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

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

Building Envelope & Façade Inspections

Building Envelope & Façade Inspections

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

Tampa Bay

1211 1st Avenue, N.
Suite 300
St. Petersburg, FL 33705

P (813) 438-3568

/one_third]

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

The Falcon Group

Engineering Architecture Energy Consultants Specialists

An industry-leader providing professional, cost effective and innovative architectural and engineering designs, solutions and services through the use of highly qualified staff and outstanding customer service.

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Get answers to these questions and more on our new “AI for Building Safety” website… where we’re using AI to help answer questions about Florida’s condo safety law.

Get answers to these questions and more on our new “AI for Building Safety” website… where we’re using AI to help answer questions about Florida’s condo safety law.

  • Posted: Apr 17, 2024
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Get answers to these questions and more on our new “AI for Building Safety” website… where we’re using AI to help answer questions about Florida’s condo safety law.

SRI Consultants…..can help with the questions you may have with the Florida Law SB-4D ( Condo Building Inspections ) 

SRI logo

OUR NEW AI TOOL ANSWERS ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT FLORIDA’S BUILDING SAFETY LAW SB-4D

SRI’s new, experimental website uses AI to help answer questions about Florida’s new building safety law. Do you have questions about milestone inspections? Structural assessment deadlines? Reserves? We’ve got the answers!

 

Ask our AI about 4D

Do you have questions about Florida’s building safety legislation, Senate Bill 4D? Just enter your query in the textbox below and click “Send Query”. For example, try asking, “What is the Florida Senate Bill 4D?”. This AI tool is experimental and provides no warranties regarding the accuracy of its results. Use at your own risk.

Visit SRI’s NEW AI Page 

 


Who is: SRI Consultants.

Here at SRI Consultants, Inc., we take pride in what we do. The extra effort and attention to detail put forth by our team ensure you receive the highest quality services available to the industry, all while saving you time and money. Coastal areas like South Florida have a unique need for concrete rehabilitation and protection services predominantly related to assessing structural damage. Our team has specialists in structural engineering, civil engineering, and corrosion engineering at your disposal.

Round transparent logo with black perimeter and clipboard in center representing Milestone Inspections services

MILESONE INSPECTIONS

Compliance + Safety. Our milestone inspections mitigate the risks of building failure from structural or electrical deficiencies. Focused on occupant safety, inspections are conducted with strict adherence to county and local requirements.

Round transparent logo with black perimeter and suspension bridge in center representing Engineering services

ENGINEERING

Technical Expertise. We are experts in our field with certifications from NACE and FL Board of Professional Engineers. Our team offers civil, structural and corrosion engineering services for single & multi-story structures, condos, hotel and motels, cooling towers and seawalls.

Above are just a few of the services we provide. visit our website to learn more…

Members of SFPMA – Engineers 

 

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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

BKB Cleaning Company is a pressure washing services company. We provide Roof Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning, Driveway Pressure Cleaning and Window Cleaning

  • Posted: Apr 16, 2024
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BKB Cleaning Company

954-692-3107

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.

 

Brian Bustamante
brian@bkbcleaning.com
954-692-3107

BKB Cleaning Company
6665 NW 75th Pl, Parkland, FL 33067
http://www.bkbcleaning.com
info@bkbcleaning.com

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Introducing The Auto-Submit Platform for Servicing Delinquent Accounts! by Axela

Introducing The Auto-Submit Platform for Servicing Delinquent Accounts! by Axela

  • Posted: Apr 16, 2024
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We’re thrilled to announce a groundbreaking advancement in community association management: the launch of Auto-Submit, the industry’s first AI platform for identifying and servicing delinquent accounts, by Axela Technologies.
 
In an industry where timely recovery of past-due assessments is paramount to financial stability, Axela’s Auto-Submit is a game-changer. This cutting-edge AI engine is designed to streamline collections processes, resulting in faster resolutions and cost-effective outcomes.

 

Here’s what you need to know about Auto-Submit:
 
Efficiency at Scale: With deep integrations with leading accounting systems, Auto-Submit allows you to automate uniform collections policies and unit submissions. This ensures consistency across your portfolio and drastically improves aging trends, all while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

Set It and Forget It: Configuring Auto-Submit is a breeze. Set your preferences, and the system executes the process from start to finish. Say goodbye to manual interventions and hello to autopilot collections.

Enhanced Responsiveness: Auto-submit doesn’t stop at collections. Our latest release also includes features for email responsiveness and call archiving. You can ensure prompt and accurate communication with homeowners with near-immediate email responses and detailed call transcriptions.

Continuous Innovation: We’re committed to advancing our AI platform to serve your needs better. As we develop new features, you can rest assured that Axela remains at the forefront of community association management technology.

We invite you to experience the future of collections with Auto-Submit. Schedule a demo today to see how Axela can transform your collections process and drive financial stability for your community.


Upcoming Event!

ONLINE AUTO-SUBMIT WEBINAR

April 18, 2024 @ 3PM EST.

Join us for an exclusive webinar unveiling Axela Technologies’ groundbreaking AI platform, Auto-Submit, revolutionizing delinquent account servicing in the CAM industry. Learn how our innovative solution ensures faster resolutions, compliance, and cost-effectiveness while putting your collections on autopilot. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the future of collections!

Sign up Today!


Alexa Technologies is the top Collections Company SFPMA stands behind for every Condo, HOA in the State of Florida.  Every Property Management Company and their Team members should learn how Alexa can aid them with the properties they manage.  View Axela Tech’s Membership page on our members directory.

 

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Ready to Elevate Your Fitness Game?  by Commercial Fitness Products

Ready to Elevate Your Fitness Game?  by Commercial Fitness Products

Ready to Elevate Your Fitness Game?

by  Commercial Fitness Products

Looking to revamp your gym or fitness center? Look no further! We’re your go-to supplier for top-notch commercial fitness equipment in Florida and the Caribbean!
From treadmills to weight benches, we’ve got everything you need to create a world-class fitness space that’ll keep your clients motivated and coming back for more.
Why choose us?
✅ Premium Quality Equipment
✅ Wide Range of Products
✅ Expert Guidance & Support
✅ Competitive Prices
Use the above link to find us on the sfpma directory for condo and HOA’s in Florida.
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You want to know why some tile sealers for ceramic and porcelain are better than others?

You want to know why some tile sealers for ceramic and porcelain are better than others?

Let me share what I believe you want to know to make a smart decision.

 

What Should You Look For & Look Out For When Choosing A Tile Sealer?

LOOK FOR:

1) The supplier or the manufacturer is very clear that their sealer will bond to ceramic and porcelain because this type of surface is very dense. It is very impermeable. You CAN NOT just use a standard concrete surface sealer on ceramic and porcelain tiles. Check for that, first of all.

2) The tile sealer product will form a film on the surface and is not just a penetrating or impregnator type sealer.

NOTE:
Impregnator types of products can’t bond or soak into the tile surface. They do very little to change the look of the tile and typically, this type of sealer will rub off very quickly, forcing you to seal the porcelain or ceramic tiles repeatedly.

LOOK OUT FOR or BEWARE OF…

Materials That Are Lacking In Store-Bought Tile Sealer Products… Making Them Ineffective.

First of all, any sealer you choose for ceramic and porcelain tile must have adhesion promoters that will allow the product to bond to that surface.

The components found in standard surface treatments or surface sealers simply won’t work.

Secondly, make sure if you want to change the look of the tile or the sheen of the tile, the product is a film-forming product, not just a penetrating or impregnator sealer.

These do very little to change the look of the tile and will not last for long on a very dense, impermeable ceramic or porcelain surface.

What Kind Of Results Do Ineffective Floor Sealers Produce?

If you use a product that’s not developed specifically for ceramic and porcelain tile, what’s going to happen is:

  • It may put a film over the surface, but because there’s no way for it to absorb into the surface. It’s going to lift and peel very quickly.
  • It may last a few weeks, but after any standard use or cleaning of any kind, lifting and peeling will very quickly show up.
  • If you use penetrating types of sealers, you won’t see any change in appearance, or very little at all because there’s nowhere for those components to penetrate the tile.

What Should You Be Aware Of Before You Buy A Tile Sealer?

3 Specific Things To Look For In A Tile Sealer That Will Provide Superior Results:

  1. You need to have adhesion promotion technology that allows for covalent bonding to a very dense ceramic or porcelain tile surface.
  2. You need to use urethane technology, which is very durable, UV resistant. Your product needs to have two parts to create a very tough cross-link that produces an industry-leading seal over the tile and grout.
  3. Your sealer needs a high amount of polymer in the product for durability and protection, around 50% solids, which is much higher than standard floor finishes.

The Advantages Of Sealing Ceramic And Porcelain Tile.

  • Easy Maintenance and Cleaning
  • Protective Shield Across Tile & Grout
  • Eliminate Grout Odor
  • Maintains Wet Look
  • UV stable, Non-Yellowing
  • Chemical Resistant
  • Excellent Abrasion resistant
  • Increased slip resistance options

Where Should You Use Ceramic And Porcelain Tile Sealer Products?

Typical Uses:

On the commercial side, you’re going to have restrooms, shower facilities, kitchens, showrooms, entrance-ways, hallways, lobby areas and stairways, both interior and exterior.

On the consumer or residential side, in the living areas, kitchens and the bathrooms.

These areas below are where you should look for a tile sealer that will make the floor much easier to clean, give it wet look if desired and also be resistant to chemicals, pet and food stains.

  • Bathrooms/ Restrooms
  • Kitchens and Dining Areas
  • Lobby and Hallways
  • Stairs and Entrances
  • Tile and Grout Surface
  • Floors and walls
  • Ceramic and Porcelain
  • Stone and Concrete
  • Interior and Exterior
  • Etc.

Surface Preparation

Proper preparation is critical to ensure an adequate bond.

The ceramic and grout must be thoroughly cleaned with an appropriate cleaner. For cleaning and restoring old ceramic, porcelain tile and grout to like-new condition, we recommend using an alkaline cleaner formulated for ceramic and porcelain tile.

This will cut through tough grease, soap scum and soil stains. For shower stalls and outside applications, we recommend you use an acid-based cleaner to lightly etch the surface and ensure greater adhesion in wet conditions. This can also remove tough, hard water deposits, grout haze and efflorescence.

What Do You Need To Know About A Gloss, Matte Or Satin Finish?

Substances that may soil the tile and grout are urine or other organic matter or even aggressive cleaning chemicals.  This is where a two-part product, like GlazeGuard® Ceramic and Porcelain tile sealer really produces results.

It’s a very tough, hard-wearing sealer. It puts a barrier across the tile and the grout, eliminates odor and makes the entire floor much easier to clean and maintain. For addition slip resistance ( anti- slip properties) GlazeGuard® Plus should be used.

high gloss sealer for porcelain tiles

GlazeGuard Gloss sealer is developed specifically for ceramic and porcelain tiles. It will put a clear sealer across the floor tile and grout, giving it a high gloss wet look appearance, as well as provide a barrier that will protect against chemicals and soiling and make the floor much easier to clean.

GlazeGuard Satin finish is designed to specifically bond to ceramic and porcelain tile. It also gives the floor a wet look appearance and puts a nice medium sheen across the tile and the grout. The satin finish provides a protective barrier that will resist water, chemicals and make the floor much easier to keep clean.

GlazeGuard Matte finish is designed to specifically bond to ceramic and porcelain tile, and it will deliver a natural low sheen look to the tile and provide a barrier across the floor, both the tiles and the grout. It’s very chemical resistant, very water-resistant and makes the tile much easier to keep clean.

Glazeguard PLUS Anti Slip Coating For Tile, Vinyl, Wood, Concrete Floors And Metal

GlazeGuard® Plus is a solvent-free, virtually odorless, urethane coating with exceptional adhesion and performance properties. The addition of CoverGrip achieves high slip resistance, significantly reducing the potential for a slip in accordance with the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) standards.

The Best Tools And Equipment To Use.

In order to apply a ceramic and porcelain tiles sealer, you need to approach it as if you were painting the floor.

You will need:

  1. A good quality roller
  2. A roller tray
  3. A little hotdog roller or brush for sealing around the edges.

We recommend a roller that is a good quality 3/8th nap microfiber. Change out rollers after 60 minutes of use with a fresh one. We also recommend that you only mix the amount of product that you can use in about 60 minutes.

Make sure the room is well lit and that you take your time and apply the product. The product needs to be fully mixed before you use it. Use a mixing stick to slowly mix the material, then pour it into a roller tray. Then roll it out just like you were painting a floor.

Cleaning And Preparing Tiles Before Applying A Sealer.

We always tell people to be fussy about cleaning porcelain tile before sealing it.

Remember, you’re going to seal it with something that’s going to last several years. Make sure there’s no dust or dirt on the floor. Any footprints or stains will be locked down by the sealer.

So be fussy about cleaning it. You should use a High pH tile and grout cleaner that will remove dirt grease stains.

If applying GlazeGuard to areas that are frequently exposed to water or cleaning chemicals, like showers or restrooms, we recommend you micro-etch the surface with something like our PreTreat Mild Acidic Ceramic Tile Cleaner. It will prepare the surface and give you better adhesion for the GlazeGuard® sealer.

After Applying The Product, What Ongoing Floor Care Is Recommended?

One of the key advantages of using our GlazeGuard tile sealers is that it makes cleaning and maintaining the floor much easier.

You don’t need to use harsh or aggressive chemicals. You just need to use mild detergents or mild soap to clean the surface. The dirt won’t stick to the surface as it does with untreated tiles.

You don’t have to use a concentrated level of cleaning supplies, which should reduce your costs noticeably.

It’s also important to keep dust and dirt and sand off the floor. It’s a good practice to use mats at entrance ways to trap dirt, dust and grease before they get onto the floor.

What Are Customers Saying About Glazeguard®?

Contractors-and-Consumers-use-GlazeGuard-2

 

Our Clients Love The Entire Glazeguard® Product Line For A Few Key Reasons:

  • They are very water-resistant and prevent stains and discoloration from excessive exposure to moisture or continuous immersion.
  • They are very chemical resistant and prevent harmful and staining substances from getting through to the floor below.
  • They improve the appearance of ceramic and porcelain floors and walls, for much longer than store-bought sealers.
  • They don’t strip off easily and require gentle cleaning with everyday soaps or detergents.
  • They reduce the costs of cleaning, maintenance and labor because once sealed, dirt, stains and discolorations are a thing of the past.
  • And if something goes wrong, the customer can simply strip that local area and re-apply the GlazeGuard® product.
  • They protect both the tile floor and the grout, to keep surfaces clean and odor-free.

Every product in the GlazeGuard® line makes ceramic and porcelain floors look pristine and easy to maintain. And applying them is easy enough for the average do-it-yourself consumer.

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Drones capture thousands of high-quality photos as they move in and around buildings at different altitudes.

Drones capture thousands of high-quality photos as they move in and around buildings at different altitudes.

Drones capture thousands of high-quality photos as they move in and around buildings at different altitudes.

Performing drone inspections on a consistent basis allows property managers to observe time-dependent changes such as concrete deterioration, roof wear and tear, and hurricane damage.
At SRI, our FAA-certified pilots perform drone surveys of residential and commercial properties throughout South Florida.
Learn more about our drone services @ https://ow.ly/Qy6u50QWZNw

DRONE SURVEYS

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Drones take many videos and high-quality photos as they move in and around buildings at different altitudes. In a single mission, hundreds of data points can be captured for later use. That data provides a historical record to aid in insurance claims, maintenance and future renovations. At SRI, our FAA-certified pilots perform drone surveys of residential and commercial properties throughout South Florida. We use Catalogger image management software to easily store, search and access image and video data.

FAA-Certified Drone Pilots

All of our pilots have passed the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107) examination and maintain their flying credentials by passing recurrent examinations every two years.

Image Management with Catalogger
With a simple interface, Catalogger allows users to quickly access and share drone survey photos to guide maintenance, repair, and improvement projects. Image data is stored on the cloud and can be viewed on multiple devices via a password-protected portal.
Mission Planning With Recorded GPS Coordinates

Allows for repeated flights along the same path. Missions can be scheduled periodically to observe time-dependent changes such as concrete deterioration, roof wear and tear, hurricane damage, and modifications to surrounding structures.

Catalogger image management system logo
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Discover the Power of HOA Websites!  From simplifying admin tasks to enhancing community engagement, learn why every HOA needs a website.

Discover the Power of HOA Websites! From simplifying admin tasks to enhancing community engagement, learn why every HOA needs a website.

5 examples of HOA websites (plus important features)

Almost every company and business has a website today – and for good reason. Anyone who wants to know more about you, or the products or services you provide, is going to search for you online. A well designed, user-friendly website helps ensure prospective clients convert to long-term customers.

Download our free HOA website template/guide

Now, a homeowners association isn’t exactly like a business, but there are many similarities. HOAs must keep homeowners informed, collect payments (in the form of fees or dues) and  advertise the community to prospective homebuyers. These are just a few of the many reasons why HOAs are strongly encouraged to have their own community website.

Table of contents

 

How a website can help HOAs operate with fewer glitches

An HOA website acts as a secure platform for sharing and receiving essential information like news, announcements, notices, forms, governing documents, resources, directories, and more.  Instead of having to ask management or the board about upcoming member meetings or request an architectural change form, owners can log on to the association’s website and immediately get everything they need from one place.

The best websites will have a secure portal or page that only members can access. This helps with information sharing while being mindful of security and privacy.

Public photos of events, amenities and the HOA can also be shared to showcase the best of your community and entice prospective buyers. It’s an affordable and effective way to advertise.

Administrative tasks, such as maintenance requests or payments, can be streamlined and automated when they are brought online. Best of all, having an online system keeps everyone more accountable. Once a payment is made or a request is submitted, proof of that action is immediately available to management and owners.

 

Some states have made websites mandatory for associations  

In some states, websites are actually required for larger communities. In Florida, if your condo association has 150 or more units, then it must have a website that complies with specific requirements (timeshare units are excluded).

Texas just put a similar rule into effect for HOAs with at least 60 lots, or any association under contract with a management company. These HOAs must make the most current version of the association’s “dedicatory instruments” relating to the association or subdivision—and filed in the county deed records—available on an internet website. Information must be maintained by the association or management company working for the HOA; it must be made available to all members.

When it comes to maintaining a happy and efficient HOA, communication is key. User-friendly technology has given HOAs an opportunity to improve connectivity and engagement. A website is one tool that will help HOA members to stay informed and involved. Apathy can lead to a fractured and stagnant HOA; a website encourages the opposite.

 

 Why don’t more HOAs have websites?

Websites have come a long way, and with so many DIY platforms available, it’s become much easier to make one. But some boards may still be apprehensive about having a community website, while others may be worried about the time or costs involved in maintaining it. These are valid concerns, and it is important to discuss the following points with your HOA board before you move forward with getting a website:

  • What problems will the website aim to solve for owners, board members and management?
  • Can (and should) the HOA maintain the website on its own?
  • How much can the association afford to spend on a website? There are hosting fees and maintenance fees to consider in addition to the initial cost of the site
  • Has the board spoken with an attorney about the website and what information should be gated?
  • What are the requirements of the association? What features would it like the website to have?
  • Does the state or municipality have any requirements when it comes to HOA websites?
  • Can the website integrate with any of our current online systems?
  • Is there an HOA software company that could offer more options and features?

 

Getting a custom website

If the budget is available, many HOAs will elect to have someone else build their website for them. It’s usually a less stressful process when there’s a professional taking care of the hard stuff. While there are dozens of exceptional web designers out there, it can be hard to find the right one for your community.

Consider taking a less traditional route and hiring an HOA software company to build a custom site for you. Condo Control has a professional in-house designer available, and we work exclusively with residential communities. That means we’re in a better position to build an HOA-specific website than other developers.

Furthermore, we’ll make sure that owners have a password-protected section where they can easily find community news and information. Owners also have the option to login to their personal Condo Control account directly from the HOA website. From there, they can make online payments, book amenities, submit service requests/ architectural change forms and much more.

 

Make sure you get these 5 features

Your HOA website should be built based around the specific needs and goals of your community. That may mean you only need a few pages. Conversely, you may require multiple pages if your owners prefer to get documents and information online.

That being said, most communities will want to have the following features available to owners:

 

Desktop and mobile-friendly design

Your website must be available through mobile and desktop. Mobile traffic accounts for almost half of web traffic worldwide. According to Statista, In the first quarter of 2021, mobile devices (excluding tablets) generated 54.8% of global website traffic. Basically, more and more people are visiting websites through their phones. The convenience and ease of access means this trend will continue.

 

Community calendar

One of the best ways to ensure your owners show up to events is to integrate a community calendar right into the website. This is an easy way to keep everyone in the loop. When used collaboratively with HOA management software, admins can add events from the system and include details for meetings, social activities and even things like garbage pickup. These activities will then appear on the website calendar. Plus events can be added ahead of time or as they come up – it’s a flexible and simple solution.

 

Document storage

Giving owners 24/7 access to forms and governing documents, or board members a place where they can store and review every item relating to HOA business, is a gamechanger. Trying to keep papers organized is a lot of work, and trying to locate that one item you need in a file cabinet of folders is even harder. With online document storage, owners simply need to log in to the password protected area of the website, enter a keyword and they should be able to find what they’re looking for in seconds.

 

Resident maintenance requests

Since we’re keeping with the theme of simplifying and streamlining processes, online resident maintenance requests is another must-have website feature. Digital forms can be submitted by owners, and they can do this while they’re watching tv or commuting to work (since your site is mobile friendly). Management can see when new forms are submitted and request to receive notifications if they forget to follow up after a certain number of days.

 

Digital bulletin board and announcements

Communication is often the biggest issue impacting HOA communities. Sometimes, management thinks they are sharing enough, but owners still want more. Having an online system to post updates, notices and other information is an effective, cost-efficient solution. Messages can be created and shared in seconds, and associations forgo the print and mailing costs. Management can include links and attachments with these messages, too. Set expiry dates for time-sensitive announcements, or keep them up on the board for the entire year.

 

5 examples of great HOA websites

Below are some great examples of simple, user-friendly websites:

 

Lake Linganore Association

About the association

Lake Linganore is a very large association located in Maryland. It has dozens of private amenities available to users, including beaches, basketball courts, a dog park and even an events tent. Lake Linganore water is used as the primary source of drinking water for the City of Frederick, and it’s the emergency back-up water supply for Frederick County. It holds over 500-million gallons of water!

 

Why we like this website

The Lake Linganore site is very easy to navigate. There is contact information listed on the site, and a few small dropdown menus so as not to overwhelm the user. The visuals are also “on-brand,” or representative of the association’s qualities and characteristics. The interactive sections, such as the amenities map and historical timeline, is a great way to attract prospects.

 

Solano Grove

About the association

Solano Grove is a well-established community located in Jacksonville, Florida. It is an older condominium community, but that just means the units are more spacious than some of the newer builds.

 

Why we like this website

Solano Grove’s website offers users a clean and visually appealing space. There is just enough information; everything you need is easy to find. Owners won’t have a hard time figuring out where to login or register for the password-protected section.

 

Surfsong Condos

About the association

Surfsong Condos has 72 condominium units, a lovely clubhouse situated next to an oceanfront swimming pool and hot tub, and two tennis courts. Located in San Diego, atop a ninety-foot bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it is a truly beautiful place to live.

 

Why we like this website

Surfsong’s website sets the tone for the community. It is organized, but has a fun, laidback feel too. Not only are there photos of the area, but the website also offers visitors a breathtaking video of the condo community as well.

The site encourages new owners to sign up for an account using information they would have received in their welcome letter. Moreover, it has a small list at the bottom of the website informing owners of the information they will be able to obtain on the password-protected section.

Detailed contact information for the management team can also be found at the bottom of the website so that anyone who wishes to speak with them can get in touch quickly and easily.

 

Deering Bay Marina

About the association

Deering Bay Marina, located in South Miami-Dade County, is a pristine marina community that caters to lovers of boating, nature, and outdoor sport. Members have access to some of the best fishing spots around.

 

Why we like this website

Beside the beautiful photos of this stunning marina, Deering Bay Marina’s website has lots of helpful information readily available. For example, you can check local tides and weather, and any slips that are for sale or for lease. Members can access a password-protected section of the site as well where they will get to see information and updates released exclusively for them.

 

The Willows HOA

About the association

The Willows HOA Resort Living boasts the perfect climate with tranquil and beautiful landscapes bordering the Bay. The Willows’ 201 homes are adjacent to Alameda’s shopping mall. There is a large clubhouse, perfect for parties and a gym as well as an inviting pool.

Why we like this website

The design is ideal for HOAs looking for a simple, straightforward layout. Updates to the community are posted on the landing page for ease of access and immediate viewing by community members. Important HOA documents are accessible with a login from the home page. Tabs at the top take you directly to the specific page, without a long dropdown menu to scan.

 

Bonus: An HOA website template created by Condo Control

Condo Control offers all of the must-have features that we highlighted earlier on. Our HOA management software supports and works directly with the websites our team creates. We build professional, user-friendly websites for HOAs that want to improve communications and augment the association’s brand. Click here to see an example.

Note that we can customize even simple templates. On this one, we include amenities and information about board meetings and board members. You will also see how the events calendar looks from a resident’s perspective. Admins can update monthly calendars directly from their Condo Control account. Our goal is to showcase the very best of your community.

 

What makes a great website

It’s really important that your website is aesthetically pleasing. To put it bluntly, an ugly site isn’t going to encourage owners to use it. But – looks aren’t everything. A great website is fast, user-friendly, current and secure. Some of these qualities will overlap with must-have website features we mentioned earlier.

 

Mobile-friendly

We’ve already talked about the importance of making sure your HOA website is mobile friendly.

 

Fast

Our attention spans are shorter than ever, and people expect fast load times. Your website should be capable of solving problems for owners, not creating more frustrations for them. If you hire someone to build your website for you, they will be able to take the proper steps to ensure your site loads quickly without compromising on the quality of images or functionalities.

 

Informative

The website should have all of the resources that owners frequently ask for. This saves you and your staff time since owners will be able to do more for themselves. Announcements, governing documents, and events should be available on the password-protected section of the site.

 

User-friendly

The website should be easy to navigate and allow visitors to find what they are looking for right away. Simplicity trumps complexity when it comes to websites.

 

Secure

Security must always be prioritized. Personal and sensitive information is invaluable; HOAs must take every step possible to ensure only authorized individuals have access to this information. In addition to creating a section just for residents, be sure to Secure your site with HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure).

 

Costs                                                                        

The last aspect of HOA websites we will discuss is the costs. While you could probably find a free website template, we strongly recommend investing in a site that will offer you the most value for your investment. Free sites will be slow, may have tons of ads and they are not very customizable. Free websites will not provide a great experience for you or your owners.

If you are fortunate enough to have a board or committee member who is comfortable with something like WordPress and a bit of code, your association might spend anywhere from $150 – $600 per year. Costs will depend on whether you build from scratch, or pay for a website builder like Wix or Squarespace.

This cost estimate takes into account things like the domain name, hosting, premium themes and add-ons. The downside here is that you are responsible for updating and maintaining everything.

Prefer to hire a professional instead? You could be charged anywhere from $3,000 – $20,000 (or more). That’s a huge range, but there are a lot of variables to consider. The skill of the developer, whether you hire a freelancer or agency to do the work, the custom features you require, add-ons like quarterly updates and any additional services will all impact the price.

 

Conclusion  

HOA websites can act as a central resource hub for associations. Even if your owners aren’t tech-savvy, almost anyone can navigate and use a well-designed website. Plus, it doubles as an efficient advertising tool. With so many features and functions, having an HOA website just makes sense.

 

LOCATIONS

Suite 1000 – 2 Carlton St.Toronto, ON M5B 1J3

276 5th Avenue – Suite 704, New York, NY 10001

PHONE

Toll-Free: 1-888-762-6636
Sales: 416-961-7884
Support: 647-365-1746

 

 

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