Maintenance
Condo managers face pandemic burnout
I am a licensed condominium property manager, I am in my early 30s, and I am completely burned out.
Digging into the coming geothermal boom
While the relevance of geothermal has been percolating for years, the buzz is that more developers are starting to pay attention.
What the new Construction Act means for condos
Construction is a billion-dollar industry in Canada. While most large projects at condominiums proceed relatively smoothly, there is always risk of friction for contractors and
How to avoid a DIY renovation disaster
The renovation work should aim to improve the property and make it more accessible for residents and visitors.
Gaps flagged in new CDM programs
After 2022, companies must use their own funds to reimburse embedded energy managers, but will be offered “an enhanced level of technical support and resources.” It's a move some see as more short-sighted.
Condo landscaping tips for curb appeal
Careful planning and high and low-design cost options will quickly transform any curb-appeal project into improved real estate value.
Creating a condo sustainability plan for 2021
A sustainability plan and budget should be made with the mindset of plan and prevent, instead of react and pivot.
Inside one condo board’s COVID-19 response
In February, before the WHO declared a global pandemic, talk among the condo board at Palace Pier was of various news reports piling in.
The bright idea behind fall-planted bulbs
Plugging fall-planted bulbs into the right design will illuminate them to their fullest and brightest potential in the spring landscape.
How a newly expanded CAT will impact condos
This expansion of the CAT’s jurisdiction into new issues should be noted by condominium corporation boards and managers alike.
Canada’s condo insurance crisis
Impacts of the hard insurance market are trickling into condominium corporations across Canada, challenging boards and managers in their wake.
Why benchmarking small buildings still matters
While building codes and standards help regulate efficiency in new buildings, existing buildings have been operating with little oversight and, in fact, no insight at all into how energy and water was being used in our cities.
Condo design takes cue from commercial facilities
Designers and developers foresee a greater turn towards health and wellness in the condo design of tomorrow.
Reserve fund budgeting: A fan coil unit retrofit
One of the most under addressed issues in aging condos is the fan coil unit. Residents often take an “out of sight, out of mind” approach.
How is COVID-19 impacting reserve funds?
Many reserve fund projects have not been able to proceed this year. Even now as construction has “opened up,” contractors have backlogs that will allow them to complete only some of the previously planned projects.
Should condos consider pandemic rules?
As areas of Ontario have reopened in the midst of an ongoing outbreak, condos may be asking if a specific set of rules is helpful.
Budgeting the unknown amid a pandemic
Condo corporations are facing new budgeting challenges in 2020. Planning for unexpected and increasing expenses is difficult to anticipate.