By Alan Rosenberg
A.R. Consulting
iven the shortage of qualified property managers,
there is concern about the levels of condominium management
service being provided out there. What’s required
is an assessment of the corporation’s needs,
and an arm’s-length appraisal of the various
management companies’ services available to
address those needs.
We have to help directors understand what's really
involved in condominium administration, and therefore,
condominium management. (Not every director truly
knows what to expect from a management service, even
in this day and age.)
I see seven major facets of the condominium routine.
Their order of priority varies from one community
to another, and there could be sub-categories within
many if not all of these facets, which are:
- Accountability:
- Management serves the Board, not the other
way around. Management must exude credibility
and trustworthiness. Internal controls must
be beyond reproach.
- Cost-Savings:
- Bulk-buying capabilities are a must, as is
knowing how to maximize efficiencies.
- Communications:
- Keep the Board informed. Help them communicate
with the residents.
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- Site Operations:
- Don’t just let the trades through the
front door: watch and appraise what they do.
Inspection routines: a tool for active management,
not just a stroll through the community. Most
of all, anticipate, don't just react!
- Safety:
- 24-hour emergency service, fire safety, access
control, WHMIS, inspections, awareness.
- Financial/Admin:
- Timely, accurate financial statements, register
updates, status certificates, paper flow.
- Condo Expertise & In-House Resources:
- Support for the site manager. Expertise, or
at least reliable, resource-driven knowledge.
Comfort level vis-à-vis the Act and other
typical condo documentation.
In a perfect world, condominium boards would not
be having any problems getting their sites managed
properly, and they’d all be aware of what they’re
entitled to from their management source. Failing
that, it’s most appropriate that they receive
the kind of counselling that helps them best administer
their community.
Prepared by
A. R. Consulting
Alan Rosenberg |
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