Condo Association and Homeowner’s Association Property Watch-Out Bulletin

As Condo and HOA boards are preparing to return for the winter season, they will find that their property has not only aged six months, but was exposed to subtropical conditions with a lot of moisture, extreme heat and wind gusts.

Not every association can afford to spend the money on an annual inspection by a professional engineer; however, certain items need to be inspected on a regular basis (before it is too late and gets really expensive).

Throughout this blog, you will find many informative links which will help you to understand requirements or to connect with professionals.

Concrete Damage Balcony Corner
Concrete Damage on Balcony

Here is a list of items which should be inspected by a professional:

Balconies and Railings

Seawall and Cap

Back Flow Systems

FireProtectionSystems

Fire Extinguishers

SprinklerSystem (click on ATB #002-11 to see Citizens changes to sprinkler inspections)

Detection and Alarm Systems & Smoke Alarm testing

ElevatorInspection by a Certified ElevatorInspector

Roofing Structures

Post Tension Cables

Emergency generator preventative maintenance

Fuel filters, battery, everything is firing

Pest Control

Dry wood termites

Who’s looking at the property, applicators are truly NOT Examinators

Water Cut -Off Valve Maintenance

Here is a list of items which could be inspected by a Board Member or Volunteer:

Hot water heaters – search for any visible leaks?

Bathrooms – ventilation working?

Bathrooms – leaking faucets, running toilets?

Branches that rub or brush against a building

Branches which reach the roof, giving way for animals to get on the roof and into the soffits

Check central HVAC condensers for debris

Automobiles sitting with oil leaks

Any visible black mold

Cracks in walkways or pool deck

Cracks in walls below windows

Visual inspection of exterior walls – rust spots on masonry walls could be an indication of problems with the rebars (reinforced concrete walls)

Rebar Damage
Rebar Damage

Pools- functioning filtration and recirculation equipment

Waterproofing- Caulking – any visible damages

Dryer vent cleaning (if necessary call company to clean the air ducts)

Gutter cleaning (if necessary call a company with a lift)

If you have a flat roof, inspect your rooftop and check for waterponding.

Water Ponding on Roof

There are many more items which are important to look out for depending on the characteristics of your building.

The provided list is not to be considered complete, but should be used as a starting point to get your building up to speed. If in doubt, please contact a knowledgeable engineer who can assist to assess your building.

Please email me with questions at any time: patricia@ce2.616.myftpupload.com