2013 March
Focus on... Exterior Maintenance

 After the four walls of a given structure, the roof is sometimes referred to as  the “fifth plane”—and just like the walls that hold it up, the roof is an all-important structure  that can make or break a building’s performance. Florida’s…

 Land in Florida, especially South Florida, is comprised of loose, sandy soil,  and low water tables. That, plus the area’s proximity to the Gulf and Atlantic Ocean have always made it a difficult place  to build on. That’s why almost all …

 It's a common enough story: the condominium was relatively new, but from the  start its board of directors was stingy with maintenance and repair dollars.  Then the recession struck, and a large percentage of unpaid maintenance fees  spik…

 Green truly is the new black in South Florida. As more and more condos and HOAs  look to save money as expenses rise, more and more boards and unit owners are  exploring ways to incorporate “greening” into their building community.   …

When a celebrity or public figure stands out and charms the public, he or she is said to have charisma—an elusive quality, often described as personality, magnetism, charm or appeal. Whatever you call it, it's highly desirable, thoughtf…

 As the old saw goes, one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch. The same idea  often holds true for residents who choose to ignore bylaws or house rules, even  if they are well-intended and in place to serve the greater good of the  communi…

 On a given day, life is filled with so many things that you need to remember  that it’s almost impossible to retain it all. For example, can you remember the dates of  your car’s last oil changes or the mileage on your car? Or when you ha…

Q Are there any restrictions or rules in Florida that would permit videotaping of  condo board meetings? Is it legal? If taping is permissible, do the parties in  the room being taped have to be told of it beforehand?   /  —Confident…

Q I am the secretary of a recently formed condo association board in a mid-sized  building in Miami. Due to circumstances I'm sure are common, what money we have  is barely sufficient to manage the status quo, including contributions to t…