Find Blog Articles for Florida’s Condo, HOA and the Management Industry.
|
|
Choosing a contractor can be difficult with all the options available.
Here’s how to pick the best plumber for your needs

You will meet two categories of plumbers during your search for a plumber. The first category is that of plumbers who can do installations, while the second category includes plumbers who do repairs. Your choice of a plumber will depend on your plumbing job. Plumbers in these categories are also classified into three groups: master plumber, journeyman, and apprentice.
Apprentice plumbers are still in training and will often work alongside a qualified or more experienced plumber. Once the apprentice plumber completes the training and gets a license, they become journeyman plumbers.
Journeyman plumbers can do plumbing repairs or installations but typically work for other plumbers. After the journeyman plumber has been in operation for many years, they will become a master plumber.
Insurance and proper license offer protection during the plumbing project. Consequently, only hire a plumber who can show a valid license and an applicable insurance cover. Examine the provided insurance certificate and contact the insurance provider to verify the insurance policy. As for the licensing certificate, check your state’s website to confirm the license’s validity.
Similarly, a qualified plumber will be a member of trade associations and plumbing groups. Members of trade associations must meet specific standards of competence and safety. Thus, a qualified plumber will display the logos or links of the associations they are a member of.
A plumber or plumbing company that has operated for several years will have a long list of references. Avoid a plumber who is not transparent with information about references. Instead, consider a plumber who readily provides testimonials and reviews from their previous clients.
For the plumbers who provide references, contact the people on the list to know about the plumber’s workmanship and service.
Always prioritize a contractor who works and lives in your local area. If you hire a contractor living in another city or state, you won’t benefit from quick services in case of an emergency. On the other hand, a nearby plumber can quickly respond whenever you need instant help.
The plumber’s charges will vary from one location to another. The cost will also depend on the type and duration of the plumbing job. The lack of standardized prices means some plumbers will charge more than others for the same job. For example, more experienced and skilled plumbers often have higher rates but may do a better job.
A plumber should display professionalism when dealing with clients. Professional conduct includes appropriate dress and courteous communication. Also, the plumber should be organized and display integrity at every turn. You will want to hire a plumber who responds quickly to your queries and treats you with respect.
You will prefer to work with a plumber who will complete your job on time. Therefore, ask the plumber to provide details about their previously completed jobs. Pay special attention to the amount of time the plumber takes to complete their work. Plumbers who have completed jobs within the predetermined schedules will be perfect for you.
A plumber can install or repair many fixtures and appliances in your home. Hire Pipe Restoration Solutions if you want high-quality services in the shortest time possible. We are a trusted and reliable company with an elite and experienced team. Contact us to get a quote.
by CoverTec
In addition with this toughness and durability CoverTec concrete floor coating systems can be installed in a variety of existing colors. CoverTec coatings, offer some of the best stain protection in the market and are highly chemical resistant.
learn more about the products to Clean, protect and seal floors in your Buildings! https://www.covertecproducts.com/product-category/concrete-terrazzo/

US manufacturer and distributor of floor coatings, floor cleaners and waterproofing products. CoverTec products are used primarily in Flooring applications, Roof and Wall waterproofing and for Industrial and commercial maintenance.
Our protective coating products and cleaners can be applied to many substrates including concrete, wood, tile, stone, brick, metal, rubber and aged asphalt. At CoverTec we have combined years of experience to produce products that really solve problems!
Materials Supplier of: Non Slip Coatings, Clear Sealers for Brick and Concrete, Sealers for Tile & Stone Waterproofing, Epoxy Flooring, Traffic Decks, Pool Decks, Balcony Coatings, Cleaners for Concrete, Tiles & Woodwork, and Protective Coatings for Wood.
[AdSense-B]
Tags: Common Area Issues, Flooring Cleaning & Protecting, Maintenance & Service Articles, Management NewsNew Location: 1072 NW 53rd St Fort Lauderdale FL 33309
Lighting of Tomorrow is your one stop shop for all your lighting needs.
Get started on saving energy with a FREE Lighting Inspection
Lighting of Tomorrow facilitates the switch from outdated, inefficient lighting to state-of-the-art LED technology. Our affordable solutions allow clients to benefit from significant energy-use reductions through the installation of energy efficient LED lighting systems. All products and fixtures used by L.o.T. are accredited, certified, and guaranteed for commercial & industrial use.
View some of our Projects we Completed
We believe that saving energy is simply the right thing to do. We actively seek to create a more sustainable, healthier future for our planet.

At Lighting of Tomorrow, we offer:
* FREE consultation
* Photo-metric reports
* Lighting designs
* Products for purchase -OR- Lighting as a Service
* Electrical installation & maintenance
* 5+ year manufacturer warranty
* City permitting services
* Financing options
* Incentives research and options


Tags: Management News, Management Tools, Painting Service Articles
Florida state legislature took swift action to implement inspection reform to mitigate the risk of a similar tragedy in the future. As of May 27th, 2022, Florida passed several laws to keep building safer in the state by requiring specific inspections and funding mechanisms. These new Florida condo laws mean significant changes for building owners across Florida, all within a relatively short time.
This is a great Video to start your education on SB-4D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QdEqUgL1CM&t=51s
What buildings does this law affect, and what does the new law say?
Structural inspections are now mandatory for condominium and cooperative buildings that are 3 stories or greater in height.
What do I have to do?
Have a Milestone Inspection performed when a building is 30 years old and every ten years after the initial inspection. If your building is within 3 miles of the coastline, a Milestone Inspection must be performed when the building is 25 years old and every ten years after the initial inspection.
What else do I need to know about this inspection?
The purpose is to verify the safety and adequacy of the structural components of the building. There are two possible phases of this Milestone Inspection. If you pass the first, you don’t need the second. If you don’t pass the first, you’re required to have the second performed, which is much more extensive.
Phase 1is a visual examination and qualitative assessment. Ideally, this will be all you have to complete.
Phase 2is a full assessment of distress to determine if the building is structurally sound and safe for its intended use. The inspector is to recommend a program for complete evaluation and repair of distressed and damaged portions of the building.

On SFPMA.COM find the top rated engineers for your SB-4D Inspections.
A Florida Licensed Engineer or Architect must perform both phases of this Milestone Inspection.
Find the Top rated Engineers on our State of Florida Members Directory. Members are located all over Florida, Boards, Managers, Owners, Investors can view our open directory and find these companies to start the Inspections.
When is the deadline?
If your building is over 30 years old (or 25 if you’re within 3 miles of the coast), you must complete this inspection by December 31st, 2024.
We at SFPMA recommend you know about this new Florida condo law?
Don’t wait to get started on this. If you act now, you can likely avoid a Phase 2 inspection by correcting any items that might force you into a Phase 2, before the December 31st, 2024 date. Those who wait may be forced into a more expensive Phase 2 can’t make necessary repairs in time. (*If a building is less than 3 miles from the coastline, these inspections start at year 25).

Tags: Common Area Issues, Lake Management Articles, Management News, Member Services Articles
As repairs come up due to Florida Storms or Projects at your Properties, You need to make sure your permits are handled by a Trusted Company.
Permits will be pulled for the repairs. All work will be followed up by the engineer to assure compliance. Aruba Permit Services is licensed and insured.
Aruba Construction who has been a Certified General Contractor since 1990 and has qualified Engineers available to handle inspections of any size building.
These inspections are for the conditions of the building that include:
· Masonry Walls (concrete condition, exposed rebar, spalling)
· Floors and Roof Systems (drains, scuppers, supports for A/C)
· Steel Framing (corrosion, fireproofing)
· Concrete Framing (cracks, exposed rebar)
· Windows (general condition, seals, anchorage)
· Wood Framing (connector condition, rotting, bearing deficiencies)
· Exterior Finishes (stucco, soffit, veneer deficiencies)
· Electrical (panels, wiring, breakers)
Phone: (954) 786-7292
Email: info@aruba-services.com
Address: 1413 S. Powerline Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33069
Industry Members of SFPMA < View our membership page
Tags: Condo and HOA, Inspection Articles, Management News, Member Highlights
Do you know? Or do you think you know?
I call this lack of systems knowledge. Here’s why it’s important.
Every piece of your building is made up of systems. Each system has pathways and pipes that make that system whole. I love when people generalize the term “plumbing”, when there are really multiple facets of systems that make up the plumbing.
There are domestic water systems, storm water systems, sanitary systems, etc.
Now, with that said, are you waiting until you have a major problem with your system to
Look at it? Like a don’t ask, don’t tell type of scenario?
Problem is, these systems almost always find themselves in peculiar locations, level 5 finished walls, columns with marble on them, walls with expensive finishes etc. Like when the kitchen of the tower club is located above the law offices really fancy conference room. (More on that story later).
The design of these systems is like the veins in your body, they hide discretely under the surface of your skin, and as long as everything is running smooth, no reason to investigate or research right?
Wrong.
Each one of these systems has a life expectancy for failure, and the longer the life, the higher the risk. When you wait till the system is failed, it usually always ends up
Costing more in the end.
For this condo in Fort Lauderdale, they unfortunately deferred maintenance, waited until it was too late, and the entire system needed to be replaced, as an emergency.
Had a thorough camera work up and report been done 5 years ago, they could of budgeted for this, and been more prepared.
As the story goes, just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Underground utilities are a part of your buildings critical infrastructure, you must prioritize it, or it will bite you in the ____.