As cold weather begins to settle in across the Southeast, it’s time for homeowners associations (HOAs) to start preparing. The shift from fall to winter may not seem like much, but there are several tasks that the board will want to make sure are checked off its list. If they didn’t get done earlier, now is the time to do it.
Get HVAC systems serviced. The last thing you want is for members to head into the clubhouse or business center and find that it’s icy cold because the heat stopped working. Regular servicing of HVAC systems can keep them running efficiently and identify potential problems early on. Consider setting up a maintenance plan where they are inspected each fall and spring. It may be a little more expensive upfront, but it can save the HOA money in the long run by extending the life of the equipment.
Plan for snow removal. While snow and ice tend to be minimal for much of the Carolinas (the mountains being an exception), it does happen. And with everything that has happened this year, who knows what winter will bring? Put a plan in place now for how any inclement weather will be handled. Who will be responsible for shoveling and plowing common areas? What are the expectations for when this will occur? What services does the snow removal contract cover? You don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute because you didn’t think there would be snow, and now you’re faced with a few inches of it and all of the local companies are booked.
Switch up landscaping. Just because the weather has gotten colder and the trees have shed their leaves doesn’t mean your community can’t continue to look its best. There are a lot of hardy plants and shrubs that can add a pop of color or simply some greenery to an otherwise barren common area. Talk to your landscaping company about what they recommend and what their plans are now that temperatures have dropped.
Close the pool. Properly. Telling members that the pool is closed for the season and actually shutting it down are two different things. No one many be swimming in it, but that doesn’t mean that it’s ready for winter. If you neglected to properly shut down the pool in early fall, don’t put it off any longer. You’ll want to have a professional come and winterize it and make sure that any pumps and filters have been cleaned and turned off. It can also be a good idea to put a cover on top to minimize the amount of leaves and debris that accumulate in the water. Putting in the effort to properly shut down now can make it easier to open again come spring.
There may not be as much hustle and bustle over the winter, but there is still plenty of planning and preparation to do. Partnering with a property management company like Kuester can help your HOA stay on top of its to-do list and manage vendor relationships. Contact us today to learn more!
