In many ways, a building’s boiler is like the heart is to the body: it provides heat and circulation; it works unseen; and if it is not functioning, it won’t take long for life to go away. Maintaining this heat source of the community i…
Keeping indoor air clean is critical to maintaining a healthy environment. The inner workings of a building’s operating system is often a mystery to the untrained person or board member. Since it’s easier to determine the cleanliness of…
Rick Wilberschied of All That’s Wildlife in Chicago once had to catch a raccoon that had climbed 64 stories and was sitting on an apartment building balcony. Three months ago, in Chicago’s Boystown, a mother deer found an unlikely spot t…
It’s time to turn our attention to The Chicagoland Cooperator’s first annual Condo, HOA & Co-op Expo, a must-attend event for the Chicagoland area’s property managers, board members, real estate professionals, shareholders and unit owner…
Q I live in an 18-year-old, 40-unit townhome association in Des Plaines. According to our declaration and bylaws, the association owns and maintains the entire shingle roof system including the skylights and flashings. Due to the poor …
Between the media coverage, consumer marketing campaigns, and governmental programs, the concept of living “green” has become a sometimes-confusing catchphrase over the last few years. Are you “going green?” Exactly how “green” are you? …
Des Plaines, Illinois in Cook County was originally settled by the French who named the town, “of the plains.” Today, the town is officially nicknamed the "City of Destiny." This suburb of Chicago, which sits right next to O'Ha…
When you’re decorating your home, there are two things you want to bear in mind if you have children. You want to keep the design functional, but safe. After all, anyone who’s ever had, or just looked after, a baby or toddler, can tell …
The Great Recession has required all boards and property managers to investigate new and progressive ways to ensure that their bottom line is covered. While this has always been the mission, the economic reality of recent years has ins…