Page 16 - NY Cooperator Expo April 2019

16 THE COOPERATOR —APRIL 2019 COOPERATOR.COM Spring Maintenance Readying Your Property for Warmer Weather BY MIKE ODENTHAL LANDSCAPING, LAWN CARE & CURB APPEAL/EXPO S pring has arrived, which is good news after what has felt to many like a par- ticularly hostile winter. In a commu- nity association or multifamily building, spring also brings a number of seasonal maintenance and sprucing-up projects that can vary, depending on the shape and size of one’s particular property. Some commu- nities’ spring checklist may just consist of removing winter debris from the tree pits and planters out front. Others may have to coordinate cleaning and prepping swim- ming pools, tennis courts or playgrounds; clearing clogged, power-washing the fa- cade; or even repainting the entire exterior if the board is feeling ambitious and the budget can absorb the expense. No matter your particular situation, a well-coordinated schedule can help a spring cleanup go like clockwork. The earlier man- agement and board get together to collabo- rate on a plan, the more efficient this en- deavor will be. Getting Ahead While the winter may prohibit an asso- ciation from actually engaging in any major outdoor projects, it is the perfect time to hatch a plot for when the weather is more likely to be cooperative. “The best thing that a board can do to prepare for the spring is to fight the urge to defer reviewing details or making deci- sions related to upcoming capital repair needs,” advises Brian Butler, Vice President of Property Management with FirstService Residential in Chicago. “If boards wait un- til the spring thaw comes to begin making decisions and hiring contractors, they’ll of- ten find that the schedules for the work are specific property and its unique needs,” hire an outside vendor,” adds Ellen Brown tighter and pricing may be higher than had notes James Maistre, an executive agent Martinez, Vice President of C&S Commu- they made those decisions during the fall or with Veritas Property Management in New nity Management Services, which has of- winter months.” Outside-In The exterior of an association property is cleaning their grounds of leaves and debris likely involve someone outside of the as- both what visitors and passers-by are going to prep for landscaping, and cleaning win- to see first, as well as the primary target for dows – although serious exterior cleaning that anything that requires a licensed con- the elements throughout the winter, so any of the latter should be handled by profes- thorough spring cleaning endeavor should sionals.” start with the outside surfaces. “A list of work for basic maintenance in ing signs can make things look a bit more preparation for spring will depend on the sharp without requiring an association to termine the nature and extent of needed York City. “But any association will want fices throughout Florida. “Of course, the to perform some routine tasks, including making of the signs themselves will most “Changing out old and dilapidated-look- sociation. In general, it’s important to note tractor should not be performed in house, unless whomever on staff is doing the work themselves actually has a license.” An adept manager can help a board de- ISTOCKPHOTO.COM THE COOPERATOR EXPO 2019 WHERE BUILDINGS MEET SERVICES YOUR BOARD’S ATTENDANCE IS NOT REQUIRED. BUT IT SHOULD BE. NEW YORK HILTON MIDTOWN — THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 9–4:30 FREE REGISTRATION: COOPEXPO.COM