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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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Preparing for Extreme Heat: The New Natural Disaster by Donna DiMaggio Berger of Becker

Preparing for Extreme Heat: The New Natural Disaster by Donna DiMaggio Berger of Becker

  • Posted: Jun 07, 2026
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Preparing for Extreme Heat this Summer: The New Natural Disaster

by Donna DiMaggio Berger / Becker

The word “hot” has many connotations: it can reveal anger when you say someone is “hot around the collar”; it can invoke personal appeal or desirability “he’s so hot”; it can refer to a disorganized person or situation, hence the description as “a hot mess”; and can also be used to describe an emotional issue or topic as a “hot button”. However, since the earliest of times, the word hot has been used to describe the temperature and we’ve been hearing this word a lot lately in many parts of the US given the ongoing heat waves. More than 61,000 people died because of the heat waves that swept the European continent. We won’t know for some time how many US fatalities have occurred due to our extreme heat during the summer.

Extreme heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, exacerbation of existing medical and mental health conditions, respiratory distress, and heatstroke. Dehydration can cause dizziness, fatigue, and muscle weakness. Heat exhaustion may result in heavy sweating, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, faintness, and muscle cramps. Extreme heat can more greatly affect people with underlying respiratory, cardiovascular and kidney disorders with extreme heat being tied to an increased risk of heart attacks or other cardiovascular events. Heatwaves have also been linked to diminished air quality in urban areas which can worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma. Lastly, extreme heat can impact mental well-being, leading to irritability, mood swings and difficulty concentrating, all of which can make communal living more stressful.

Dealing with extreme heat events in a multifamily building, especially for those on fixed incomes, can be challenging. What should your association board and management team be doing in response to an extreme heat event? Certainly, including preparation for heat waves into your emergency disaster plan is recommended. The following are some items you may wish to consider:

  • If your association has employees, work with counsel to review your employee guidebook particularly for employees whose work requires them to be outdoors. For those employees, you will want to be sure that they have access to plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and replace fluids lost through perspiration. If those employees are required to wear a certain uniform that is not well suited to an extreme heat event, you should consider an alternate uniform for extreme heat event. You may also want to be confirm that your outside vendors who provide services outdoors have provided adequate water and protection from the sun for their workers.
  • Create shade around the building by using umbrellas, awnings, or strategically placed vegetation to reduce the impact of direct sunlight. Bear in mind that some of these shade additions may require advance membership approval.
  • Revisit any architectural control guidelines you have in place which may restrict or prohibit the use of fans on patios, balconies and lanais. Fans are used to circulate air and can create a cooling effect. Consider how curtains, blinds and blackout shades may reduce the temperature inside units particularly if a unit owner is not running the AC at reasonable temperatures. Allow people to close their blinds and/or their hurricane shutters during the day to block out direct
    sunlight and prevent heat from entering the living space.
  • Consider limiting daytime hours of play for outdoor tennis and pickleball courts as well as any other outdoor recreational areas when temperatures are soaring. Installing thermometers on the common areas may also help remind your residents about climbing temperatures.
  • Consider purchasing a whole building generator if you don’t already have one. In the event that increased electric demands during a heat wave cause a blackout or brownout that generator may save lives in your building. Naturally, a generator will also help in the aftermath of a windstorm which knocks out electricity.
  • Check in with your residents who may be living alone and dealing with physical or mental health challenges as well as economic burdens. These residents may not be running their A/C as often or at a
    temperature that is needed for their wellbeing. This is also the time to confirm that you have emergency contacts for your residents.
  • Reach out to local community organizations, social services, or government agencies that provide assistance during extreme weather events. They may offer cooling centers, fan distribution programs, or other resources for your residents.

The strategies your board and management team use in response to an extreme heat event depends, in large part, on your building’s location and infrastructure as well as the available monetary and personnel resources. However, there are some basic steps all associations can take to educate their residents about the dangers of extreme heat. The phrase, “we’re having a heat wave” doesn’t have to spell disaster in a well-prepared community.

For additional information please listen to my podcast conversation with Jane Gilbert, Miami-Dade’s Chief Heat Officer which can be found here.

 

 Donna DiMaggio Berger is a Shareholder with the Becker law firm, is Board-certified, is a Fellow with the College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL) and is a keynote speaker and the host of the popular Take It To The Board podcast on association issues.

Donna DiMaggio Berger is a Shareholder in Becker’s Community Association Practice in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She is a member of the College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL), a prestigious national organization that acknowledges community association attorneys who have distinguished themselves through contributions to the evolution or practice of community association law and who have committed themselves to high standards of professional and ethical conduct in the practice of community association law. She is also one of only 190 attorneys statewide who is a Board Certified Specialist in Condominium and Planned Development Law.

As Founder and Executive Director of Becker’s Community Association Leadership Lobby (CALL), Ms. DiMaggio Berger has led various community association advocacy initiatives, working with legislators and other public policymakers on behalf of those who live, serve, and work in common interest ownership communities. She has testified before the Florida Legislature regarding community association law and frequently appears on radio talk shows and in print media discussing these issues.

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Resident Experience Management platform can help you deliver superior resident experiences and help you exceed resident expectations.

Resident Experience Management platform can help you deliver superior resident experiences and help you exceed resident expectations.

An effective portal solution for managing electronic communications with features that increases the resident experience. In this article, we look at how our Resident Experience Management platform can help you deliver superior resident experiences and help you exceed resident expectations.

By Concierge Plus

Due to pandemic restrictions, many management offices were inaccessible to residents. This caused a greater reliance on telephone and e-mail communication. For many residents, failure of management to respond to their queries in a proper way created distrust and a perception that the management company is incompetent. The root cause to this problem is the lack of an effective portal solution for managing electronic communications with features that increases the resident experience. In this article, we look at how our Resident Experience Management platform can help you deliver superior resident experiences and help you exceed resident expectations.

Efficient maintenance request process

The main responsibility of any management company is to ensure that community associations are well maintained. Residents should be able to report maintenance requests as soon as possible from wherever they are. While calls and text messages can get your attention, residents might not be able to explain the situation entirely. However, via Concierge Plus’ Service Request feature, they can give details of their concern and even upload pictures or videos to aid their explanation.
Requests are always tracked by unit, so you’ll always be able to access a history of what happened. And full reporting features mean you can very quickly generate all the information you need to update your board or your residents.

Mobile-Service-Request

Transparency in association governance

Since the tragic Surfside condo collapse in Miami, residents are asking for more transparency from their elected board members. Transparency is characterized by visibility or accessibility of information concerning association practices.
Board members can use Concierge Plus as a platform for keeping residents in the loop with regards to anything related to building maintenance. Since the tragic Surfside condo collapse, we’ve been told that residents are particularly asking for their board’s plan on risk mitigation.
Board members can share documents such as a Reserve Study with unit owners using our File Sharing feature. This is a password-protected repository for important documents and is a great place to store articles of incorporation, meeting minutes, rules and regulations.

Mobile-Media-Library-Folder

Virtual owner meetings and AGMs

As the pandemic eases and we resume in-person gatherings, hybrid meetings are slowly becoming a permanent part of how community associations function.
Board members can easily add HD web conferencing, automate attendance, enable eligible owners to vote online, and more through our all-in-one virtual meeting platform integration with GetQuorum.
Advanced and real-time electronic voting allows owners to vote securely on important meeting matters before or during the meeting using GetQuorum’s dynamic online platform.
Electronic voting offers substantial cost savings, improved efficiency and significantly reduces errors associated with traditional paper-based voting.

Efficient package management

Community managers, security guards and concierges everywhere are fighting a losing battle trying to keep up with the unrelenting wave of incoming parcels during the holiday season. When staff members spend more time accepting, storing and retrieving parcels, they can’t focus on their security duties.
With Concierge Plus’ Notification feature, you can avoid ending up with front desk congestion and angry residents. Use Concierge Plus to manage package deliveries with automated emails and an easy tracking process. Residents can select to be notified by text message (SMS) or by an automated phone call, which is perfect for urgent and timely notifications.
With our barcode scanner your team can quickly scan every package that arrives, and when residents come to pick-up their packages, they simply sign on a digital signature pad to confirm their identity permanently and securely.
Last but not least, we also offer beautifully designed, 40″ digital lobby display screens which you can use to alert residents that items are available for pick-up.

Features-IntergratedHardware-DisplayScreen-300x203

Secure resident and visitor parking

For most residents, the safety factors associated with condo living are a huge consideration in choosing life in a community association.
Concierge Plus can help you manage who is coming in and out, where they are parking, and if they have permission to enter the building. Our integrated hardware offerings alleviate confusion with parking pass printers that clearly denote who is parking where.
The printer connects easily to your computer and facilitates tracking of visitor vehicle details such as license plate number, make, and color. A parking pass receipt will print automatically for visitors to display on their dashboards.

 

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Call Chuck’s Painting Inc. Today for All Your Residential, Commercial and Industrial Painting Needs 

Call Chuck’s Painting Inc. Today for All Your Residential, Commercial and Industrial Painting Needs 

Call Chuck’s Painting Inc. Today for All Your Residential, Commercial and Industrial Painting Needs 

A1 Chuck’s Painting

Alex Manganiello
Owner/President
Cell: 954-868-0494
Fax: 954-966-3371
E-Mail: a1chuckspainting@yahoo.com

 

We are a full service painting company we provide the highest level of quality and service and we are capable of handling all of your painting needs. We specialize in Interior/Exterior Residential painting Townhouse communities Condominium communities Commercial buildings Shopping Plazas and Business Parks.

 

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Garing Parking Enforcement / Garing Property Services

Garing Parking Enforcement / Garing Property Services

Garing Parking Enforcement / Garing Property Services

We pride ourselves on providing invaluable services to HOAs/COAs and their property managers throughout S. Florida that facilitate the improvement of safety and appearance of their communities while preserving the integrity of property values. Our first division, Garing Parking Enforcement, was started in 2007 to help communities regain and maintain compliance with their vehicle restrictions and parking regulations.

Our second division, Garing Property Services, was just launched with a similar intent of bringing the residences, recreational and common areas in a community into compliance with the community’s governing documents pertaining to the appearance and upkeep of their dwellings.

 

TESTIMONIALS

Dear Paul and the Garing Staff

Just so you know, we were more than satisfied with the patrols. I know what your guy went through at times; the threats […] abusive residents, etc. l also know it would be hard to duplicate this service for little or no cost if we choose to do so because you are extremely reasonable with the costs. You have been a tremendous help to our violation enforcement […] I just personally wanted you to know that we appreciate everything you have done for our community.

Sincerely,

Chuck Forcucci
and the Genesis Board of Directors

​
Dear Paul

I’ve read carefully the report of Garing’s parking ranger. I have no comment other than l do appreciate very much everything that he did on Saturday night, June 21, 2008 between 12:30 am and 1:50 am.

He conducted his duty strictly in accordance with the professional regulations of your company and the agreement with Sawgrass Preserve HOA. The owners of vehicles that were subject of towing in this incident were very well known as frequent violators, not only in illegal parking, but also in other cases (broken gate arm, tailgating…)

On behalf of the Association l praise the professional stand of your ranger and use this opportunity to thank him for everything he did that night to protect the Association rules. Could you please pass to him our great satisfaction for his approach in conducting of his duties.

Thanks.

Miro Imamovic
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VANDELAY COMMUNICATIONS LLC – EV CHARGING STATIONS

VANDELAY COMMUNICATIONS LLC – EV CHARGING STATIONS

VANDELAY COMMUNICATIONS LLC

Veteran-Owned Small Business, Trusted Consulting Firm for the Telecom Industry.

954-214-2590

Taking Your Business to New Heights

Vandelay Communications is reaching out to all HOA’s across Florida to offer our services. Our company is building Electric Vehicle Charging stations across the country and Florida’s EV use is currently rising at the highest percentage across the country. Is your property prepared? Do your residents now and future have access to EV Chargers in their homes or parking garages?

By 2025 it is estimated that 30% of all vehicles on the road will be electric. By 2030 almost every car manufacturer will be producing electric vehicles. The costs of install can be offset by the residual income that comes from the usage. This also has the ability to offer an HOA an additional income to reduce HOA fees for your residents while increasing property values. We offer single family garage equipment sales and installations, as well as large capacity parking lots and underground or above ground garage installs. Vandelay offers education to residents, free no obligation estimates and is a turn key solution that will guide you through the entire process. Please reach out for more details

 

VANDELAY COMMUNICATIONS LLC IS A VETERAN OWNED AND OPERATED COMPANY
WE WORK IN BOTH EV CHARGING STATIONS AND CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS

WE PROVIDE SERVICES THAT INCLUDE SALES OF EQUIPMENT, PLANNING, EDUCATING CONSULTING, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF EV CHARGERS
WE ALSO PROVIDE CONSULTING ON CELLULAR APPLICATIONS OF EXISTING EQUIPMENT AND NEW INSTALLS AS WELL AS LEASING CONSULTANTS AND ADVOCATES FOR BUILDING OWNERS

STEVE MILANA
STEVE@VANDELAYCOMMUNICATIONS.COM
EXECUTIVE VP
VANDELAY COMMUNICATIONS LLC
954-214-2590
https://vandelaycommunications.com/

 

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Only a licensed, structural engineer can provide accurate assessments and solutions for a home buyer or seller.

Only a licensed, structural engineer can provide accurate assessments and solutions for a home buyer or seller.

Many engineering firms do not offer residential services. But United Professional Engineering (UPE) does.

We understand the residential market and the homeowner and we value their business. Only a licensed, structural engineer can provide accurate assessments and solutions for a home buyer or seller.

 

Residential Structural Inspections

Many engineering firms do not offer residential services. At UPE, we understand the residential market and the homeowner. We value their business and our team is proud to service this sector. Most of the work that we perform for residential homeowners begins with an onsite engineering assessment. Our licensed, structural engineers make a site visit to the property. We survey the areas of concern and assess the severity of the structural problems in question.

After a site investigation is conducted, our structural engineers prepare a structural engineering report outlining onsite findings, identifying probable cause of the structural issue and recommendations for remediation of any structural deficiency uncovered. We provide our clients with a photograph log documenting existing conditions at the time of the site visit. Only a licensed, structural engineer can provide accurate assessments and solutions for a home buyer or seller. Give us a call today!

 

United Professional Engineering (UPE)

Provides a unique “one-stop-shop” for all your structural engineering needs in Palm Beach and Broward County. Our South Florida area founded firm has been in business since 1999 and we have a diverse team; from licensed designers and structural engineers to inspectors and general contractors. For that reason, our projects range from designing and restoration to structural inspections and more!

We understand how valuable your time is and we are committed to providing our industry leading expertise to your next project. Our team welcomes any and all challenges to ensure a smooth and cost effective project for all our clients and everyone involved. Your journey with us is important, and we take pride in making it memorable!

At UPE, we understand it is hard to find a service provider you can trust and count on and we are here to change that.

Today, one of the largest investments is building a structure and how to maintain its lifespan. Structural integrity, environmental factors, atmospheric elements, and maintaining aesthetics are all important factors that we evaluate very carefully, when working on a project.

Our highly qualified licensed designers, engineers and general contractors promises to ensure your investment is protected. We believe it’s important to exhibit and maintain an open communication network, while working towards each of our client’s best interests, as well as everyone involved.

We are committed to structural safety and serviceability, identify equilibrium conditions, resolve limitations and utilize preventive and corrective maintenance behavior. UPE is here to help accomplish each milestone of your project, together!

Give us a call today!
📱(561) 582-1733
💻 upefl.com

Find us on the Members Directory on SFPMA.com

LinkedIn:  Find us on LinkedIn

 

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30/40 Year Building Recertification: Your Property Depends on it.

30/40 Year Building Recertification: Your Property Depends on it.

  • Posted: Apr 29, 2026
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30/40 Year Building Recertification: Your Property Depends on it.

Building inspections are crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of buildings. This is particularly true here in South Florida due to our region’s unique climate and environmental conditions. High humidity, Salt Air, extreme heat, and the hurricane season can all cause damage to building’s structure and envelopes over time. These are some of the reasons why building recertification has become mandated in South Florida every 30 or 40 years, depending on the building’s age.

 

Identifying Hidden Problems

Building inspections are essential to identify underlying problems that may not be readily apparent to residents. For instance, buildings may develop foundation cracks, leaks in the roof, or other issues that can pose significant risks to the property’s structural integrity. Regular inspections can catch these issues early and detect severe problems that may cause serious water damage or building collapse.

Building inspections can prevent these situations, uncover hidden issues, and allow for prompt repair or replacement. Identifying problems early on can also save property owners money and time by preventing more severe cases from developing. Deterioration in coastal environments is a progressive problem that will cost more to address as time passes. By addressing these problems, property owners can promote their buildings’ safety and structural integrity.

 

Cost Savings

Building inspections can provide property owners with significant cost savings in the long run by identifying potential issues early on. Often, structural engineers can find problems during an inspection that can be repaired immediately at a lower cost than if they were allowed to escalate into more significant issues.

For example, if a building inspector discovers a small leak in the roof, the property owner can have it repaired before it causes more extensive damage to the interior of the building. If left unattended, this leak could cause extensive water damage, resulting in costly repairs and possible damage to the building’s structure.

Inspectors may identify areas in the building that could be more energy-efficient. In this case, the property owner can upgrade the building’s insulation, HVAC, or lighting systems—leading to significant savings in energy costs and reducing the property owner’s overall operating expenses.

 

Experience and Expertise

Structural Workshop has extensive experience conducting building inspections. Our experienced engineers and inspectors work closely with clients to help them keep their buildings safeand well-maintained. Whether you are a property manager, building owner, or homeowner, we can help you navigate the complexity of building inspections. Please get in touch with us today to schedule a recertification or learn more about our services.

 

If your company needs marketing please contact our member
Jessica Vail
Vail Marketing Solutions
(908) 528.4087
www.vailmarketingsolutions.com

 

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Architectural Committees Formal Procedures, Published Standards, and Self Help by REMBAUM’S ASSOCIATION ROUNDUP

Architectural Committees Formal Procedures, Published Standards, and Self Help by REMBAUM’S ASSOCIATION ROUNDUP

  • Posted: Apr 29, 2026
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Architectural Committees Formal Procedures, Published Standards, and Self Help

by REMBAUM’S ASSOCIATION ROUNDUP

Formal Procedures

There are strict legal requirements that a homeowners’ association’s (HOA) architectural review committee (ARC) must follow, most especially if the ARC intends to deny an owner’s request. As this author has witnessed countless times, it is likely that many ARCs do not conduct their activities in conformity with Florida law such that an ARC denial may not withstand judicial scrutiny. If these legal requirements are not followed, and the ARC denies the owner’s architectural request, then it would be quite easy for the owner to challenge the ARC’s decision and prevail. Upon prevailing, the owner would be entitled to their prevailing party attorney’s fees and costs, as well. It is so easy to avoid this outcome, yet so few associations take the time to do it right.

Pursuant to §720.303(2), Florida Statutes, a meeting of the ARC is required to be open and noticed in the same manner as a meeting of the association’s board of directors. Notice of the ARC meeting must be posted in a conspicuous place in the community at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting, and the meeting must be open for all members to attend. Further, pursuant to §720.303(2)(c)(3), Florida Statutes, members of the ARC are not permitted to vote by proxy or secret ballot. Also, bare bone minutes should be taken to create a record of ARC decisions—especially denials.

We often hear from many HOAs that the ARC does not meet openly and does not notice their meetings. This leaves decisions made by the ARC vulnerable to challenge. If the ARC denies an application but fails to do so at a properly noticed board meeting, the owner can challenge the denial, claiming that it is not valid because the ARC did not follow proper procedure. In such cases, the ARC’s denial of an application is not valid because the ARC failed to comply with the procedural requirements for the meeting even if an application violates the declaration or other association-adopted architectural standards. However, by complying with the provisions of Chapter 720, Florida Statutes, your HOA can work to avoid this debacle.

 

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Published Standards

Often a top priority for an HOA is ensuring that homes in the community maintain a harmonious architectural scheme in conformity with community standards and guidelines, and because the ARC is at the frontline of owners’ alterations and improvements to their homes, it is instrumental in ensuring that the community standards and guidelines are met. Pursuant to §720.3035(1), Florida Statutes, an HOA, or the ARC, “has the authority to review and approve plans and specifications only to the extent that the authority is specifically stated or reasonably inferred as to location, size, type, or appearance in the declaration or other published guidelines and standards.” But not every owner request is typically addressed in the declaration or other published guidelines and standards. If not, then the association may not be in a good position for proper denial. Therefore, the ARC is only as effective as the objective guidelines and standards (set forth in the declaration and other published guidelines and standards) are inclusive. So, what is the association to do when the ARC receives an owner’s application for an alteration to the home, but the association does not have any architectural guidelines or standards regulating the requested alteration?

While not court tested yet, a possible solution for this conundrum is to include a “catch-all” provision in the declaration to proactively address those ARC applications where a member may request a modification that is not directly addressed by the governing documents. Such a “catch-all” provision stands for the proposition that, if such a request is made, then the existing state of the community is the applicable standard by which the ARC application is to be judged. For example, imagine if an owner applies to the ARC to paint the owner’s house pink. If there are no architectural guidelines or standards that address what color a house must be, and there are no pink houses in the community, then the existing state of the community may provide a lawful basis for the ARC to deny the request because there are no existing pink houses in the community.

The Trouble With Self-Help Provisions

What if an owner refuses to maintain the owner’s property, such as pressure washing a dirty roof, despite the HOA sending demand letters, levying a fine, and perhaps even suspending the owner’s right to use the HOA’s recreational facilities? What is the HOA’s next step? Is it time to file a lawsuit to compel compliance? Well, Chapter 718 (governing condominiums), Chapter 719 (governing cooperatives), and Chapter 720 (governing HOAs) of the Florida Statutes authorize the association to bring an action at law or in equity to enforce the provisions of the declaration against the owner. Additionally, many declarations contain “self-help” language that authorizes the association to cure a violation on behalf of the owner and even, at times, assess the owner for the costs of doing so. These “self-help” provisions generally contain permissive language, meaning the association, may, but is not obligated to, cure the violation. Sadly, in this instance the word “may” means “shall,” and to find out why, read on.

There is a general legal principal that, if a claimant has a remedy at law (e.g., the ability to recover money damages under a contract), then it lacks the legal basis to pursue a remedy in equity (e.g., an action for injunctive relief). Remember, too, that an association’s declaration is a contract. In the context of an association, the legal remedy would be exercising the “self-help” authority granted in the declaration. An equitable remedy would be bringing an action seeking an injunction to compel an owner to take action to comply with the declaration. Generally, a court will only award an equitable remedy when the legal remedy is unavailable, insufficient, or inadequate.

Assume that the association’s declaration contains both the permissive “self-help” remedy and the right to seek an injunction from the court. Accordingly, it would appear the association has a decision to make—go to court to seek the injunction or enter onto the owner’s property, cure the violation, and assess the costs of same to the owner. However, recent Florida case law affirmed a complication to what should be a simple decision. In two cases decided ten years apart, Alorda v. Sutton Place Homeowners Association, Inc., 82 So.3d 1077 (Fla. 2nd DCA 2012) and Mauriello v. Property Owners Association of Lake Parker Estates, Inc., 337 So.3d 484 (Fla. 2nd DCA 2022), Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal decided that an association did not have the right to seek an injunction to compel an owner to comply with the declaration if the declaration provided the association the authority, but not the obligation, to engage in “self-help” to remedy the violation. Expressed simply, this is because the legal contractually based “self-help” remedy must be employed before one can rely upon equitable remedy of an injunction. Therefore, even though the declaration provided for an optional remedy of “self-help,” it must be used before seeking the equitable remedy of an injunction.

In Alorda, the owners failed to provide the association with proof of insurance required by the declaration. Although the declaration allowed the association to obtain the required insurance, the association filed a complaint against the owners seeking injunctive relief, asking the court to enter a permanent mandatory injunction requiring the owners to obtain the requested insurance. The owners successfully argued that even though they violated the declaration, the equitable remedy of an injunction was not available because the association already had an adequate legal remedy—the “self-help” option of purchasing the required insurance and assessing them for same. The Court agreed.

In Mauriello, the declaration contained similar language as in Alorda but involved the issue of the owners failing to keep their lawn and landscaping in good condition as required by the declaration. The association filed a complaint seeking a mandatory injunction ordering the owners to keep their lawn and landscaping in a neat condition. However, the facts were complicated by the sale of the home in the middle of the suit when the new owners voluntarily brought the home into compliance with the declaration. The parties continued to fight over who was entitled to prevailing party attorney’s fees with the association arguing it was entitled to same because the voluntary compliance was only obtained after the association was forced to commence legal action. The owners, citing Alorda, argued that the complaint should have been dismissed at the onset because the association sought an equitable remedy (injunction) when a legal remedy was already available—the exercise of its “self-help” authority. The Court considered the award of attorney’s fees after the dismissal of the association’s action for an injunction. Ultimately, the Court held that the owners were the prevailing party as the association could not seek the injunction because it already had an adequate remedy at law.

Accordingly, if your association’s declaration contains a “self-help” provision, and your association desires to seek an injunction against an owner rather than pursue “self-help,” the board should discuss the issue in greater detail with the association’s legal counsel prior to proceeding. Also, remember that if the association wants to enforce architectural standards, then they must be published to the membership; and always remember to notice ARC meetings and take minutes.

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