HOA Management Blog

What is a Retaining Wall? When HOA's have retaining walls, many times it is a HOA capital item that is given little thought of for long term planning. However, as with any HOA capital item, retaining walls no matter their construction, need to be considered for replacement. As we always recommend to our boards a...

Five Signs of a Deteriorating Roof - Missing, broken, cracked or curling shingles. - Deteriorating or damaged flashing around chimneys, vents, or roof valleys. - Deterioration of roof valleys. - Extreme granular loss found in gutters and splash blocks. Asphalt shingles are covered with granules to block ultraviolet sun rays. Over time granules will erode...

What Are the Different Types of Lawn Drainage? With all the common areas that many HOAs have, drainage issues can arise. Addressing drainage issues within a HOA can be challenging because of the unpredictable nature of water flow. When homes are located in low-lying or flat areas, a drainage system may need to be installed...

What are Weep Holes? HOA structures are faced with water intrusion from time to time. Water intrusion is categorized as roof, wall, and foundation. Weep holes can be found in foundations and walls. Wall weep holes are were the majority of issues arise with HOA structures. Weep holes are holes placed in exterior walls of...

Why Do We Need a HOA Anyway? Why do we need a HOA anyway? Why does the HOA have so many rules? What are we getting for our dues? These are common mantras with a select few in almost all HOAs. For this article, we will refer to these members as anti-HOA members. This "anti"...

Preventing Water Damage Water damage causes HOAs and individual homeowners many thousands of dollars each year in the United States. Not only are HOA boards faced with limited budgets, they are also faced with higher insurance deductibles that make addressing water claims more difficult. HOA boards must face the ramifications of filing insurance claims and...

The HOA's Insurance Agent Insurance agents, like doctors, have a broad range of specialties and areas of expertise. Fortunately, community association insurance is one of them. HOAs have unique needs and exposures. The insurance agent serves the HOA by: Reviewing the HOA’s documents, recommending the legal minimum insurance requirement, and recommending additional coverage that might...

10 Conflict Resolution Strategies for HOA Board Members Serving on a HOA board of directors can be challenging at times. Resolving conflicts, big and small, can be a part of the board member's responsibilities. When emotions run high, the parties should separate and take time to cool off. Attack the problem, not the person. Move...

Guest Speakers at the HOA Annual Meeting Guest speakers at annual meetings are common, and possibly much too common. The right guest speaker can add a great deal to the meeting while the wrong guest speaker can take much away. The first and most obliviously question, is there a very strong reason to have a...