Spring Condo Walkabout

By Bill Clark WCC #439 Spring Condo Walkabout

Every year as the snow melts, Condo Board members start to look at the damage that the winter has done to their complex. As part of their ongoing due diligence, the Board should schedule a walkabout with the Property Manager, and, if available, the landscape contractor.

The questions that the Board should consider are: What needs to be done now? What can wait until later in the season? What can be planned as a future capital expense? And finally, what funds are available?

Each item to be addressed should be given a score of 1 through 5, with 1 being “do it NOW” and 5 being “not this year, keep it on the list”. A chart or checklist can be developed using the following components:

• Roads and sidewalks: –Cracks/holes – length, depth, size, etc. Sewers: –Are they level? –Do they pose a danger to cars? –Are there drainage concerns?

Curbs: –Winter damage (who’s responsible? e.g. snowplows) –Cracks Roofs/Eaves siding: –Splits in eaves –Tiles off roofs Lawns: –Damage by snow and plows Driveways: –Cracks –Rising and/or lowering of areas that could create drainage problems General: –Cleaning up (e.g. dirt from melted snow)

The Boards should be aware of common elements that they are responsible for (such as front doors, garage doors, windows, and painting) and adapt the list accordingly.

The list can be made relevant for both high-rises and town house complexes, and the bottom line is: Let’s make our community a place we’re proud to live in!