Page 20 - Chicago Cooperator Spring EXPO 2019

20 THE CHICAGOLAND COOPERATOR — SPRING EXPO 2019 CHICAGOCOOPERATOR.COM ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION LICENSED - BONDED - INSURED - ROOFING - GUTTERS - SIDING - WINDOWS - PAINTING - CARPENTRY - SHEET METAL - MASONRY Address: 1645 S River Rd Unit 2 Des Plaines, IL 60018 Phone: 847-242-8005 847-730-9487 (Cody) 847-877-5710 (Adrian) www.provenroof.com STORM DAMAGE & INSURANCE CLAIMS SPECIALISTS WE ALSO OFFER... SNOW AND ICE MANAGEMENT SERVICES PLOWING - ICE CONTROL - SIDEWALK CLEARING (Lic# 104.017506) S pring has arrived, which is good news aft er 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; power-washing the facade; or even repainting the en- tire exterior if the board is feeling ambitious and the budget can absorb the expense. No matter your particu- lar situation, a well-coordinated schedule can help a spring cleanup go like clock- work. The ear- lier management and board get together to collaborate on a plan, the more efficient this endeavor will be. Getting Ahead While the winter may prohibit an as- sociation 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 de- cisions related to upcoming capital repair needs,” advises Brian Butler, Vice Presi- dent of Property Management with First- Service Residential in Chicago. “If boards wait until the spring thaw comes to begin making decisions and hiring contractors, they’ll often find that the schedules for the work are tighter and pricing may be higher than had they made those deci- sions during the fall or winter months.” Outside-In The exterior of an association proper- ty is both what visitors and passers-by are going to see first, as well as the primary target for the elements throughout the winter, so any thorough spring cleaning endeavor should start with the outside surfaces. “A list of work for basic maintenance in preparation for spring will depend on the specific property and its unique needs,” notes James Maistre, an execu- tive agent with Veritas Property Manage- ment in New York City. “But any associa- tion will want to perform some routine tasks, including cleaning their grounds of leaves and debris to prep for landscaping, and cleaning win- dows – although seri- ous exterior cleaning of the latter should be handled by profes- sionals.” “Changing out old and dilapidated- looking signs can make things look a bit more sharp with- out requiring an as- sociation to hire an outside vendor,” adds Ellen Brown Marti- nez, Vice President of C&S Community Management Services, which has of- fices throughout Florida. “Of course, the making of the signs themselves will most likely involve someone outside of the association. In general, it’s impor- tant to note that anything that requires a licensed contractor should not be per- formed in house, unless whomever on staff is doing the work themselves actu- ally has a license.” An adept manager can help a board determine the nature and extent of need- ed spring work, as well as the best way to prioritize and schedule service calls. “Our office is equipped to get estimates and coordinate and oversee various types of subcontractors, including painters, power washers, landscapers, masons, plumbers, and more,” says Don Cabrera, Owner of Cabrera Companies in Wild- wood Crest, New Jersey. “Our company also coordinates necessary inspections with contractors for annual spring pre- ventive maintenance for things like pool and spa equipment. We generally accom- pany and provide instruction and over- LANDSCAPING, LAWN CARE & CURB APPEAL/EXPO Spring Maintenance Readying Your Property for Warmer Weather BY MIKE ODENTHAL “Th e best thing that a board can do to prepare for the spring is to fi ght the urge to defer reviewing de- tails or making decisions related to upcoming capi- tal repair needs.” —Brian Butler MARKETPLACE For schedule and ad rates, contact Peter Chase at (312) 899-6301 Ext. 348. Advertise In e Cooperator Service Directory —Call 212-683-5700— Target Key Decision Makers In e Co-op, Condo Community By Placing Your Ad Here BetterVent is a NEW kind of Indoor Dryer Vent. www.adr-products.com 1-888-609-5512 See us at Booth 228