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                                                                     April 2013
Greetings!

This month we've got tips to help you plan for maintenance, renovation, or remodel projects in two different situations: multi-family residential and commercial properties.

Property Renovation Project Planning for HOA's and Property Managers

If you're a property manager, or on the board of your home owner's association, you know just how much needs to get done. Keep on top of maintenance and improvement projects with these helpful tips.

List Pending Projects 
Do you need to mend fences, repair rooftops, update the pool filtration system, pave the parking lot, freshen up the club house, install new mailboxes, and a hundred other things? Write them all down in one place, so you can work your way  through the list.

Identify Priorities 
Necessary, regular maintenance should have been anticipated at budget time, and go to the top of the list. In HOA's these are reserve projects, and should be funded and approved already. Legally required upgrades also get priority. Other projects go to the bottom of the list. HOA's usually have restrictions regarding capital improvement project approval, so start the process early.

Consult Your Calendar 
An empty swimming pool and 95 degree temps are no match. Don't upgrade the pool's filtration system in August. Indoor projects like painting the club house can be done any time. Plug those projects in the calendar where ever they fit.  It's less expensive to hire, and easier to schedule, a general contractor in January than June. See what you can get done in the off season.

Cover Your <Ahem>  
Your property management firm or HOA should be named on the contractor's insurance as an additional insured. Get a current certificate directly from the insurance company for your own records. Consult your lawyer for larger projects or to review contracts.

Contractor Choice 
Choose your service providers wisely. Get bids from a few different companies, and get references from each of them. Check out their website, and call those references. Make sure they are licensed, bonded, and insured.

Communicate 
Get the word out to residents about your plans. Chances are some or all of the work you'll be doing will disrupt their lives in some way, so it's important to give advanced warning of any projects going on in the community.

Five Details Many Planners Miss on Commercial Remodels

As the saying goes, the devil is in the details. If your business is looking at a remodel, or moving into a new location, there are a lot of details to consider. Make sure your project plan includes the five important steps on this check list.

Five Commercial Construction Planning Details You Can't Forget
1. Get the Lay of the Land
Assess and document the space to be renovated. Know what's there before you start digging in.

2. Consider Legal Matters
Building codes, zoning, permits - get these all in order before the sheetrock gets delivered.

3. Seek Professional Help
Line up any professional service providers you need to get the project off the ground (before you need them): architect, engineer, attorney, etc.

4. Get Three for One
Save time by getting all your contractor proposals at once (at least three). Call references and review their bids carefully.

5. Write on Time (and Budget)
Get a written, detailed work plan that includes timelines and budget for every portion.
Now that you've got these project planning basics under your belt, it's time to get that project started!

Let The Inside Out Company walk you through the process of a successful renovation or maintenance project.
Call us today to get started.


Sincerely,

David Lockhart
630-406-3000
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The Inside-Out Company | | david@insideoutcompany.com | http://www.insideoutcompany.com
1425 Paramount Pkwy | Batavia, IL 60510 | 630-406-3000

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