Common Recommendations

Combustible material should be removed from electrical room and around the water heater.
Insured should remove all combustible materials from the electrical room and within 36 inches of the water heater. The electrical room and the water heater room should not be used for storage.

Dryers should be vented to exterior.
Install rigid metal or flexible metal dryer exhaust vent tubing. Metal foil vent is not recommended due to lint that builds up inside. Metal Foil and plastic accordion type found in most home supply stores is not recommended. Vent paths should be as short as possible and always vented to the exterior atmosphere, never to inside the space.

Install GFCI.
Retain a licensed and insured electrician to install Ground Sault Circuit Interruption (GFCI) protection within five feet of any water source.

Inspect/Replace hot water tank drip trays/pans.
We recommend that an inspection of all hot water tank drip trays/pans be done annually. The pans should each have independent drain lines to drain the water that accumulates in the pan away from the unit.

Laundry hoses should be replaced.
Reduce the potential for leaking or bursting hoses be hiring a qualified contractor to replace all rubber laundry hose connections with high pressure hoses.

Ensure tap water is delivered at safe a temperature.
Implement a management procedure to ensure that tap water is delivered to all dwellings, bathtubs, showers and sinks at a consistent temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius). 120 degrees is considered the safest temperature to balance the danger of scalding and the health risks of Legionnaires’ disease. Any anti-scald devices or temperature control devices installed should meet the National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC) or other nationally accepted code. Regular testing of tap water at all dwelling faucets and shower heads should be done to help ensure that the plumbing system is delivering water at the optimal temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius).

Elevator Inspection/Service.
Engage the service of qualified service contractor to inspect/service all elevators on an annual basis to ensure that they are in operable condition. A record should be maintained documenting the date and time of the inspection/service as well as the contractors name and phone number.

Emergency Exits.
Clearly identify all emergency exits with illuminated exit signs that meet the applicable local building codes.

Emergency Lighting.
Install emergency lighting, which would remain operable during a power outage or other emergency, to provide adequate lighting in major areas of the facility and along designated paths of egress.

Install carbon monoxide detectors.
Install carbon monoxide detectors on every habitable level of the building and near bedrooms as noted below. If battery carbon monoxide detectors are used, replace batteries annually.

Install/Repair railing systems.
Hire a licensed and insured contractor to install handrails on stairs with a maximum of a 4-inch dimensional opening. This will help prevent trip and fall incidents.

Install/Service smoke detectors.
Install hardwired smoke detectors in all common areas and individual living units to ensure that the building occupants are adequately warned in a fire emergency. In the absence of hardwired smoke detectors, battery operated smoke detectors can be used in common areas if the detectors are inspected and tested weekly to ensure operability. In individual condominium units, battery operated smoke detectors can be used if the detectors are tested semi-annually. Testing logs must be kept.

Posting of Evacuation Plan.
To ensure the safety of unit owners, visitors, and employees, we recommend that you develop and implement a written emergency evacuation plan and post it in a highly visible area. This plan should include protocols to notify occupants of an emergency, the evacuation routes and designated assembly areas. All staff members should be trained in participating in emergency evacuations.

Service all Fire Extinguishers.
All fire extinguishers (including extinguishers in the clubhouse) should be serviced annually with a durable tag showing the date of service attached to the unit. In addition, the extinguisher should be mounted in a readily visible and accessible location to facilitate use in the event of a fire emergency.

Signs should be posted with rules and warnings.
All fitness centers should have a “Safety Rules” sign posted and clearly visible to ensure users are aware of the inherent dangers in using the fitness equipment.

Sprinkler Systems Inspected/Serviced Annually
The sprinkler systems in all buildings should be inspected/tested per NFPA 25 annually by a licensed and insured sprinkler servicing company and a current servicing tag should be attached to all risers at the time of service.

Develop and enforce a policy concerning BBQ grills.
Develop and enforce a policy that prohibits the use of BBQ grills on covered patios, covered decks, covered balconies, and within 10 feet of the buildings.

Install adequate drainage.
Install adequate drainage systems to prevent water accumulation near buildings that could cause structural property damage.

Remove debris on roofs.
Remove debris from roofs to prevent property damage.

Repair/Replace siding and trim.
A contractor should inspect the exterior siding and trim for repairs or replacement. Area of peeling paint and wood rot were noted. A plan should put in place to make the necessary repairs before any structural issues develop.

Trim overhanging tree limbs.
Prune back the tree branches that are overhanging the buildings, Debris from trees can damage roof material and reduce its life.

Emergency Lighting.
Install emergency lighting, which would remain operable during a power outage or other emergency, to provide adequate lighting in major areas of the facility and along designated paths of egress.

Repair/Replace uneven and damaged parking area and sidewalks.
Hire a licensed contractor to repair/replace all uneven and damaged sections of the parking area and sidewalks to provide level walking surfaces.

Signs should be posted with rules and warnings.
All swimming pools should have a “Safety Rules” sign posted and clearly visible to ensure users are aware of the inherent dangers in using the pools.

“No Swimming” warning signs should be posted around all open water (ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams) located on or adjacent to association property.