Professional & Business Partners

Condo Folks Wanna Have Fun

Michelle Dyer, CCI GRC Administrator/Events

Sing it with me – (Cyndi Lauper’s – Girls Just Wanna Have Fun)

I go to work as the morning blooms
A leaky faucet in the community room.
Oh, condo managers, up with the dawn,
Facing each day with the challenges on.
Budgets tight, but repairs are due,
Working hard to push every issue through.

Oh, condo folks just wanna have fun
Oh, condos folks just wanna have fun

I come home, in the evening light,
My day’s been long, but my unit’s just right.
Oh, condo board, we’re on the scene,
Gotta make sure our living’s clean.
Our lobby shines, the pool’s divine,
Living here feels just like a prime time!

Oh, condo folks just wanna have fun
Oh, condos folks just wanna have fun

Then come the vendors, with their tools and smiles,
Fixing issues, going the extra miles.
Gardens to groom and repairs on the way,
They keep our condos perfect, come what may.
It’s their hard work that builds the scene,
Making living here feel like a dream.

Oh, condo folks just wanna have fun
Oh, condos folks just wanna have fun

———————————————

Ok… I know the song is a stretch (thanks Chat GPT) but it outlines how managers, boards/owners, and vendors all play a part to ensure a condominium community runs smoothly. It can be serious business, but you can have some fun too and Canadian
Condominium Institute – Grand River Chapter (“CCI-GRC”) leads the charge in networking.

Bowling/game nights, golf tournaments, the annual general meeting, and monthly lunch and learns are opportunities to connect with others involved in the industry. The yearly Condo Conference is where mingling, education, and building relationships is at its finest.

Why is it important to Network?

The business partners (aka vendors) and condominium managers know and understand the
importance of socializing and CCI-GRC thanks you all for your support. But do you, the condo
board member/owner, know networking is important for you too?

Building Partnerships

Networking enables condominium managers, boards of directors, and vendors to develop a
relationship that can lead to mutually beneficial partnerships. For example, a roof leak? Call the
roofer you met at the conference.

Knowledge and Skills

Networking keeps you up to date on the latest industry information. Whether you attend the
conference or a lunch and learn, you get insights and ideas that can be utilized in your condo
community. for example, is your condominium an aging community? Refer to the CCI-GRC
education session on that.

Improving Service Quality/Problem Solving

Networking allows you, the board member/owner to discuss with various professionals and
other board members best practices and even solutions to common problems. For example,
security? You can reference what you learned at security expert’s webinar, the conversation
you had with another board member, or the chat you had with the service provider at the
conference – you get it.

Lastly, connections extend beyond the Grand River Chapter. The CCI-GRC board members and
administrators continue to build partnerships, expand our knowledge, and improve our services
and problem-solving abilities so we can share what we learn with you. In May, we attended the
CCI National Leaders Forum where condo folks (professionals) from across Canada exchanged
ideas, learned from one another and yes, we had a little fun doing it.

Join the fun, become a member of CCI Grand River Chapter here.

Michelle Dyer,

Chief Operations Officer,

Theresa Place Media Inc

our Previous Blogs.

When a condominium corporation is moving towards a capital repair project it can become a daunting
process at times. Below are some best practices when undertaking a large project such as paving,
building envelope restoration, and/or infrastructure replacement. While it is likely your reserve fund
study or some other indicator (hopefully not failure) such as a condition survey that has identified a
capital item that is need of repair or replacement, the challenge is just beginning. Many would agree
that it is the primary steps of a project that can really set the tone for success. Please consider the
following:

Determine the scope of a project. Make use of the Reserve Fund Study, any condition
assessments, or repair recommendations that may have been provided, or seek the advice of
professionals related to the overall project scope.
For simpler or more straightforward projects, a professional/expert may not be required for the
duration of the project and in those cases a corporation should be prepared with the assistance
of their manager to identify the scope, obtain competitive estimates based on the scope, and
select and manage the work directly with the approved contractor.
For larger or more complex projects, look to engage a professional/expert to work with the
corporation throughout the project process from scope of work to tendering/estimating,
inspections, etc. In today’s competitive world these professionals will greatly assist a
corporation in securing competitive viable estimates, reduce liability, and provide a comfort
level for the corporation and contractors which can lead to better value and overall results.
Timing of larger projects should always be reviewed. Keep in mind you may have other annual
maintenance items that could be completed while undertaking a large project that will result in
savings for the corporation from an operating standpoint. A simple example is to have the
roofers scope include cleaning the eaves when roof replacement is being done. Consider
repairing adjacent items, such as curbs, sidewalks, or buried infrastructure when doing asphalt
replacement.
All have seen large variances with pricing. Ensure requests for quotations are clear and simple.
Ensure the key points are captured such as what (service, supply) and when (frequency,
urgency). Contracts and purchase orders need to clearly reflect the approved scope, pricing, and
timing expectations.
Quoting/tendering and contract preparation can be challenging in today’s environment for
varying reasons. Volatile marketplaces, surplus of work, and increasing inflation have made this
process far more challenging as of late. Much of the time contractors, when given the
opportunity for future business, will provide firm pricing and or annualized increases for multi-
year commitments when possible.
Communication with residents is always vital for a successful project. Try to be informative but
general in nature with respect to the scope, timing, specific needs such a relocation of vehiclesetc., and what to expect for residents such as noise, vibration, and traffic. Be prepared to
provide updates as projects progress. This will ensure residents have what they need information wise. Clearly identify who concerns should be brought to in the event a question or
issue arises.
As a project moves forward, look to keep all parties updated through progress reports prepared
by who is managing the project and ensure all participating contractors are sent updates as well
to ensure all agree at each phase.
At project completion, ensure full project reviews are undertaken and any holdback, warranty,
future maintenance requirements, etc. are discussed and recorded.