Page 16 - New York Cooperator March 2019

16 THE COOPERATOR
— MARCH 2019
COOPERATOR.COM
EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE
H
ome is where the heart is, sure – when possible,” says Mark Anker, President
but it’s also where most of where of Anker Management in Hartsdale, New
any given owner or shareholder’s York. “Staff that is able to identify potential
money is. For most people, their home rep-
resents their single biggest investment. And of a property. Having a schedule or time
in a community association, both individ-
ual units and the entirety of the building is important as well, as it creates a routine
or development will determine the owner’s and helps the staff by reminding them to
return on investment (ROI). It’s not enough take a look at specifi c areas. Roofs, win-
to ensure that everything is operational, dows, caulking, pointing, painting... all of
though that is of course hugely important; these areas should be inspected and prop-
it’s also important to consider the appear-
ance of buildings, grounds, and other exte-
rior elements.
In this regard, cleanliness is indeed akin continues. “Although it may look pretty, it
to godliness, especially when it comes to the can severely damage the masonry of the
exterior of the property. Aft er all, a building property. And allowing dirt to build up
or association’s public face is the fi rst thing on the facade can conceal underlying is-
that’s going to catch the eye of a would-be sues, such as weak or missing mortar joints,
buyer. As such, board and management which will allow water infi ltration. A freeze-
must be diligent, take regular stock of their then-thaw pattern will cause bricks to pop,
surroundings, and plan as best they can for leading to yet more damage.”
the unexpected—especially where inclem-
ent weather is concerned.
Routine Maintenance, Man
Having a set schedule for walking the “You only get one chance to make a fi rst
property and taking note of anything that impression, so make it a clean one. Th ird-
looks askew is the easiest way to avoid more party vendors and/or staff can use pressure
complicated – and ultimately costly – clean-
up and repair jobs.
“Regularly scheduled exterior main-
tenance is important, and it is helpful to expertise beyond what most building staff
have a staff dedicated to that maintenance, members are trained to handle.
issues will assist in the proper maintenance
frame to inspect the envelope of a building
erly maintained.
“Associations should avoid allowing ivy
to grow on the bricks of buildings,” Anker
And above and aside from the structural
risks, “a dirty building also decreases the
curb appeal of a property,” Anker warns.
washers to clean the exterior, along with
mild detergents. In some areas, graffi ti is
a concern, the removal of which requires
Exterior Cleaning
Cleanliness and Curb Appeal
BY MIKE ODENTHAL
ISTOCKPHOTO.COM