Over Your Head
When it’s time to maintain, repair or replace the roof on your home, it’s a good idea to get to know the wide variety of roofing materials that are available and what each has to offer. Asphalt shingles, wood shakes, clay and concrete tile, metal and slate are roofing materials that are best suited for […]
Mold Management
It’s a problem man has battled since the dawn of time—controlling mold. It lurks in the corners and can cause major damage and nasty health issues. As long as moisture and oxygen are present, mold can grow indoors or out on virtually any organic substance, including wood, paper, carpet, insulation and food. When excessive moisture […]
Urban Gardening Basics
As the bleak cold of winter finally breaks and signs of spring begin to pop up all around, thoughts of vibrant flowers and lush vegetables are on gardeners’ minds. For those green thumbs living in tiny quarters, an impressive garden may seem unattainable. However, many are turning toward urban gardening, bringing plant life into unique […]
Doing Your Part to Stop Invasive Species
Invasive species are plants, animals and microbes that are introduced into a non-native ecosystem and cause, or are likely to cause, harm to the economy, environment or human health. An invasive species that colonizes a new area may gain an ecological edge since the insects, diseases, and foraging animals that naturally keep its growth in […]
Do It Yourself Pest Control
Pests inside your home can be annoying, harmful and downright scary. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to combat pest problems. Of course, your first stop can be your last by calling an exterminator—and don’t hesitate to call the manager if you need a recommendation. But you can often save time and money […]
Dealing with Graffiti
We’ve had several incidents of graffiti in the surrounding neighborhoods recently. The association monitors and immediately removes graffiti from common areas and encourages you to do the same with your property. The association recommends these steps for dealing with graffiti: If you happen to see someone defacing property, don’t try to stop it yourself. Call […]
Who’s Responsible for What?
Who’s responsible for what? It’s an important question often asked by residents, and the answer is sometimes more complicated than you’d think. Generally, the association is responsible for repairing or replacing common, or shared, elements and owners are responsible for maintaining their own homes. But there are two problems. First, some areas are neither common […]
Curb Appeal Counts
Cleaning out and sprucing up your yard are good low-cost alternatives to major home improvement. Whether you hire a professional or have the skills and tools to do it yourself, here are some tips to improve your lawn and landscape: Weeding, edging, planting beds and mulching go a long way toward improving a yard’s look. […]
Why a Maintenance Schedule is Important
From time to time, residents submit maintenance requests and become frustrated when something isn’t attended to immediately. Part of the reason for the delay is that many associations develop and follow an annual maintenance schedule, and the manager knows that next month’s routine maintenance will take care of the They will also use the schedule to address […]
Tracking Down Air Leaks
Air leaks are one of the biggest saboteurs of your energy bill. They cause your heating and air conditioning units to work overtime. But, you can increase the efficient use of energy by tracking down and eliminating sources of air leaks in your home. How to Check for Indoor Air Leaks Close your unit as […]
