My Journey as a Condo Board President: Essential Maintenance Tips
When I first stepped into the role of condo board president here in Hollywood, Florida, I figured it would be mostly about keeping things fixed and making sure we stuck to the budget. Turns out, it’s a whole lot more than that.
Taking care of our community means protecting the place we all call home – and making sure it’s a space where people actually enjoy living. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few practical tips that have made a big difference in how we maintain our buildings (and keep our sanity). Hopefully, they’ll help you too.
Living in South Florida? You’ve Got to Know What You’re Up Against
The sun, the humidity, the salt in the air – they’re all part of what makes South Florida beautiful. But they’re also brutal on buildings.
One thing I’ve learned: don’t wait until something looks bad to deal with it. We’ve made routine inspections a priority. A few years back, we caught some hairline cracks in an exterior wall early – if we had waited, it could’ve meant major repairs and a major bill.
Why Regular Inspections Save You Big in the Long Run
If you can catch problems before they snowball, you’ll save your community a ton of money and headaches. We try to do inspections twice a year. We look for leaks, mildew, cracked paint, anything that could get worse with time (and rain).
Keeping a record of what you find each time helps too – so you’re not starting from scratch every year.
Don’t Sleep on the Roof
Roofs in South Florida go through a lot. Between summer storms, falling palm debris, and constant sun, they age fast.
We have a roofer come out once a year to check things over, clean out the gutters, and make sure we’re in good shape before hurricane season. A few hundred bucks in preventive work has saved us thousands in water damage repairs. Totally worth it.
Landscaping and Drainage Matter More Than You’d Think
Nice landscaping is great – but if your drains are clogged or roots are messing with the foundation, you’ve got problems. We’ve started keeping a closer eye on how water flows after big storms and making sure plants aren’t blocking anything important.
Bonus: involving residents in landscaping ideas actually builds a sense of pride. People love seeing their ideas come to life – even if it’s just new shrubs by the entrance.
The Pool: Looks Fun, Works Hard
Florida + condo = pool. It’s a great amenity – until something breaks or the chemicals get off balance. That’s why we bring in a professional pool service and keep the area tidy year-round.
We also make sure the patio furniture is in good shape and the surface isn’t slippery. It’s one of those spots where a little maintenance goes a long way toward keeping residents happy (and safe).
Keep Everyone in the Loop
One of the best changes we made? Better communication. Whether it’s a maintenance update, inspection notice, or just letting people know the pressure washing schedule, a little heads-up goes a long way.
We use email blasts and a simple online board. Nothing fancy. But it’s made things smoother and helps residents feel like they’re part of what’s going on.
Add in Some Sustainability While You’re at It
We’ve started replacing lights with LEDs and putting motion sensors in common areas. These are small, simple things – but they’ve cut our electric bill and made us feel a little better about our environmental impact.
Look into local incentives too – there are sometimes rebates or programs that can help offset the cost.
Budgeting Isn’t Glamorous – But It’s Everything
Every year, we look hard at our budget. We set money aside for things we know are coming – like roof repairs – and make sure we’re not just reacting to problems as they come up.
A reserve study really helped us get clear on what to expect in the next 5, 10, even 20 years. If you haven’t done one in a while, I’d recommend it.
Build a Go-To List of Contractors
This has been a lifesaver. Having a short list of trusted contractors – roofers, plumbers, painters, you name it – means we’re not scrambling every time something breaks.
And when vendors know they’re working with you long-term, you usually get better service and fairer prices.
Final Thought: It’s About the People, Not Just the Property
At the end of the day, it’s not just about avoiding leaks or keeping the pool clean. It’s about building a place where people feel at home.
When things are well maintained, communication is open, and the budget’s in good shape, the whole community benefits. People feel safer, more connected, and prouder of where they live.
I hope a few of these ideas help you, whether you’re on your own board or just trying to pitch in. Condo life isn’t always easy – but with a little planning and teamwork, it can be pretty great.