Category Archives: Property Maintenance

HOA & Condo Management, Property Maintenance

The Impact of In-Unit Modifications

March 4, 2020 Crowninshield Leave a comment

Most condominium Unit Owners feel that what they do within the walls of their unit is nobody’s business but their own, and to an extent they are correct. The Association, however, is responsibility for maintaining the common elements within the community which can often be affected by “in-unit” work.

Below are several scenarios to consider:

A contractor installing a sink accidentally damages a shared water line which then floods multiple units.
Plumbing work within a unit requires the water to be shut off within the building while a repair is made effecting all residents.
A painter drops a can of paint which explodes all throughout the common hallway.
A window installer tramples and kills the common landscaping, shrubbery and flowers beneath a window.

As benign as all these projects appear, within each of these scenarios there is a great impact on other residents as well as the common elements.

For these reasons, it is important to notify your Trustees and/or Managing agent so they can ensure that the contractors working within the community are licensed (when necessary) and insured.

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Property Maintenance, Real Estate Insights

Building A Healthy Living Community

September 4, 2015 Mike Sperling Leave a comment

At Crowninshield Management Corp. we are fortunate to have valued relationships with hundreds of trustees. Each and every day our team listens and responds to the needs of our clients throughout New England. Although many of our residential complexes differ in size and needs, all properties share a common goal to create a healthy community. We reached out to a few trustees to share how they strive to create a vibrant community.

Tips from the Trustees at Crowninshield

William Neff, a trustee at Bishops Forest II in Waltham, Massachusetts with 81 units feels lucky that the residents in his community “are all about the place.” He points to two key ingredients to building a healthy community, a well-functioning board and a strong property management company. “Our board is small. We have five members, but we all care about our neighbors and the community,” says Neff who notes that everyone is both motivated and intelligent.” He adds that the property manager fits in with the community and has a relationship with the community as a whole.

Needing a Dedicated Trustee & Property Manager

Terry Wilkins, a trustee at Village Green West Condominium in North Andover, agrees that you need dedicated trustees and a competent property manager, but adds that you also need community interest as well. She also notes people typically don’t care about things as long as they are going along fine. “When you have a crisis like ice dams or needing a new roof, people get interested,” says Wilkins who notes that you can’t always give people what they want. “Balancing keeping people happy and being responsible to the trust agreement is what it is all about,” she says.

“It is our pleasure to work with active boards to enhance their communities. The Crowninshield team is here as a resource to brainstorm, troubleshoot and provide guidance. We have over four decades of experience in all aspects of property management,” says Deborah Collier-Comins, Crowninshield Management Corp. President.

Communication is Key to a Healthy Community

Good communication is also a key ingredient to building a healthy community. Ongoing, clear communication helps people feel more engaged and invested. There are so many tools available today online to help get your message. It is important that everyone feels part of the process. As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

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Property Maintenance, Real Estate Insights

6 Tips For Energy Efficiency This Spring

April 1, 2015 Mike Sperling Leave a comment

Congratulations! If you live in New England, you’ve probably just endured the most wicked winter in history. Now, it’s time to rejoice in the return of spring, and all the green it brings with the change of season.

While we’re on the subject of green, spring is the ideal time to think about saving money and the planet. As the weather improves, you can make some changes to the home to be more green and more energy efficient. Here are six tips to reduce costs and save energy in your home or apartment. The spring season is the best time to make a change to your lifestyle!

Switch to LED Lighting

Although the initial cost of using LED lighting is typically higher than conventional lighting. in the long run you save money and energy. LED lights use 90% less energy than conventional lighting. They offer a great low maintenance solution for indoor and outdoor lighting.

Explore Digital Solutions

With today’s advanced technologically, you can virtually control everything with a click on your smart phone or tablet. Take time to learn about the variety of systems you can control remotely. Something as simple as installing a programmable thermostat to reduce utility bills and manage heating and cooling systems efficiently is a great start.

Jettison Your Old Appliances

Did you know that not buying new appliances can actually cost you more than investing in them? When purchasing new appliances, be sure to invest in the most energy efficient appliances. Take time to learn about smart appliances that can switch usage to non-peak hours.

Check Your Windows

Make sure to use snug-fitting shades on drafty windows. Now is a great time to repair your storm windows and get them ready for next winter. If you need to replace windows, check out high performance windows that are more energy efficient. Although you may not see the cost benefits for years, it’s worth the wait! Living an energy efficient lifestyle directly depends on the windows in the home.

Conserve on Your Light Usage

Are you wasting energy by not monitoring your lighting usage? Take advantage of the many ways to save energy like sensors, dimmers, or timers to reduce your lighting usage.

Change Filters

Be sure to routinely change HVAC filters monthly during peak cooling or heating seasons. New filters are typically inexpensive. Dirty filters cost more to use, exhaust the equipment and result in lower indoor air quality.

Whether you live in a home or an apartment, these are changes you can make to be more conservative going into the spring season. If you live in an apartment, consider making these eco-friendly suggestions to your landlord, apartment, or building management. They will most likely abide by your wishes as there’s no reason not to make energy efficient improvements that are cost affordable!

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