Page 14 - CooperatorNews NY April 2022

14 COOPERATORNEWS — APRIL 2022 COOPERATORNEWS.COM We handle all sprinkler system inspections and violations. • Sprinkler System Design and Installation • Maintenance, repair and service • Flow and Pressure tests • Violation Removals • Monthly Inspections • Stand Pipes and Fire Pumps Big Apple Fire Sprinkler Co. Inc. 64-20 Laurel Hill Blvd. Woodside NY 11377 • 718-205-8580 • Fax 718-205-4590 Email: alevitt@bigapplesprinkler.com = Big Apple Fire Sprinkler_Oct2011.qxp:Layout 1 9/20/11 2:07 PM Page 1 www.hiriselaundry.com call us at 800.278.1633 info@hiriselaundry.com LAUNDRY ROOM SOLUTIONS Better Laundry Solutions 40 years of serving New York Lease expiring soon? Purchasing new equipment? Call Hi-Rise Laundry . We’re dedicated to providing superior same day service performed by our experienced repair team. We offer equipment sales card and coin payment systems , , and flexible leasing options that create a better return for your property. Call us to learn more. Providing Better Laundry Rooms for New York’s Co-ops and Condos Visit us at booth 200 3570 Cooperator ad_2022 Qpage.qxp_Layout 1 3/11/22 2:34 PM Page 1 To get your FREE copy * Email: Facades101@gmail.com FREE * for Property Managers & Board Members! Just off the printing press! They didn’t teach me any of this in college, can I get a refund? Sygrove advises boards not to under- take design work themselves. “Don’t select colors by committee or an individual, even if there is a decorator living in the build- ing,” she cautions. “It’s too risky. For the relatively small expense of hiring an out- side designer, you will get the right options, and they don’t live in the building, so they come with an objective eye. You will nev- er be condemned for spending a modest amount of money to do it professionally. If you must do it yourself,” she says, “get consensus.” One way to do that, Sygrove says, is to send out a survey and get hard data about what residents prefer in terms of paint and upholstery colors and subject matter for artwork. Having facts to support your selections can help avoid arguments over subjective tastes and aesthetics. Clubhouses When selecting clubhouse décor, Sy- grove strongly advises working with a sea- soned designer with direct experience in this type of decor, and the means to source pieces that are both attractive and can stand up to the wear-and-tear of dozens— or even hundreds—of users. “As we know, clubhouse furniture and furnishings get used, abused, and destroyed,” she says, “so purchasing at retail is a mistake.” Color palette is another angle to con- sider, say the pros. While an accent or pop of color can add some visual zest to a space, “it’s always about neutrals in a clubhouse setting,” says Sygrove. “They’re soothing and safe. This year’s universal forecast for color is a neutral with a very soft green blush. This color can be used as the pre- dominant wall color, coupled with an off- white or creamy white, which looks very sophisticated. Flooring should be a darker, more grounded color with just a hint of your neutral to tie the package together. This can be carried through to the artwork.” Along with aesthetics, a common-area upgrade should also take accessibility and functionality into account. “In over 55 communities,” says Skolski, “we focus on accessibilities and functional design. We watch out for tripping hazards, etc. The res- idents may need mobility devices, and you need space for them. We may put corner guards on walls, and leaning rails or chair rails in hallways to help with mobility. And if there is a major redesign, we may widen the hallways themselves. In multi-genera- tional buildings you may need to consider this as well and should bring it up to the board.” When considering a refresh or an up- grade to your own common spaces, even if you’re operating on a modest budget, don’t cut corners on the job. Focus on durabil- ity, sustainability, and value for the dollar. Switch to LED lights, and paints and car- pets that are environmentally friendly, too. If you can reuse something you’ve already got, do it. Refreshing your common areas is an excellent way to improve resident mo- rale and increase value. n A J Sidransky is a staff writer/reporter for CooperatorNews, and a published novelist. He can be reached at alan@yrinc.com. A LITTLE WORK continued from page 13 The company has locations throughout the U.S., including New York, New Jer- sey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Mary- land, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, and Nevada. Of the Northeast region where he is located, Carnovale lists Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye, and tall fescue as the most commonly grown turf grass- es. Known as “cool season” species, these varieties are hardy enough for the tough winters and can go dormant in the hot summers, which Carnovale explains is a normal seasonal pattern for these grasses if they are not irrigated. (They’ll come back to life when the weather turns cool- er; just don’t fertilize dormant grass, he warns.) “Each species is best used under certain conditions,” he continues. “You need to select the right species and/or a mix of species for your location.” Matt Lindner, Lawn Care Program Director of national landscape stewards SavATree, agrees. “Different varieties BETTER GRASS CARE continued from page 1