Emergency Repair Strategies for Your Association: What You Need to Know
Facing Repair Emergencies in Your Association
Getting the call about an emergency repair issue is never fun. Emotions run high, and chaos is usually in the mix, too. Having a solid plan won't prevent emergency repairs from happening, but you'll be glad you have one in place when something happens.
In this article, we'll look at how we help any HOA we manage put together the best emergency repair plan for their community.
Keep Cool and React Promptly
The first step in managing an emergency repair is to remain calm and think clearly. A composed approach is essential to keep residents calm, which, in turn, curbs phone calls, emails, and texts asking about what's happening.
If you've already done the homework to have your overnight and emergency vendor lists ready, now all you have to do is act. Preparing a vendor list will save you time, money, and headaches.
Determine the Urgency
Having your community association management company on-call 24 hours a day is essential. When an incident occurs, knowing who to call is crucial to mitigating damages quickly. You'll have to have someone knowledgeable available to make that call in the case of an emergency. They'll determine how urgent it is.
Minor issues can be handled during regular business hours, while more severe problems, such as active water leaks or electrical issues and fire hazards, should be dealt with immediately to prevent further damage.
A checklist system works well with a list of emergencies that must be handled overnight, on weekends, or on holidays. Proper training and an emergency triage checklist will help the person on call trust their decision in the moment.
Consider Temporary Measures
In some cases, temporary measures may be necessary to limit the scope of the repair and prevent further harm. For example, using tarps to cover a leaking roof until a permanent solution is booked or sending out an emergency plumbing team to turn off the water supply in certain areas. The goal of a temporary measure is to prevent active property damage until the issue is fully diagnosed.
Clear Communication with Residents
Maintaining open and transparent communication with the owners is vital during emergency repairs. Regular updates about the repair status, any required actions from them, and the expected timeline help in keeping the community informed and prepared. This ongoing dialogue fosters trust and cooperation among the residents.
Financial Planning for Emergencies
Lastly, an essential aspect of handling emergency repairs is financial readiness. Ideally, The association should have a reserve fund to address such unforeseen events. This fund helps manage repairs without imposing unexpected financial burdens on the homeowners through special assessments or fee hikes.
In summary, managing emergency repairs in an association demands a balanced approach involving prompt action, expert assessment, temporary solutions, clear communication, and financial preparedness. These steps are essential for effectively addressing emergencies and safeguarding the interests and safety of the community.
Sam Maropis
PMI Profit Realty
210-504-4420
