Spring is here, and another construction season begins. Community associations will hire truckloads of contractors to repair and improve their buildings and grounds. How do you find the right people for the job?
“There are a lot of guys doing these projects — roofing, siding, drywall, windows — and everybody looks kind of the same,” said Tim Gelinas, national account manager for CertainTeed building products company in Arlington Heights. “You want to be sure you’re making a wise investment with your association dollars.”
Professional managers often make suggestions from among the vendors they and colleagues have worked with. If your association is self-managed, you’ll have to do your own research.
“Ask around, especially other contractors,” said Martin Stone, vice president of homeowner association management for HSR Property Services in Tinley Park.
Another source is the membership directories of trade organizations such as the Association of Condominium, Townhouse and Homeowners Associations (actha.org) and the Community Associations Institute (cai-illi
nois.org). The directories are a good place to start, but not to end, said Stone, whose company belongs to both organizations.
“All a vendor needs to do to get listed is pay dues, and anyone can do that,” he said. “But these outfits are probably familiar with the commercial construction and operations of town homes and condominiums.”
Be extra cautious about searching phone directories or hiring friends and family, Stone said.
“I’m sure there are a lot of good, reputable vendors in the phone book, but it’s a crapshoot,” he said.
Close relationships between contractors and board members raise suspicion and accusations of conflicting issues from other owners. If the relationships are disclosed, owners will question whether the contractor had an unfair advantage in getting the job. If the relationship initially is not disclosed and owners find out, they will wonder what else is going on behind their backs.
When you’ve identified one or more contractors you might like to work with, check them out. Don’t rely exclusively on references because no one will give you names of unhappy customers. Ask for the addresses of associations the contractor has worked at and visit them to see how well they are maintained.
Insurance is another consideration. Without it, the association is liable for damage or injury if anything goes wrong. Get a certificate of insurance that names the association as an additional insured for every job, Stone said.
Get a written contract and have your attorney review it, he added.
If it’s a big project, don’t even attempt to find the best contractor, said Ken Mariotti, president of Roselle-based Woodland Windows and Doors.
“I encourage boards to work with an engineer or architect,” he said. “They are fairly reasonable in cost, and they know the best products out there and they know the installers.”
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