8
Choose a Qualified Maintenance Partner
Selecting the best partner to handle your maintenance is crucial for ensuring that
each job is done right every time. Take the following actions before working with any
potential maintenance provider.
• Make sure they have a thorough understanding of each part of the property. A
contractor that specializes in only one area might not see how all the systems work
together. For example, a roof inspector will only pay attention to your roof - they
won't look at the condition of nearby paint or sealant, increasing the chances that
minor issues will go unnoticed until they become major issues.
• Verify their insurance. If the board hires a maintenance partner that isn't insured,
the association takes on liability that isn't often covered by general insurance. This
is also why associations need workers' compensation coverage; even if your state
doesn't require the association to carry it, it can still be held responsible in the event
of a claim.
• Check references. Your community can't afford to take a chance on an unknown
company you found online. Ask other boards for their recommendations.
After potential maintenance partners have met these standards, it's critical to ensure
that the same technicians will visit your property for every inspection or repair because
maintenance professionals who become knowledgeable about your property over time
will provide a higher level of service. If you choose to look for lower bids every year, the
new provider will have to reacquaint themselves with your community and its standards
all over again, which leads to more missed opportunities to fix small problems and
greater costs in the long run.
Mike's Tip
Go beyond what's on paper and online. I like to visit other
properties a potential contractor is responsible for, so I can see
firsthand the quality of their work.
