HOA living is popular in Florida, where more than 9 million families call these communities home. Most people prefer this lifestyle because of the appealing shared amenities, stable property values, and community atmosphere.
It's up to the elected HOA board to ensure residents enjoy these benefits. HOA property maintenance is one of the board's key responsibilities and is integral to maintaining HOA property value and community contentment.
So, is it better to manage these tasks in-house or hire an experienced third party to take care of it all? Read on to compare these options.
Why DIY Property Maintenance?
Keeping all your HOA community management tasks in-house means you have ultimate control over everything. The HOA board dictates when and how maintenance takes place.
This allows for flexibility in allocating resources and adjusting priorities as required.
An in-house team becomes familiar with the homes and communal facilities in the HOA. This can mean faster response times and greater efficiency in achieving solutions.
The HOA board has more say in the costs associated with in-house community maintenance. They can save on outsourcing fees and negotiate better deals for labor, supplies, and equipment.
In-house maintenance management also has several drawbacks, such as:
- High salary costs
- Ongoing training
- Costs for purchasing equipment and tools
The process also means that the HOA board will need to spend a lot more time focusing on maintenance issues. Smaller maintenance teams might not have the experience and skills available from outside sources.
About Outsourced HOA Property Maintenance
When you outsource your property management, you have less control over timing and costs, but you will enjoy the benefits of a larger pool of expertise.
There's no limit to the specializations and skills available from outside parties. For instance, an HAO management company has access to many electrical, HVAC, and landscaping specialists.
Third-party contractors are active in their industries and thus more likely to be aware of the latest building regulations, especially regarding permitting or energy-efficiency requirements.
This means the HOA doesn't need to pay high salaries to keep these expert tradespeople employed full-time. They only pay for their skills when needed.
These third-party providers can access the latest tools and equipment to ensure high-quality workmanship and efficient service.
Most importantly, outsourcing HOA maintenance frees up board members' time to focus on other aspects, such as building their community spirit.
Get the Balance Right
Whether your HOA board decides to outsource maintenance tasks or do it themselves depends entirely on the circumstances. Budget, property size, the complexities of the property, and personal preferences all play a role.
Are you still on the fence about which solution suits your HOA best? PMI Broward Sunrise offers services to suit every HOA's needs.
We offer a full range of community management services, including HOA property maintenance and financial and administrative management. We also offer customized assistance for those who'd rather self-manage their HOAs.
PMI Broward Sunrise is backed by over two decades of Florida real estate experience. Discover your ideal mix of HOA management services today.
