TRENDS IN REPAIR PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS (HOAs)

Until recently, organized project management has been a little known function on the Property Management side of the Community Association Industry. Homeowners Association (HOA) Property Managers have managed their client’s mid-to-large scale repair projects as part of the standard management contract – typically without additional compensation, and often without the appropriate insurance coverage. For small-scale repair projects, such as latch repairs, touch-up painting, or anything that doesn’t require a background in the trades, this has tended to work reasonably well. However, for larger projects that require dedicated time and/or construction-specific technical expertise, management has often been a frustrating time sink for the individual property manager or management company, a costly experience for the novice and experienced HOA Board alike, and has posed a significant risk to both parties in terms of liability.

Even when property managers understand the value of dedicated project management, they typically find the project management function of traditional construction companies, architectural firms, and construction project management agencies ill-equiped to handle the special needs of Community Associations. From dealing with complex board dynamics, meeting the individual needs of 10 to 100's of homeowners, dealing with quorum requirements for even basic board decisions, and needing more than a basic understanding of the complex legal requirements posed by local and state governing bodies, most traditional construction project managers just won't cut it. To add to this, the property manager needs a complementary repair partner that will make his/her job easier and limit risk to the management company, not another vendor to manage; and the HOA client needs an important repair project completed properly to limit risk to the HOA and its members, not just another vendor to pay.

I-Beam Management Associates is filling this industry/functional void by providing repair and re/construction project management services specifically targeted to the Community Association industry and Homeowners Association clients. I-Beam's project managers work closely with the HOA Client Board, their vendors, and their members to faciliate a variety of mid-to-large-sized re/construction and repair projects. From extensive siding and building envelop reconstructions, to re-roofing and interior/exterior painting projects, and everything in-between, I-Beam interfaces with the HOA Board, its members, and the designated repair team of contractors, architects, and engineers, to ensure the project is effectively and properly completed with the client's best interests in mind.