Condo

A lot of newer condos come with “flexi” rooms, whilst dumbbell layouts are quite versatile. These make it quite easy to create an added bedroom, study, ...

You can also combine a partial divider with some plants, to separate your rooms – this adds a bit more greenery to your interior. You could, for instance, open the partitions to create a single larger space during parties or gatherings. A partition can also include lattice designs, or even be semi-permeable to light, in the style of Japanese Shoji screens. That means you may not recoup the costs, and your renovations may not be worth what you spend. In fact, the entire reason for the newer dumbbell layouts is to eradicate this kind of space altogether. If you build a partition to create a dining space between the living room and kitchen, you could end up creating a dark stretch. When using a partition wall this way, however, make sure it’s convenient for you to maintain. If you use partitions to create an additional room, such as a study or small bedroom, the general rule is to ensure there’s at least one sizeable window for the space. An example that most Singaporeans are familiar with is a living room partition, which also acts as a feature wall – these can also be used to mount the TV, mirrors, or other design elements. This will block direct access into your living room, and can be a place for visitors to put their shoes, umbrellas, etc. The main risk of partitions is that you can end up creating dark corners, which then require more artificial lighting. Consider the following before you start divvying up your unit:

From retirees looking to downsize, young professionals trying to snag a starter home or snowbirds in search of a winter getaway, condominiums have long been ...

Repairs and maintenance required by the new law will likely push costs higher. Here's what to know.

“The engineers and contractors in this environment take advantage of the scenario pretty often.” Now they are scrambling to find a new insurer before the policy lapses in April. He said condo owners can get a better price for each unit when the whole association comes together to do a bulk sale. He noted that many insurance providers are already updating their standards in accordance with the law. Some fear it could trigger a fire sale from condo owners trying to cut their losses. The condo association has raised maintenance fees by 30% over the past two years to help replenish its reserves after years of neglect, said Rasbach, the current association president. When Scott Rasbach, 64, moved to the Paradise Shores condominium in St. He’s concerned that the new law could make housing unaffordable for them. Next year he’ll be on the hook for a $600 monthly payment. But safety legislation that passed earlier this year in the wake of the deadly Surfside building collapse could plunge the condo market into turmoil. Buildings less than three miles from the coast must undergo the first milestone inspection after 25 years. “I literally have a woman that lives in the building across from me who’s 80 some years old, who went and got a job working in some sort of manufacturing plant in order to make the money to pay for the special assessment,” Rasbach said.

Board members have complete management responsibility for their community, even if they outsource some of those responsibilities to a professional management ...

Marks served as President of the Master Association of The Point of Aventura and is currently on the Board of the South Tower at The Point of Aventura, and is extremely knowledgeable about the importance of the responsibilities and challenges that association living brings. Markssaid, “Serving on a condo board requires depth of knowledge and the ability to work as a team for the betterment of your home and the homes of all your neighbors. Their website also includes a [Miami community podcast](https://communitynewspapers.com/category/video-interviews/), where listeners can get the latest news and updates on the Miami community. It is exciting to be able to meet board members and property managers from other buildings so that you can share experiences and learn from those who are doing the same work as you. Their responsibilities encompass everything from communicating with residents to making decisions about violations and enforcing penalties, following the bylaws and ensuring the safety of the building’s residents. Linda Marks worked with the Aventura Marketing Council/Chamber of Commerce to create CHOAB, the AMC’s Condominium and Homeowner’s Association Board Members and Property Managers committee.