What Do HOA Management Companies Do?
Homeowners associations (HOAs) manage and maintain common areas and enforce policies for the benefit of residents in planned communities.
Handling the day-to-day operations and long-term management of an HOA requires specific expertise, which is why many associations hire professional community management companies.
This guide will explain the typical services an HOA management company provides and when HOA management companies should consider outsourcing maintenance for improved efficiency.
What HOA Management Companies Do and When to Outsource?
HOA management companies handle administrative, financial, maintenance, and other duties for community associations. They work as partners with HOA boards but don’t make final governing decisions.
Typical services HOA management companies provide include:
- Budgeting and managing finances
- Keeping records
- Making sure common areas are maintained
- Enforcing HOA rules
- Supporting HOA boards
- Getting insurance coverage
- Giving legal guidance
- Communicating with residents
- Planning community events
With maintenance, management companies coordinate and oversee vendors and contractors for common area maintenance tasks like:
- Landscaping
- Janitorial cleaning
- Pool care
- General repairs
- Painting
- Asphalt sealing
Importance of Common Area Maintenance
The common areas are what create a consistent appearance and comfortable living environment across the HOA. These community assets include features like:
- Roads and Parking Lots
- Sidewalks and Lighting
- Landscaping and Greenspaces
- Amenity Areas like Pools, Clubhouses, and Playgrounds
- Fencing, Gates, and Signage
Regular upkeep of these common areas promotes:
- Property value retention
- Better curb appeal to prospective buyers
- Increased resident enjoyment and usage
- Safer, more accessible grounds for all ages
- Reduced complaints and fewer association headaches
Common area maintenance requires attention to detail, responsiveness to issues, and continuity of care for the common association’s assets.
Overseeing Capital Improvements
Capital improvements encompass major upgrades to common areas like:
- Pool resurfacing
- New roofing on community buildings
- Sidewalk replacement
- Athletic court enhancements
- Irrigation system overhauls
- Security system installations
- Lighting and electric retrofits
Capital improvement projects require oversight stages including:
- Inspections and Needs Analysis
- Bidding and Contractor Selection
- Permitting and Budget Planning
- Contracts and Schedule Management
- Documentation and Project Closeout
While management companies don’t have to facilitate capital improvements alone, their guidance on HOA boards’ long-term planning is essential.
The Problem with Self-Performing Maintenance
Trying to handle all maintenance in-house strains resources and distracts from other priorities. This often leads to:
- Inconsistent service quality
- Repairs and requests falling through cracks
- Limited budget visibility
- Increased safety risks
- Frustrated residents and boards
The Solution – Outsourced Maintenance Partners
Outsourcing maintenance allows management companies to focus on their core competencies while leaving repairs to dedicated specialists. Look for partners that:
- Possess licensing, bonding and insurance
- Have extensive HOA experience
- Provide 24/7 emergency services
- Use tracking software for work orders
- Practice environmental sustainability
- Smoothly integrate with existing processes
Let a Specialist Handle Maintenance
HOA management companies juggle many complex responsibilities. Outsourcing maintenance through an expert vendor optimizes operations so you can focus on priority services for your associations.
Here at Octo Property Services we specialize in customized HOA maintenance solutions, allowing efficient coordination through your office and community.
Contact us to discuss maintenance outsourcing that fits your community’s needs!
