Sometimes, even with the best of intentions, things go wrong. When it comes to a design project in a multifamily building, be it a lobby renovation, a roof deck build-out, or a repainting the common hallways, the ‘wrong’ part can involve an…
Q. Can a voice recording of an executive closed session of a condo board meeting by one of the board’s directors be restricted by the board? —Unit Owner Seeking Transparency A. “The Illinois Condominium Property Act generally requir…
Cities and suburbs can be dirty places – and unfortunately, getting that dirt off the façade of a building takes more than just a scrub-brush and a bottle of Mr. Clean. How a building is cleaned depends on two factors: what materials the bu…
The sun stays up a little longer, the breezes are warmer, and the flowers begin to bloom. The signs all point to the arrival of spring, when we can cast off the dreary grayness of winter and look forward to blissful summer days. It is the p…
Along with the exterior appearance of buildings themselves, landscaping is the first point of contact for potential residents and visitors to a condo or HOA community. While it’s tough to quantify the effect of beautifully curated and maint…
When it comes to purchasing a unit in a condominium, co-op, or homeowners’ association, buyers tend to be (rightly) concerned with square footage, baths, beds, kitchen aesthetics – all of the fundamentals people look for in a new home. But …
Q. Can a board member vote on a change in rules that will directly benefits him/her? For example. the board member is an investor with more than 10 units and needs more parking spaces for tenants, therefore s/he moves to vote to change th…
Q. The Village of Addison inspector has deemed that we must REPLACE (not repair) all our outdoor concrete stairs and landings. Our contractor originally said it would cost $67,000 per building. Now he’s saying it’s $328,000 per building. …
Q. Our declarations state that maintenance the roof, grounds, and common areas, etc., is the association’s responsibility. The board acknowledges this responsibility. Last year, the roofs had shingles damaged and missing due to wind. Th…
The last three apartments in your luxury hi-rise condo were sold to a troika of Russian oligarchs, who all paid well above the asking price. But now said oligarchs are on the sanctions list, and have withheld their monthly maintenance fees …