Maintenance
The pitfalls of shared facilities agreements
A shared facility agreement is often a quagmire of legal mumbo jumbo that is next to impossible to interpret.
Anticipating the needs of aging condo communities
New updates to the OBC, which come into effect January 1, 2025, do little to address accessibility. How can existing condos prioritize inclusion when planning for renovations?
Eco-friendly condo upgrades
Reaching net zero by 2050 means sustainability targets for new and existing condo buildings will need to change quickly.
CAO releases report on state of reserve funds
The Condominium Authority of Ontario has released preliminary findings on the state of reserve funds and owners’ awareness of their importance.
Managing water leaks 101
The causes of water leaks are often related to materials, installation, maintenance and operational issues.
Helping condos stay afloat during a flood
The immense flooding that occurred recently across the GTA led to massive evacuations and widespread power outages and is just one example of the increasing severity of natural disasters.
Tips for hiring independent contractors
With costs on the rise, many condominiums are choosing to retain independent contractors to provide superintendent and/or cleaning service.
Spring maintenance for newly built homes
A deep clean and thorough inspection are extra important for newly built homes during the spring season to help identify and address any damage or defects.
Keeping plumbing maintenance from plummeting
As time and usage take its toll, plumbing systems deteriorate and improper and deferred maintenance lead to disastrous results.
Promoting waste-conscious condos
Electronic waste is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world.
Responding to elevator entrapments
Elevator entrapments are one of the many risks facing high-rise buildings in Ontario. Occupants need to be educated on best practices and what to do during an emergency.
Addressing hidden damages in condominiums
Condo managers who understand a condo’s life stages, hidden damages, and inspections are more likely to develop effective reserve fund plans with logical budget allotments.
Considerations for deferring capital project work
The industry panel discussed what capital repairs and replacement costs could potentially be deferred by prolonging the life of various building components and what professional resources to seek for guidance.
Access to units for common element work
What if access is required through a residential unit to perform common element maintenance or repairs to the building in general?
Overhauling reserve funds in Ontario
As the landscape of aging condos continues evolving, the need for adequate reserve funds to pay for these repairs assumes greater importance.
A guide to understanding noise in condos
Resolving noise complaints requires an understanding of how sound moves through a building and the obligations of a condominium.
What’s next for condominium insurance?
Timely maintenance and improvements will play an important role in securing favourable coverage terms and avoiding delays in the renewal process.