Comments: Comments Off on Secured Technologies: Security of your property or needing a trusted partner to help you build a state of the art Access Control Solution.
Covering a range of security services, from small restoration and maintenance jobs to providing full blown biometric no-touch access control complete with Facial Recognition and world class CCTV, Secured Technologies is your partner in securing your building.
We offer state-of-the-art access control systems, alarm systems, intruder detection systems, CCTV, IT, integration, installation, support and maintenance services. We are a licensed and insured security service provider in the state of Florida.
Our Company’s in-house design specialist incorporates modern
High-Rise Design Technologies for Condominium, Hotel, Apartments,
Hospitals and Corporate Office towers. Secured Technologies is
responsible for some of the most secured Condominium Towers
While living in a gated community can add peace of mind for the residents who live behind the gates, there are many important considerations for the association when crafting rules and regulations regarding who may and who may not be permitted to enter the community. In today’s gated communities, there are three entry control options: (i) live personnel to monitor the gate, (ii) a virtual gate guard where the gate guard who allows guests to pass through is off-site and monitoring electronically, or (iii) a simple call box.
Many associations adopt rules which require visitors to the community to present valid identification to ensure that the visitors are authorized by the association or a resident to enter the community. But, what kind of identification can an association require? Are there limits? In the end, the association must balance its interest in ensuring that only authorized visitors enter the community with the rights of the owners and the visitors entering the community.
One question which bears analysis is, is the association permitted to “swipe” a driver license? Section 322.143, Fla. Stat. (2021), defines “swiping” a driver license as the act of passing a driver license or identification card through a device that is “capable of deciphering, in an electronically readable format, the information electronically encoded in a magnetic strip or bar code on the driver license or identification.”
Pursuant to §322.143, Fla. Stat. (2021), a private entity is not permitted to “swipe” an individual’s driver license or identification card to capture and store information contained in the magnetic strip unless the individual consents to allow this, and the association informs the individual what information will be collected and the purpose or purposes for which it will be used. However, an exception exists in that the association is allowed to “swipe” the driver license to verify the authenticity of the driver license, as long as the association is not capturing and storing the information on the magnetic strip. More specifically, §322.143(2)(a), Fla. Stat. (2021), provides, in pertinent part, the following:
(2) Except as provided in subsection (6), a private entity may not swipe an individual’s driver license or identification card, except for the following purposes:
(a) To verify the authenticity of a driver license or identification card or to verify the identity of the individual if the individual pays for a good or service with a method other than cash, returns an item, or requests a refund.
In accordance with the foregoing, an association is permitted to “swipe” a driver license but is not permitted to store, sell, or share the personal information collected from swiping the driver license. Although swiping without storing the information is permitted, this author recommends that the association fully avoid swiping the driver license. If the information was inadvertently or even temporarily stored on the device that the association used to swipe the driver license, the association would be in violation of this statute. Note that manually collecting personal information or making a photocopy or other copy of the front of the driver license is not prohibited by the statute and is a far safer practice.
Another question worth addressing is, can the association require a valid United States driver license for any drivers entering the community? Be warned, such a requirement could land the association in hot water. Although the association can likely require any driver entering the community to have a valid driver license, the association cannot require that the license be issued in the United States.
Pursuant to §322.04(1), Fla. Stat. (2021), “a nonresident who is at least 16 years of age and who has in his or her immediate possession a valid noncommercial driver license issued to the nonresident in his or her home state or country” is permitted to operate a vehicle without a Florida license. In other words, a driver with a proper license in another state or another country is legally permitted to drive in Florida as long as they have their valid noncommercial driver license in their possession. Similarly, an association should accept a valid license issued from another state or country for entry into the community.
If the above is not enough to encourage your associations to accept driver licenses from all countries and states, consider that a policy requiring a driver license issued in the United States may be considered a violation of the Fair Housing Act in that doing so may be deemed discrimination based upon national origin and may form the basis of a discrimination lawsuit based on disparate treatment or disparate impact. “Disparate treatment” is an intentional form of discrimination, whereas “disparate impact” discrimination occurs when a policy has an unintentional negative effect on members of a protected class. Thus, while this author is not aware of any such appellate decisions issued in the State of Florida, the last thing any association needs is to be the first defendant in such a Fair Housing Act lawsuit.
With regard to all rules adopted by the board of the association, rules regarding who can enter the community are only enforceable if they are within the board’s scope of authority and are reasonable for the purpose. If a rule is outside the board’s scope of authority as set out in the governing documents of the association, or if the rule represents arbitrary or capricious decision-making, such rule will not be enforceable. When adopting rules, remember the following:
The board or the body making the rule must have authority from the governing documents or statute to adopt the rule.
The rule cannot conflict with any rights afforded by documents of higher priority, whether express or implied rights.
The rule must be reasonable. Reasonableness is hard to define, but the case law provides that the rule must be rationally related to a legitimate association objective. The rule cannot be wholly arbitrary or capricious.
The rule cannot contravene any law or compelling public policies.
The rule must be adopted in a procedurally correct manner, which includes proper notice.
On a different note, remember that material alterations to the gate area may require a vote of the membership.
In regard to official records and as to homeowners associations, §720.303(5)(c), Fla. Stat. (2021), provides, in relevant part, that although part of the official records of the association, “[i]nformation an association obtains in a gated community in connection with guests’ visits to parcel owners or community residents” are not accessible to members.
As is evident from this discussion, there are many different issues to take into consideration when drafting rules governing who is permitted in your community. To ensure that your rules comply with Florida law, we recommend that the association have its counsel review any rules prior to their adoption.
Jeffrey A. Rembaum, Esq., BCS
Jeffrey Rembaum’s, Esq. legal practice consists of representation of condominium, homeowners, commercial and mobile home park associations, as well as exclusive country club communities and the developers who build them. Mr. Rembaum is a Certified Specialist in Condominium and Planned Development Law. He is the creator of “Rembaum’s Association Roundup,” an e-magazine devoted to the education of community association board members, managers, developers and anyone involved with Florida’s community associations. His column appears monthly in the Florida Community Association Journal. Every year since 2012, Mr. Rembaum has been selected to the Florida Super Lawyers list, and was also named Legal Elite by Florida Trends Magazine. He can be reached at 561-241-4462.
If you are looking for a company to help with securing your Gates, Doors to your Amenities, Our members can help.
Florida’s Top Access Control System Companies, CCTV, Security Gates and Card Readers. keeping your properties safe and secure. State Approved Members of SFPMA
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.
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.
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.
Comments: Comments Off on 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.
SRI Consultants…..can help with the questions you may have with the Florida Law SB-4D ( Condo Building Inspections )
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.
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.
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.
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.
Comments: Comments Off on 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. 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.
The sudden emergence of Kermit the Frog as a box office draw is not an accident—it seems that everywhere, everybody is ‘going green.’ The term is shorthand for a movement of environmental awareness, and it involves everything from the way architects design new construction to the way HOAs recycle their waste.
Search the Directory of top companies being used today by condos and hoa’s all over Florida. sfpma.com
The movement began as an arguably quixotic attempt by activists to arrest global warming and help preserve the environment. But it’s now driven by a different kind of green—money. Going green doesn’t just appease the environmentally conscious; it impacts an HOA’s bottom line. Solar panels drastically reduce the cost of electricity. Better windows further reduce the amount of electricity needed. And then there’s the real estate values.
“There are all kinds of studies that show that, if you’re trying to sell the units, that they will sell quicker and for a higher market value when you can market it as a green, efficient building,” says Suzanne Cook, executive director of the Florida Green Building Coalition. “If you’re trying to rent the units, you will get higher leasing payments and higher occupancy.”
Let’s take a look at how South Florida residential buildings are going green.
Going Green…
Rare is the new residential building development that does not factor environmental concerns into its design. This includes everything from building materials and solar power to the direction the front door faces. The primary piece that has changed is that there’s a greater awareness of how we design the orientation of the building: where sun and shadow is, and where we can use mechanisms that are not necessarily green products, but green design techniques such as solar shades, where we extend the concrete slab out.”
At first blush, this may sound arbitrary, or else influenced a bit too heavily by feng shui. But there are very practical reasons for making the right choices with building orientation. “For example, on south-facing windows, in morning and afternoon sun, when the sun is low and perpendicular to the glass, that’s going to be a higher heat gain,” So you want to manage where you have that type of exposure.
Architect’s agree, “Anything that shades the window will help, like roof overhangs or canopies, so that the sun’s not shining directly in. Even shading the wall in general,” he says. “If you can keep the sun off the wall or the exterior enclosure, that will help the insulation not have to work as hard.”
These considerations are particularly important in the Sunshine State, where A/C, rather than heat, is the primary energy expenditure. “In Florida, the challenge is that we’re highly dependent on air conditioning, which uses a lot of energy.” So how do we solve the energy production issue? Do we begin to use fuel cells, or alternate methods like solar power that will help mitigate the consumption of power from our local utility? Questions of this sort keep an architect busy these days.
…and Everything Old is New
While Florida has always been, and remains, an epicenter of new construction, the lion’s share of residential buildings were built before the recent surge in green construction. This means that if an HOA wants to go green, it will have to retrofit a building rather than build one from scratch. This speaks to the core of the green movement.
“By the nature of adaptive reuse, or using an existing building, you not only have to look at how much energy is consumed during its operation, but also the energy that’s consumed by construction. So by starting with an existing building, you’re already at your first steps of doing something that’s environmentally friendly, because you’re reusing, instead of taking down and reconstructing.
How Does an Existing Building Go Green?
“When you’re trying to retrofit a residential property, the three primary focuses are to tighten the building envelope and make sure you don’t have leaks, to enhance the insulation, and to make sure the windows are energy efficient,” says Cook. “Those are the big ticket items. But those three things impact the systems of the building, so when you make it tighter and you enhance the efficiency of the insulation and the windows, you impact the size of the air conditioner [required to cool the property]. You actually need less tonnage.”
The bigger-is-better mentality is a trap that many HOAs fall into. We assume that a bigger HVAC unit is more powerful and perhaps more efficient, but that is not necessarily the case. “People tend to do all these retrofit things but they often don’t test their HVAC to see whether it’s the size they actually need,” says Cook. “When you have an oversized air-conditioner, you get all kinds of problems. The air exchanger won’t stay on long enough to get the moisture out of the home, so it feels clammy to the occupant. And while it doesn’t create mold, it gives mold a friendly atmosphere. So realizing that all of the systems with a structure affect each other, you have to really make sure that you understand that building science.”
Understanding that science can lead to big savings. “I recommend higher efficiency in the air conditioning systems, so you can get a higher SEER rating,” says Barry. “The semi-conditioned attic is a big point, because that brings the air conditioning ducts into a semi-conditioned space as opposed to a hot attic. This makes your air conditioning system not have to work as hard, so it’s more efficient that way. The ducts are not bleeding conditioned air into the exterior and sucking in hot humid air and putting it inside.”
New technologies are being placed in existing condo communities on a regular basis in order to cut energy use and reduce their carbon footprint. According to experts, advances are being made in mechanical, electrical and plumbing technologies that affect the types of heating and air conditioning systems that are being used on a daily basis. Boiler controls, cogeneration, solar, low flow fixtures and Energy Star appliances are all examples of improved technology.
Sometimes retrofitting means replacing. “In a lot of existing buildings, we find that removing and replacing the mechanical systems is a better strategy than trying to retrofit them. At the end of the day, there may be a slightly greater upfront cost, but the maintenance and long term operating costs will be much less. So we’re looking at how we update the building and its systems, not just to modify or modernize.
The prevailing wisdom is that “going green” means huge upfront expenses and massive overhauls. It’s not always the case. There are smaller changes buildings can make that also have an impact. Another place boards can look to save money on energy costs is lighting. The traditional “Edison” incandescent light bulb was of course a quantum leap forward from the use of candles, yet only 30 percent of the energy used by incandescent went toward the production of light; 70 percent was wasted as heat energy.
The newest generation of solid-state lighting lasts up to 25 times longer than a standard incandescent bulb and saves up to 80 percent more energy in comparison. Replacing common area lighting with LED [light-emitting diode] bulbs can prove to be cost effective over the long run by reducing both operating and maintenance costs.
“I always suggest upgrading the light bulbs to compact fluorescent, or if the budget permits, LEDs Mike Smith from BriteLED Lighting in Miami, a Member of SFPMA. “LEDs are great, because they’re energy efficient and they last for a long time. They cost quite a bit more, but because they don’t use as much electricity, your utility bills will go down. They also don’t put out as much heat, so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard, which reduces the utility bill as well.”
In a similar vein, upgrading appliances can also save money. “Another smart idea is using energy-efficient appliances,” Mike says. “Washer-dryers, those types of things, they use a lot of electricity and they’re used regularly, so it’s better to go with something that has an Energy Star rating.”
Next Steps
Three and a half decades after President Carter famously installed solar panels at the White House, the noble idea of going green has started to make good financial sense. “I would say that we’re at a tipping point right now where there’s a common interest between the architect and the developer, We are seeing that the financial institutions, especially the institutional lenders, are wanting green elements in the project. We’re seeing that on the financing side, this is becoming more and more desired. Those institutions want the building projects that are responsible, as part of their mission.
In short, green is this year’s color—and will be the color for the foreseeable future. As more money is invested in green technologies, and more HOAs realize the money saved by it, the Sunshine State will soon be even greener than it already is.
“For me, the solution in Florida is finding alternative energy sources that are more environmentally friendly and have lower costs, such as fuel cells, solar and wind. We’re at the beginning of that now but with our air conditioning consumption, that’s where I think the future needs to be: looking at our energy options, versus just using infrastructure and building new infrastructure to accommodate it.
Greg Olear is a freelance writer we have used this article as a base and wish to thank Greg.
INDUSTRIALDo you have questions about asphalt sealing in West Palm Beach?The best way to protect asphalt surfaces is to sealcoat asphalt parking lots. If you are looking for the most trustworthy Asphalt Sealcoating Palm Beach Gardens company look no further than Atlantic Southern Paving!Asphalt is durable and flexible, but it can also deteriorate.It is possible to double the lifespan of asphalt by applying asphalt sealcoating. This protects the asphalt from future damage.
Sealcoating asphalt in West Palm Beach homes is a great way to protect your property from oxidation and ultraviolet rays.Asphalt starts to deteriorate at a microscopic level as soon as it is installed.
The asphalt’s binders begin to harden when it is exposed to oxygen.The asphalt surface can crack and become brittle from the continued hardening.Rainwater, moisture, and oxygen can penetrate pavement surfaces even if they have the smallest cracks.
The asphalt subbase can be affected by water and moisture. This can cause it to weaken and lose its strength.Sealcoating is very helpful as it protects the surface against oxidation and fills surface voids.
How water damages asphalt
The asphalt sealcoating of parking lots and driving surfaces allows them to resist water and prevent it from contacting the asphalt surface.Water can seep through asphalt, particularly when it is heavy rain.
Water can cause sub-base to become softened if it collects.Soft subbases can cause potholes or expensive repairs.Sealcoating asphalt surfaces create a protective layer that repels water.Sealcoating asphalt surfaces can help you save significant money on future repairs.
Oil and Gas Spills
Parking lots and asphalt surfaces must withstand harmful car chemicals like oil and gas.Particularly vulnerable to chemicals from automobiles are parking spaces.
The asphalt can soften if it is contaminated with gasoline or automobile oil.Oil or gasoline can penetrate asphalt pavement and cause sub base to degrade.
Asphalt sealcoating is made up of additives that protect asphalt from chemicals used in automobiles.You can also fill surface voids to reduce the depth of oil and gas that can penetrate asphalt.
Professional Asphalt Sealcoating In West Palm Beach
It is important to find a reliable and experienced contractor to sealcoat your West Palm Beach property.Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating provides asphalt maintenance and construction services for more than two decades.
Every job we do is completed with customer satisfaction in mind.Atlantic Southern Paving can be reached at 954-518 4315 to speak with an expert about sealing asphalt surfaces.Ask for a free estimate on sealing your property.
For most members of the condo community, the Property Manager is the face of the condo corporation or home owner’s association. They are responsible for day-to-day running of things– they look after the bank accounts, handle the checks, field correspondence, and interact with owners more frequently than the Board does.
Because of this, I find that people can be confused about the difference between the roles of the Property Manager and the Board of Directors.
Are you confused about who does what?
For most members of the condo community, the Property Manager is the face of the condo corporation or home owner’s association. They are responsible for day-to-day running of things– they look after the bank accounts, handle the checks, field correspondence, and interact with owners more frequently than the Board does.
Because of this, I find that people can be confused about the difference between the roles of the Property Manager and the Board of Directors.
Why can’t the property manager look after everything?
I’ve heard board members ask “Why can’t I just let my Property Manager look after everything?” and “Isn’t it their job to do this? I don’t have time to look after all of this stuff”. Owners also have trouble knowing who is responsible for what; when should they contact the Board and when should they contact the Property Manager?
In this post, I’ll answer these questions, and hopefully, the difference between the roles of the Property Manager and the Board of Directors will be clear by the end.
Understanding the different roles
To understand the different roles, I like to think of a condo like a coffee shop. The property management company is like the staff that keeps the shop running: baristas, managers, cleaners, etc.
They are the people that interact with everyone on a day-to-day basis and do everything to make sure that the coffee shop does everything a coffee shop should. While they have some flexibility to solve problems as they arise, they are not responsible for major decisions — financial or otherwise.
What does the board do?
The Board of Directors acts like the corporate executives at the head office. It’s up to them to set the prices, operating procedures, and make the decisions that shape the direction of the company. The success of the enterprise is their responsibility; the staff carry out their decisions.
It’s not the barista’s job to ensure the coffee shop is selling coffee for the optimal price or that the products are the best value. Similarly, the Property Manager isn’t responsible for making the best financial decisions for the condo corporation; they do not have a fiduciary responsibility.
What are difference between the roles of the Property Manager and the Board of Directors?
Property Management
Manages
Under contract to work as agent of condo corporation
Work within constraints defined by contact with the board
Provide options (e.g., quotes)
Implement decisions
Is not responsible for saving condo money
Board of Directors
Governs
Is a fiduciary to the condo corporation
Reviews options and renders decisions
Oversees the implementation of decisions
Seeks cost savings (asks Property Manager to help)
The condo board has the responsibility to make the choices that are in the best interest of the condo corporation. This is why the property management company can’t simply be left to look after everything.
As an entity, the condo Board of Directors is responsible for making all the critical decisions regarding the maintenance of the building/grounds, condo’s finances, and must uphold the Condo Act (provincial legislation), the declaration, bylaws, and rules. It is up to the board to make sure that all the relevant documents are accessible by the owners.
A good Property Manager is a tremendous asset for any condo corporation. They can simplify the job of the board, but they cannot assume the responsibility for that job.
Pat Crosscombe, Founder & CEO https://boardspace.co/ Thanks Pat for a great article we republished on sfpma for our readers.
Hydrojetting is a method of cleaning and maintaining pipes using high-pressure water to remove debris, sediment, and other buildups. While Florida generally experiences milder winters compared to many other regions, there are still reasons why hydrojetting can be important for winter maintenance in the state:
1. Preventing Clogs from Cold Weather Effects: Hydrojetting prevents winter temperature-related pipe blockages by breaking down and flushing out materials that can solidify in colder water.
2. Clearing Debris from Storms and Heavy Rain: Heavy rain and storms during Florida winters can lead to debris accumulation in sewer systems. Hydrojetting clears these obstructions, preventing potential flooding.
3. Maintaining Sewer System Efficiency: Regular hydrojetting as part of winter maintenance prevents blockages and backups, ensuring the optimal year-round operation of sewer systems.
4. Addressing Potential Tree Root Intrusions: Hydrojetting is effective in removing and preventing tree root intrusions into sewer lines, reducing the risk of disruptions during winter months.
Hydrojetting is crucial for Florida’s winter maintenance, addressing challenges like temperature-related clogs, storm debris, and tree root intrusions. Stay proactive in preserving your commercial properties sewer systems’ efficiency by contacting us today!
Comments: Comments Off on FLORIDA MEMBERS DIRECTORY: Find top companies for your next Condo or HOA project!
Find all the New Member Companies we have added, This week April 8-13, 2024 – we will be posting all the New Member companies. Open and View. Learn how they can help you with your properties.
FLORIDA MEMBERS DIRECTORY
Find Members ready to help with Management, Business and Services for your properties.
Property Maintenance is an integral part of managing the day to day operations for every type of property.Search theMembers Directory for Companies working with Property Management, Condo and HOA properties in Florida from Tallahassee to the Keys.
Finding the top Companies working in our Industry is important for Property Managers, Condo & HOA Board Members.
Many Property Managers, Condo & HOA Board Members use our members in the buildings and communities they manage, for them this equates to happier residents, fewer high-priced emergency repair bills and cost savings overall. Through membership marketing its all about forming relationships that lead to increased business for your company and lasting relationships for you.
Comments: Comments Off on Proposals from Vendors for the yearly budgets, here are some of the things to consider
As Board Members are asking for Proposals from Vendors for the yearly budgets, here are some of the things to consider.
BY ROYALE MANAGEMENT
Budgets take time for any Condo and HOA Community, each year many of the services paid for by these associations come under review at budget season. While its nice to think about cost savings we feel it is much more important to look at workmanship, licensing, scope of work and then Costs. SFPMA and our Members are here for every community, on our Directory finding everything from Services to the businesses that keep your operations up and running to the Legal Experts safely protecting Condo and HOA’s from disputes and Litigation.
HERE IS A LIST OF THINGS NO VENDOR CONTRACT SHOULD CONTAIN:
1) An automatic renewal clause. While it’s ok for an agreement to continue on a month to month basis it’s wrong to saddle future board with an obligation to track and cancel an agreement on a certain date or between certain dates to keep it from automatically being extended for an additional term.
2) A right of first refusal. This allows an existing vendor to match the price and terms of any new vendor proposal and thereby force the association to keep them. Most often an association gets proposals from new contractors because they are unhappy with more than the price and terms and giving a vendor a right to stay because they agree to match price and terms, does not solve the problem and can only lead to litigation.
3) Contracts with unnecessarily long terms. While a vendor that has upfront cost for things like equipment like a laundry vendor bringing in new equipment who needs to recover the equipment cost agreement terms should be kept as short as possible. Five years might be ok for the laundry contract but would not be for a landscaping contract in this case a one year term would long enough.
4) Cancellation only for “cause” clause. Proving cause only makes the lawyers richer and can be hard to do. The best solution is to build in a “cause free” ability to cancel with a 30-day notice.
Royale Management Services, Inc
Phone: (954) 563-1269
Full-service, CAM (Community Association Management) licensed, residential property management company, specializing in management, consulting and accounting for Condominium Associations and Home Owners Associations.
According to firm president, Steven J Weil, PhD, EA, CAM,
“The expansion into Community Association and Home Owner’s Association management was a natural move after a number of our clients serving on condo boards asked for our help with their associations accounting, budgeting and management, due to increasing operating cost and sloppy accounting records maintained by their current bookkeepers and managers.”
SFPMA works throughout the State of Florida, we are a multi-member organization for the Condo, HOA and Property Management industry. Through knowledge based Articles, Events and our Members Directory, Clients find the right information to make an informed decisions for their Florida properties.
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here:
Cookie Policy
Whether you are adding some final touches to the security of your property or needing a trusted partner to help you build a state of the art Access Control solution, CCTV and fire or intruder alarm system, Secured Technologies has a wide range of options to help you.
