Summer is a prime time for renovation and construction projects to occur in HOA communities because the weather is nice and contractors often have upped their labor force to meet demands. But dealing with amenities being closed, roads being detoured, and construction equipment all around can be frustrating for homeowners. It often seems like there is no end in sight. Maintaining good management strategies can help ease frustration and get everyone on the same page.
1. Plan in Advance. Before any work begins, the HOA should have a clear schedule and expectations in place. Determine exactly what needs to be done, get bids from multiple contractors for the project, and agree on costs and timelines. Put stipulations in place for what happens if work is delayed, whether due to weather or issues on the contractor’s end.
2. Be Mindful of Scheduling. No one wants to listen to jackhammers at 6 a.m. or have spotlights flooding into their windows at 10 p.m. It’s a good idea to keep work contained to normal business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or thereabout to minimize disruptions to homeowners. Try to wait to block off streets until the morning rush is over and open them again before everyone comes home in the evening.
If you’re going to close down the pool or pool deck for repairs, the ideal timing is not over a holiday weekend when homeowners are ready to relax and take a dip. Try to do repairs midweek when the pool tends to be less busy and disruption will be minimal.
3. Communicate Regularly. Give homeowners advanced notice as to when construction work will begin, what areas or amenities will be affected, and how long work is expected to take. Keep them updated on progress of projects, whether they’re ahead of schedule, on time, or behind. Be upfront and transparent so homeowners don’t feel like they’re being kept in the dark or that there is seemingly no end in sight as to when the property will be restored.
4. Maintain as Much Normalcy as Possible. Write it into the agreement that contractors will clean up after themselves each day so the property remains safe and looking its best. Minimize any areas that are blocked off or detoured if they don’t need to be, and keep equipment and supplies organized.
Renovation or repair projects are a necessity to keep HOA communities looking and functioning their best, so make sure to hire a reputable contractor or company that can do quality work for a fair price while being respectful of the community. Partner with a property management company like Kuester to facilitate projects, maintain clear communication, and keep things running more smoothly.
