A short trip from downtown Chicago, Lake Zurich has evolved from a popular resort for affluent Chicagoans into a community with above average wealth that attracts young families with its low crime rate, superior school system and strong co…
Whether you live in a suburb or in the heart of the city, life is expensive. Sometimes it can feel as though everybody from the barista at your favorite coffee shop to the kid who sacks your groceries is trying to nickel-and-dime you half …
This country was founded with a heavy dose of independence and a strong “Do-It-Yourself” attitude. The DIY mindset, with roots in Europe and European culture, crossed the Atlantic Ocean with the earliest immigrants and became part of the A…
As readers of this publication surely know, well-run condo buildings and HOAs need to have adequate amounts of money in both their operating funds and their reserve funds. The operating fund covers most of the day-to-day costs of run…
Nothing lasts forever, and though you can’t predict the moment a piece of building equipment will break down, you can prepare for it. Even the toughest boiler, HVAC unit, or elevator will eventually tucker out and need major repairs, or ju…
In a multifamily building with scores, possibly hundreds of people living under one roof, cooking, cleaning, dusting and breathing, it’s no surprise that the airways, chutes and garbage rooms of these buildings can get clogged and dirty ov…
More than 2,000 people came to the Navy Pier even though the winds were a bit chilly and a threat of snow and sleet was in the air. The sun shone brightly as attendees flocked to The Chicagoland Cooperator’s 3rd Annual Condo, HOA, Co-op & …
My question is if there is damage to my roof and it leaks into my condominium unit and I reported it to the board three times with no repairs made, can I repair it myself and deduct the cost from my common charges? Please advise. —A …
Altered Without Consent Q I am writing to you regarding an issue that I have in my condominium. A few years ago, our board undertook extensive roof repairs to fix leaks and various deficiencies. However, when the work was completed …