waterbody’s health. Think of this as a physical for your waterbody. An array of scientific tests are conducted to check its vitals and establish an initial baseline of health. Over time, the comprehensive scientific data can be used to:

  • Identify root causes of recurring issues
  • Predict and prevent the onset of future water quality problems
  • Make better informed proactive management decisions
  • Achieve more impactful and long-lasting results
  • Reduce your environmental footprint and cut management costs

 

SOLitude offers a variety of waterbody assessment options. Each package includes creation of a customized, comprehensive report for you and your stakeholders. Your freshwater management professional can help you determine which package is most appropriate based on the history of the waterbody, as well as your unique goals and budget:

Premium Waterbody Assessment

Gain invaluable insights into the health and longevity of your freshwater resource. Leverage new algae identification methods and advanced laboratory work to predict and circumvent water quality problems while cutting down on long-term costs.

Enhanced Waterbody Assessment

Dive into the unique characteristics of your lake or pond. This essential data can be used to identify underlying problems and tap in to the specific needs of your waterbody with custom solutions.

Water Wellness Check

Gain a baseline understanding of what’s happening below the surface of your waterbody. This key information will help put you on the right path towards the achievement of your lake or pond goals.

Waterbody Testing Add-ons

Additional water quality tests are available to further customize any of our three assessment packages. Ask your Aquatic Specialist is these tests should be considered for your waterbody.

Additional water quality tests include:
Apparent Color, Chloride, Chlorophyll-a, Conductivity, Particulate Organic Matter, Phosphate, Salinity, Sediment Organic Matter, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Hardness, Total Iron, Total Suspended Solids, True Color and Turbidity.

 

Click to learn more about SOLitude’s Commitment to Management of your Waterbodys, Lakes and Ponds.

One of the nation’s premiere lake maintenance companies, SOLitude Lake Management helps our customers identify their needs and formulate comprehensive plans to achieve practical solutions to their water quality problems. Water features are a particularly important part of any property, adding value and aesthetic beauty. We offer the most technologically advanced lake or pond management products and services available to help all of our customers prevent problems and maintain a natural, healthy, balanced and beautiful ecosystem. For those prospective clients whose lake or pond is already experiencing problems, our pond management experts will restore it to its original beauty and help achieve aquatic sustainability.

SOLitude’s annual management services include:

 

SOLitude Lake Management

SOLitude Lake Management
P: 888.480.5253 | F: 888.358.0088
Alyssa Serignese
3842 Ironbridge Blvd. Unit #2
Fort Myers, FL 33916

 

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“Why Are These Plants Behind My House?” by Allstate Resource Management

“Why Are These Plants Behind My House?” by Allstate Resource Management

  • Posted: Mar 01, 2021
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“Why Are These Plants Behind My House?”

by Allstate Resource Management

Many homeowners in South Florida have properties that are adjacent to mitigation areas but very few have an understanding as to what they are or why they are there.  This article will answer some of these questions and give you a better understanding about the role mitigation sites play in your community.

Homeowners have all sorts of names for the planted areas by their homes.  Some call them preserves, some call them swamps, some call them natural areas but they all share a common origin and purpose.  Whether they are full of trees or stretches of plants along a lake shoreline, they are all what are known as mitigation.  Mitigation is an attempt to lessen or alleviate the environmental impact of development and construction in our area.  When a developer plans to build a community the location must first be surveyed to determine if important natural resources and sensitive areas will be disturbed due to the project.  Before any construction can begin, the developer must submit a plan to create and maintain areas that will replace what is lost when the development is built.  Once the plan is approved, a permit is issued for the mitigation and the project can begin.  Without the mitigation, your neighborhood could not even exist.  When the builder turns the property over to a homeowners association, the association then assumes the responsibility for the mitigation and its care.

There are three basic kinds of mitigation areas: wetland preserves, upland preserves and littoral zones.  Wetland preserves are lower lying areas that are partly to completely flooded most of the year and are largely comprised of aquatic plants and grasses, and may have tree islands or deep water pools.  Upland preserves are wooded areas that sit at higher elevations and tend to have drier soils and are usually comprised of more trees and shrubs.  Littoral zones are submersed shelves that run around the perimeter of lakes and are planted with a variety of plants that can grow in flooded conditions.

Quarterly inspections and status reports are required by the agency that issued the mitigation permit for your community.  These are to ensure that the site lives up to its required environmental obligation and that it complies with agency standards.  Regular maintenance visits, by trained and licensed personnel, are necessary to keep mitigation areas in compliance.  In order to be in compliance the areas must be covered by the proper percentage of beneficial, native plants and be within the acceptable limit of invasive, exotic plants.

Mitigation sites are designed to replace a natural ecosystem and are not meant to be perfectly manicured landscapes.  Homeowners should never take it upon themselves to remove plants, trim or cut plants or add plants to mitigation areas.  Remember, these areas are permitted and unapproved alterations could result in complications or fines, just like any other permit you have when you do work on your house.  Homeowners should also be sure that their landscapers do not dump debris such as palm fronds, hedge trimmings and grass clippings into the mitigation by their homes.  All mitigation is monitored for compliance.  When the standards set by the oversight agency are not met, the entity responsible for the upkeep of the site may be financially liable to bring the site back into compliance.

Many homeowners don’t realize the benefits of these re-created natural areas.  They see them as a burden with no redeeming qualities but there are several that are commonly overlooked.  These areas provide habitat to several native species, some of which are threatened or even endangered.  In addition to habitat for animals mitigation provides a pathway to replenish the aquifers that supply the drinking water here in South Florida.  As more and more development occurs, we are essentially “capping” our water supply’s recharge mechanism with concrete and asphalt.  Increased population creates increased demand for water.  At the same time our system’s ability to provide the needed water is being reduced.  Wetlands and preserves act like a sponge to capture water that would normally be lost to storm drains and funnels it into our depleted aquifers.  This sponge affect also aids in flood prevention.  Wetlands can hold a considerable amount of storm flow and alleviate your community’s storm water drainage system.  Littoral plantings around your lake also help absorb nutrient runoff.  Florida lawns don’t get green by themselves.  We use a lot of fertilizer and when the rains come and the grounds get soaked, some of that fertilizer ends up in our lakes.  This then feeds algae in the lakes and creates those unpleasant mats of floating, green algae around the water body.  The bands of wetland plants around the shoreline act as a buffer and absorb some of the nutrient runoff as it enters the water.

Our staff at Allstate realizes that your mitigation maintenance is an important responsibility.  We hope that this has shed some light on the questions you may have.  One of our goals in our pledge to service to you is educating the homeowners and helping everyone understand the value of the aquatic resources within your community.  If we can provide any further guidance or assistance please feel free to call our office.

 

By: Stephen Montgomery

Allstate Resource Management

6900 SW 21st Court, Building #9

Davie, Florida 33317

Phone: (954) 382-9766

Fax: (954) 382-9770

 

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We all have fond memories of time spent on the water, but bad odors, algae, aquatic weeds, and other imbalances can distract you from the fun and serenity your waterbody provides by SOLitude

We all have fond memories of time spent on the water, but bad odors, algae, aquatic weeds, and other imbalances can distract you from the fun and serenity your waterbody provides by SOLitude

  • Posted: Feb 18, 2021
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We all have fond memories of time spent on the water, but bad odors, algae, aquatic weeds, and other imbalances can distract you from the fun and serenity your waterbody provides

by SOLitude Lake Management

 

Dive Deeper with a Water Quality Assessment

We all have fond memories of time spent on the water, but bad odors, algae, aquatic weeds, and other imbalances can distract you from the fun and serenity your waterbody provides. Professional water quality assessments are a key tool to not only help resolve these issues, but prevent them from reoccurring.

Lake and pond management is a complex field that presents never-ending puzzles and surprising challenges. Like a fingerprint, no two bodies of water are exactly the same—and they are always in a state of continuous change based on how the water is used, the surroundings, and even the weather. When diagnosing and designing a solution for a problem like bad odors or nuisance algae growth, professionals take all of this information into account, but it doesn’t provide a complete picture of what’s going on below the surface.

Comprehensive Lake & Pond Assessments

Understand Your Waterbody Inside and Out

 

A professional assessment is the first step to achieve a comprehensive view of your lake or pond’s health. Think of this like a physical for your waterbody. An array of scientific tests are conducted to check its vitals and establish an initial baseline of health. Over time, the comprehensive scientific data can be used to:

  • Identify root causes of recurring issues
  • Predict and prevent the onset of future water quality problems
  • Make better informed proactive management decisions
  • Achieve more impactful and long-lasting results
  • Reduce your environmental footprint and cut management costs

SOLitude offers a variety of waterbody assessment options. Each package includes the creation of a customized, comprehensive report for you and your stakeholders. Your freshwater management professional can help you determine which package is most appropriate based on the history of the waterbody, as well as your unique goals and budget.

Find out more…

 

 

You’re In Good Hands! Meet Our Industry Leaders

The aquatic management industry is burgeoning with scientists, researchers, and other passionate experts. SOLitude is the proud home to many of these thought leaders who have steered the industry towards innovation, technological advancement, and holistic management strategies through the roles they hold in various environmental organizations and authority groups.

SOLitude Lake Management is the proud home of many industry experts who hold prestigious roles in a variety of environmental organizations, including the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS), the Aquatic Plant Management Society (APMS), and other authority groups. As industry thought leaders, these colleagues go above and beyond to demonstrate SOLitude’s commitment to science, technology, innovation, and holistic lake and pond management strategies. We believe that these tenets create the foundation for memorable experiences around the water and encourage the long lasting functionality of these precious aquatic resources.

Marc Bellaud, President – Aquatic Biologist & Director of Technical Services – MAmarc-bellaud-web-new

Marc Bellaud has more than 25 years of experience in lake, pond and wetland management, and has been actively involved in advancing the science of the freshwater management industry. He currently serves as Director of the Aquatic Plant Management Society (APMS). Previously, he was the President and Director of the Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society (NEAPMS) and has remained involved with the organization since it was initially founded in 1999. Bellaud also served as a Director of the New York State Aquatic Managers Association (NYSAMA). In addition, he was a contributing author and co-editor for the third edition of the BMP Manual by the Aquatic Ecosystem Research Foundation (AERF).

Glenn Sullivan, Environmental Scientist & Certified Lake Manager – NY

glenn-sullivan-web-newGlenn Sullivan entered the aquatics industry in 1993 and is currently the President of the New York State Aquatic Managers Association (NYSAMA). He is also a former member of the Board of Directors for the Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society (NEAPMS). Over the course of 20 years, he held many roles including President, Director, Treasurer, and Editor, and continues to serve as a committee co-chair. In 2015, he was named Preferred Applicator of the Year by SePRO Corporation. He is also the recipient of multiple awards recognizing environmental stewardship, best management practices and sustainable leadership.

 

Will Stevenson, Director of Integration – MA

Will_Stevenson_web

William Stevenson is the Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors and past President of the Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society (NEAPMS). Before joining SOLitude, He also serves on the Massachusetts Audubon Council and as a Vice President of Timber Owners of New England, an organization dedicated to preserving multi use forested land.

 

Bob Schindler – Aquatic Biologist & Project Manager – PA

Bob_Schindler_web2

Bob Schindler is a two-time president and current Regional Director of the Pennsylvania Lake Management Society (PALMS), through which he coordinates educational opportunities and annual conferences. He also helps PALMS administer a grant program through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Growing Greener program. Schindler has served on the PALMS.

 

Shannon Junior, Aquatic Ecologist – VAshannon-junior-web-new

Shannon Junior is the Editor for Women of Aquatics (WOA), an organization founded to promote and support women in the lake and pond management industry through professional advancement, continuing education opportunities and peer mentorship programs. She also serves on the Virginia Leadership Retreat Committee. Junior has worked in the lake and pond management industry since 2000. In 2013, she received the SePRO Applicator of the Year Award, which recognizes an individual who shows leadership in advancing the science of aquatic plant management.

Emily Mayer, Aquatic Biologist & Project Manager – NJEmily_Mayer_web-1

Emily Mayer is a 10-year veteran in the lake management industry and serves on the board of directors for the Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society (NEAPMS). She is the editor of the organization’s newsletter and assists with the organization of the NEAPMS annual conference. Previously, she served as a student director, a role through which she encouraged student involvement and helped increase awareness of the organization across social media. In addition to her longstanding involvement with NEAPMS, Emily is currently a member of the New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team (NJISST), the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS), and Lower Hudson PRISM – a group which seeks to protect the rich biodiversity and ecosystems in the Mid-Atlantic.

Kim Niesel, Senior Business Development Consultant – VA

Kim_Niesel_web_12.15Kim Niesel holds her CMCA (certified manager of community associations) designation, as administered by the Community Association Managers International Certification Board and is involved in several industry-related organizations, including the Southeastern Virginia and Central Virginia chapters of Community Associations Institute (CAI). She has served as a board member and president for both of these associations. Kim is also one of the founders of the Virginia Leadership Retreat and has been recognized several times for her volunteer involvement. She currently serves on the Board for the Virginia Leadership Retreat and is the Chairperson for the Communications Committee of the Southeastern VA CAI.

 

 

 

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Differentiating Class A, B, and C Office Space by SFPMA

Differentiating Class A, B, and C Office Space by SFPMA

  • Posted: Feb 17, 2021
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Differentiating Class A, B, and C Office Space

 

Many of our members take the time to complete projects using the County Codes that are in place, While there are so many companies that cut corners or a Management company that looks at prices we have to ask? How do you Value the Buildings you manage?

We have one of the Top Condo, HOA and Property Management Directories in Florida. Through the many Categories clients can find only the Best of the Best to have their maintenance requests performed on time, up to Code in their buildings and properties from Jacksonville to the Keys.

Search our Directory

When only the best will do, Find companies all over Florida ready to help you!

Remember: “Skilled labor isn’t cheap; cheap labor isn’t skilled”. by James Terry of GreenTeam Service Corp.

 

Office buildings are generally classified into one of three categories: Class A, Class B, or Class C. Standards vary by market, and each category is defined in relation to its counterparts. Building classification allows a user to differentiate buildings and rationalize market data — that said, classification is an art, not a science. While a definitive formula for each class does not exist, the general characteristics are as follows:

Class A
These buildings represent the newest and highest quality buildings in their market. They are generally the best looking buildings with the best construction, and possess high-quality building infrastructure. Class A buildings also are well located, have good access, and are professionally managed. As a result of this, they attract the highest quality tenants and also command the highest rents.

Class B
This is the next notch down. Class B buildings are generally a little older, but still have good quality management and tenants. Oftentimes, value-added investors target these buildings as investments since well-located Class B buildings can be returned to their Class A glory through renovations such as facade and common area improvements. Class B buildings should generally not be functionally obsolete and should be well maintained.

Class C
The lowest classification of office building and space is Class C. These are older buildings and are located in less desirable areas and are often in need of extensive renovation. Architecturally, these buildings are the least desirable, and building infrastructure and technology is outdated. As a result, Class C buildings have the lowest rental rates, take the longest time to lease, and are often targeted as re-development opportunities.

The above is just a general guideline of building classifications. No formal standard exists for classifying a building. Buildings must be viewed in the context of their sub-market; i.e., a Class A building in one neighborhood may not be a Class A building in another.

 

 

 

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Preventive Maintenance for your Properties this season, here is a list of Tasks to check off before temperatures drop.

Preventive Maintenance for your Properties this season, here is a list of Tasks to check off before temperatures drop.

  • Posted: Feb 16, 2021
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Exterior Clean-Up and Maintenance
Here are the tasks to check off before the temperature drops.

 

Clean Up Yards
Clean up those fall leaves and remove fallen branches or other organic debris. Letting all that rotting material linger on the ground, especially under a layer of snow, discourages grass growth in the spring.

Don’t prune your bushes, though. Many people do that to prepare for spring, but pruning bushes that are slowing down growth to prepare for winter can inhibit further growth when the weather warms.

Clean the Gutters
Clear gutters of leaves, branches, and other debris. Clogged gutters can’t handle runoff from melting snow, which can puddle and freeze on roofs, causing ice dams and leaks.

Even if you’re not in a snowy area, rain that can’t drain through the gutters will find another way off the roof, usually through gaps that lead into the walls.

Assess the Roof
While your team is up there, have them take a good look at the roof. Make sure there are no loose shingles or areas of decay. Check around vents to make sure they’re sealed properly. Gaps are a great place for water and melted snow to leak down into the home.

Line Up a Snow Removal Company
If you haven’t already, hire a snow removal company now to clear driveways and walkways. Don’t wait for the first major storm to start calling around. You probably won’t find anybody.

Pro tip: If you’re using a customizable property management system, use custom fields to track maintenance projects across your properties. Then you can create customized reports to monitor the status of your fall maintenance checklist.

Tend to Your Gardens
Fall is the time to get flower beds ready for spring and summer. Prep your beds by adding compost and turning the soil. You’ll want to plant your spring bulb, as well.

Winterize the Sprinkler Systems
When you’re done watering your lawns for the year, make sure you have them drained properly. Water left in sprinkler systems can freeze and crack your pipes.

Winterize Pools and Decks
If your properties have pools, get them ready for winter by cleaning, balancing and adding winterizing chemicals, lowering the water levels, and covering them.

For decks, store the furniture and inspect them for loose boards, railings, or screws. Have any weak spots repaired. Then, give the deck a good cleaning and a layer of water seal, if it needs it.

Pro tip: Have your snow-removal company take care of decks, too. Prolonged contact with snow can damage wood, and all that weight puts a lot of pressure on the deck’s structure.

 

 

Interior Maintenance
Your properties are all set on the outside. Now it’s time to take a look inside. Schedule a time to inspect your properties and make sure all of these tasks are performed.

Check Insulation
Take a look in attics to make there is sufficient insulation. If it’s an older home, consider having it assessed for heat efficiency and getting insulation blown into the walls, if necessary.

Pipes that run along external walls should be insulated, as well, to keep from freezing and bursting in extremely cold weather.

Pest Control
As the weather gets colder, animals are going to find your cozy home pretty attractive. To keep pests out, plug up gaps, cracks, and other access points. Taking care of it now is a lot cheaper than removing a family of raccoons or a mouse infestation in the middle of winter.

Check Furnace and HVAC Systems
Schedule a furnace cleaning to have filters replaced and buildup removed, particularly for oil-burning furnaces. Check HVAC systems and keep replacing the filters on a regular basis.

Inspect Windows and Doors
Check the seals on windows and doors to make sure they’re airtight. Caulk or add rubber seals to areas where cold air or water could seep in.

If the windows are older, switch out screens for storm windows.

 

Safety Maintenance
Regular safety checks are always a good idea. Perform one in the fall to address season-specific concerns.

Flood Prevention
In areas that experience heavy rains or melting snow, make sure your properties are ready for flooding. Seal up cracks in foundations and make sure water from roofs and gutters is channeled away from the home.

Make sure driveways and walkways have proper run-off and drainage. You may even want to consider planting rain gardens, which can absorb large amounts of water to prevent flooding.

Fire Prevention
Fire prevention measures can be performed on both the interior and exterior of a property. For the exterior, remove dead trees and branches from the yard, and take down tree limbs that hang over roofs.

Pro tip: Taking down large limbs hanging over roofs can prevent damage from branches that break in winter ice storms or under the weight of snow.

Inside the home, make sure tenants aren’t using space heaters and that drapes and other cloth materials are kept away from radiators.

Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Detector Maintenance
Check all carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on a regular basis. Replace batteries and make sure detectors are placed on every floor in the house.

If a tenant has removed them, educate them on the importance of the detectors and make sure they keep them up.

Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance
Have a chimney-cleaning company come in to inspect and clean chimneys and fireplaces. They will make sure the chimney is structurally sound and that there is no debris inside it. They’ll also clean both the fireplace and chimney to remove ash and creosote.

Fall maintenance is essential to keeping your tenants safe and happy, while keeping your owners from having to spend money on expensive repairs. Take this checklist and set up a plan to knock each one of these tasks out before the weather gets too cold. Your tenants and your owners will thank you.

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    Now we know many here in Florida probably will not need to hire a snow removal company? but this was published by our Staff and sent to a national management company who asked us for a list for winter. We are pleased to republish this list of things to do for all of your board members, property managers to use.  We are also promoting our members; these companies we have listed on our members directory work hard every day tending to the requests we get, these companies are listed for all to find and use.

    Select a Category, Find a company,  search for a Sale in each category.  Then Simply Call speak with and Hire Members of SFPMA – State of Florida Property Management Association

     

     

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    OWNER MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST by Steven J Weil, PhD, EA, LCAM

    OWNER MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST by Steven J Weil, PhD, EA, LCAM

    • Posted: Feb 04, 2021
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    OWNER MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

    by Steven J Weil, PhD, EA, LCAM

     

    Over the years, many owners have asked us, “What maintenance duties am I responsible for within my condominium unit?” While every association is unique there are some things that are standard. This list is intended to assist you in understanding what you are responsible for and what you should make sure is done to protect yourself, your unit and your neighbors, for easily prevented but often costly damages that failure to maintain could make you liable for.

    • Change your Air Conditioning filter, monthly is best but never less than quarterly.
    • Sign up with an Air Conditioning company for an annual preventative maintenance plan.
    • Leave the Air Conditioning running when you are away for long periods to prevent mold and mildew. The humidity in South Florida can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew, your Air Conditioning helps lower the humidity in your unit preventing both from growing.  You can turn your thermostat up to 80 degrees so your Air Conditioning runs less but don’t turn it off.
    • Have your hot water tank checked by a licensed plumber to make sure it is not past its useful life. Hot water tanks that are 10 years or older should be replaced before they fail.
    • Inspect plumbing fixtures including toilets, sinks, faucets, drains (check under sinks and in cabinets for leaks to drain and traps) and water supply lines; replace all rusted or worn parts. South Florida water eats away at the fittings inside your toilet tank and faucets allowing water leaks that run up the common water bill costing every owner more in monthly maintenance; water is becoming a precious commodity in South Florida and this means that the cost keeps going up. Failure of any of these can result in damage to not only your unit but the units of your fellow owners as well making you responsible for the cost of putting things back the way they were.
    • Make sure the main water cut-off valve coming into your unit is working by testing it. If it’s not working have it replaced. Be sure to coordinate replacement with the Property Manager.
    • Check hose fittings on washing machines for tightness. Consider changing from the standard rubber style to a flexible metal-covered or “braided” hose. Old laundry hoses have been known to break and cause a flood. It’s best to replace these every 5 years or whenever you see signs of possible failure like bulges or fittings coming loose.
    • Replace old refrigerator ice maker supply lines with new industry standard flexible line.
    • Check caulking around all tubs and showers. Inadequate caulking or cracked caulking can cause leaks.
    • Have the duct for your dryer cleaned at least once each year. Lint-clogged ducts are the cause of many condominium fires.
    • When you’re planning to be away from your unit for longer than a few days, think about turning off your main water supply valve to prevent a flood while you are away.
    • Remember damage cause by failure to maintain your unit is your responsibility and it can be costly.

    Doing a little bit of preventive maintenance can protect you, your property and your neighbors.

     

    Royale Management Services, Inc. provides the most professional, effective, accurate and efficient condominium management service available.

    We provide professional property management services only in South Florida: Broward, Dade & Palm Beach County.

    Royale Management Services, Inc. is a full-service, CAM (Community Association Management) licensed, residential property management company, specializing in management, consulting and accounting for Condominium Associations and Home Owners Associations.

    We are dedicated to excellent customer service and pride ourselves on providing condominium management services and home owner association management that work for you and your association.

    Please browse our website to learn more about our company, our many services, and our commitment to excellence.

    If you want to learn more or have questions about our services, call us at 1-800-382-1040 or 954-563-1269 to speak with one of our professionals today.

     

     

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    Tired of chasing your electrical contractors? Lighting of Tomorrow is here to help!

    Tired of chasing your electrical contractors? Lighting of Tomorrow is here to help!

    • Posted: Jan 28, 2021
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    Tired of chasing your electrical contractors?

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