We know you are interested in a streamlined budget that keeps your assessment costs down while maintaining and improving the quality of your property. That’s why at each property we review each Association’s operation to find potential savings—for contracts, staffing, energy bills, gas, electric, water and scavenger. At every property, we use our experience and leverage with vendors to help you secure the best rates possible. See some specific case studies below.

Case Study 1: A savings of over $99,000 per year on electric, gas and more.

We signed the property up with a bulk energy provider for electricity. In two months, the property saved $2,000 per month from the budgeted amount. We also used this same provider to replace all metal halide fixtures in the parking garage with florescent fixtures. We then had the property install a computer-monitored HVAC system (Delta Controls) which saved $75,000 on the gas bill in 2010. Additional savings were found with a new inventory tracking system to help control supply costs, switching out all exit lights with LED lighting, and replacing all lights and fixtures in hallways with energy-efficient lights and bulbs.

Case Study 2: Scavenger savings of $95,802 leads to no annual assessment increase.

At one property, we worked with the village to argue that scavenger fees should be at their expense, since the property has curbside pick-up and was being charged  for it on their tax bill. After working with the Director of Public Works, we saved the Association $95,802 on scavenger expenses leading to no increase in 2011 assessments.

Case Study 3: Generating income through clubhouse improvements.

One property had a clubhouse that had a lot of potential, but did not get much use. We suggested simply updating the floors (hardwood, ceramic tile), bathrooms and window treatments, and changing the paint colors to attract more rental interest from homeowners. The clubhouse is currently booked solid almost every month, adding to the property income.

Case Study 4: It’s in the details—new light bulbs results in savings.

We worked with one property’s maintenance supervisor to switch to energy-efficient bulbs in all three buildings in the outer staircases, which are on 24/7 – and the inner stair cases, which are on timers – resulting in a savings of $600 a year.

Case Study 5: Attorney retainer recommendation saves $2,600-$6,600 per month.

After reviewing an Association’s legal expenses, we noticed that by paying an attorney per hour, they were spending anywhere from $3,000-$7,000 per month on legal issues (not including homeowner collection matters). We introduced the Board to an attorney’s retainer contract, and as a result, they paid no more than $400 per month for attorney retainer services.

Case Study 6: Recurring major paint and wood projects of $20,000 eliminated.

At one property, we examined recurring major projects such as painting and wood replacement to try to find long-term solutions to eliminate the recurring need. This property was on a three-year wood replacement and painting cycle that cost the Association upwards of $20,000 every two to three years. Instead of continuing to have this work performed cycle after cycle, we suggested wrapping every piece of wood trim, window frame and balcony support beam in aluminum. This project cost $125,000 to complete, and virtually eliminated the need to paint or replace wood on the property for at least 30 years.