Happy Holidays from your #BuildingDoctors!
As 2023 comes to a close and 2024 comes into view, all of us at J2 want to thank you for being a part of our ongoing mission to provide Help, Hope, and Happiness to our Condo clients and our HOA communities.
While we take great pride in producing quality results through engineering calculations, design accuracy, and project management systems, it’s really the human connection involved with these projects that is important. We use this blog, our monthly webinar, and our library of educational content to inspire, educate, and help you become leaders of your communities, boards, teams, and ultimately your home. We do this so that you can thrive, have fun, and have a safe building to live in so that your property value goes up. With that in mind, here are some tips for a successful New Year for both you and your building.
🎉 Resolutions for a Flourishing Building
New Year, New Resolutions! As we step into a fresh calendar, it's a prime moment to ensure your building's prosperity. Here's a standard checklist for a successful start to your building’s new year:
- Conduct a thorough assessment of maintenance records.
- Address any pending repairs or overlooked issues from the previous year. Preventive maintenance can save significant costs in the long run.
- Reflect on the previous year's budget and strategize for the upcoming months. Allocate funds wisely, considering both immediate needs and long-term projects.
- Strengthen communication channels within your community. Consider using digital platforms or newsletters to keep everyone informed about upcoming plans and developments.
💼 New Board, New Beginnings
The new year is often when HOA Boards see turnover, but that doesn’t mean you’re starting over from square one. Think of board management like a relay race: transitioning to a new board within your community requires preparation for a seamless handoff. Ensure all ongoing projects are documented and tied up neatly, including contracts, project details, and financial records. Encourage outgoing board members to mentor their successors, facilitating a smooth understanding of ongoing projects and maintaining operational continuity. You can even organize training sessions for incoming board members, providing them with an understanding of community policies, ongoing projects, and future plans. Expedite decisions on pending matters before the transition, and finalize any contracts or approvals to avoid unnecessary delays.
🛠️ Winter Weather Watch
Prepare your building for the challenges of winter by taking proactive measures. Conduct regular DIY inspections, especially after heavy winter storms, to detect and address any signs of water intrusion. Servicing heating systems before the peak of winter is essential. Clean all filters, check for leaks, and ensure efficient functioning to keep your building warm and comfortable. Regularly clean gutters of debris, especially if you haven’t checked your gutters since last fall, to prevent blockages and potential water damage. Stock up on supplies like driveway salt, sandbags, and snow shovels to be well-prepared for unexpected weather events.
🌟 Building Upgrades: Timing is Everything!
Ever heard the phrase "strike while the iron's hot"? Well, in building envelope timing, it’s actually great to strike while the weather’s cold. If you're eyeing upgrades or repairs to start in the Spring, now's the time to set those plans in motion (it’s not too early!). Beat the rush by scheduling services early in the year to ensure a seamless and stress-free renovation period, usually at a better price-point too! Now is the ideal time to initiate discussions with the board about proposed upgrades. Having early buy-in will expedite the decision-making process. Consider not just immediate upgrades but also long-term investments that enhance the building's value and efficiency.
🎊 ‘Tis The Season
As the festive season approaches, consider activities that foster a strong sense of community. Host low-cost events like potlucks, game nights, or movie screenings to encourage social bonds and a sense of belonging among residents. You can (and should) keep it going through the cold and dark months to keep everyone’s spirits bright and merry! Organize community service projects or charity drives, offering opportunities for residents to give back and create a positive impact beyond the building's boundaries. Lastly, why not encourage residents to decorate their spaces or common areas, bringing vibrancy and cheer to the community during the holiday season?
We all start to feel like a bear in hibernation during these dark, cold, winter months. But we hope you can follow these tips to make this time of year productive for your community! It can be tempting to wait until spring to start thinking about your building exteriors, but now is really the best time to get rolling and secure a great plan, budget, and bids!
Want to learn more about the ideal goals for each month of the year? Download our free Condo Annual Plan.
From all of us at J2, we wish you a wonderful Holiday Season and a Terrific New Year!