Page 21 - Chicago Cooperator Spring EXPO 2019

CHICAGOCOOPERATOR.COM THE CHICAGOLAND COOPERATOR — SPRING EXPO 2019 21 THE COOPERATOR EXPO 2019 WHERE BUILDINGS MEET SERVICES THE BEST TIME TO FIND AN EXPERT IS BEFORE YOU NEED ONE. STEPHENS CONVENTION CENTER, ROSEMONT — WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 10-3:30 FREE REGISTRATION: CHICAGOCONDOEXPO.COM sight to all contractors. Additionally, we can perform touch-up painting, pressure washing and minor landscaping, depend- ing on the size of the job, property and required man hours.” If the winter weather has been par- ticularly harsh, an association may need to deal with issues beyond just fallen twigs and grubby signage. “Winter ice damming can be especially damaging to roofs,” says Butler. “An association should engage a roofing expert to conduct regu- lar inspections to better identify neces- sary repairs to avoid further water infil- tration when the spring arrives in force.” Into the Woods Some associations are more sprawling than others, and those that occupy vast plots of land may require more consid- eration as the days warm than those as- sociations occupying urban spaces. “Our condominium association con- sists of 21 units in four buildings over 42 acres,” says Gordon Crosson, Manager of Oyster River Condominium Associa- tion in Lee, New Hampshire. “We’re not far from the University of New Hamp- shire, but we’re in a heavily-wooded area with walking trails and the like. As far as spring is concerned, we have a contract with a landscaper who does both our snow plowing and our lawn service, so he’ll come out to do what we refer to as a ‘cleanup’ toward the top of the season. We also have a group we call the Beautifica- tion Committee that changes the flowers around four lamp posts that we have scat- tered throughout the property, as well as the big flower bed with a granite display at the entrance of the property that dis- plays our community’s name. \\\[The com- mittee\\\] also provides peat moss and loam for owners to use at their discretion to spruce up their own flower beds – par- ticularly those in the back of their units. “Last year we purchased a brush mow- er, so we handle a lot of our own perim- eter cutting during the year, which we’ll also do come the spring,” Crosson con- tinues. “We prune many of our trees, as well as some bushes. Once spring gets going, we have some painting work that we’ll do. It’s a small enough community where everybody knows everyone else and enjoys lending a helping hand. We occasionally have some new faces move in, and we strive to get them involved as much as we’re able.” Interior Considerations Once the exterior of a property is look- ing fresh enough to will sunny, 62-degree days into being, a building or association can tackle any necessary interior work. Maistre suggests that a board look to clean carpets; strip, deep-clean and/or polish tiles in entryways and lobby areas; touch up paint on walls, doors and trims; clean light fixtures, interior windows and air ducts. “The latter, along with marble floor tiles, should be handled by profes- sionals,” he makes sure to point out. “Any elevators should be inspected, and fire safety and suppression measures should be taken care of,” adds Cabrera. Boards should also brace themselves – because as soon as the weather turns, it’s moving season. “Spring is usually busy for people moving in and out of proper- ties, so association staff should prepare heavily-trafficked service areas by in- stalling fresh corner guards and ensuring that elevator pads are in good condition to better protect the cabs,” says Butler. “These steps can save thousands of dol- lars in repairs after the moving season is over. “Also, the rain that comes with spring can often result in wet lobbies with slip- pery conditions,” Butler continues. “In- house staff should replace worn lobby floor mats, inspect seals around common area windows and doors, and confirm that building drainage systems are free of debris or blockages.” Springtime is lovely – but it can also be a lot of work. By planning ahead, pri- oritizing tasks, and delegating to com- mittees of committed residents, your building or HOA can make seasonal cleanup easier and smoother – and spend more of your time enjoying the return of sunshine and warmer weather. n Mike Odenthal is a staff writer/reporter for The Chicagoland Cooperator. ISTOCKPHOTO.COM