Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Long Term R&R fund for windows

[David Entin (davidentin]

Hi Randy,
   Great idea to use the Cohousing-listserv.  I subscribed recently and 
find the idea and experiences interesting.
   I haven't heard from you and Kathy re: June 13-14 retreat.  I sense you 
all are not big on retreats, but your kids might find the Ropes course and 
rock climbing wall particularly attractive.  Please let me know if you would 
like to attend -- it would be great to have you all.   David
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Randy Sailer" <randy.sailer [at] oit.umass.edu>
To: <cohousing-l [at] cohousing.org>
Sent: Monday, March 09, 2009 2:56 PM
Subject: [C-L]_ Long Term R&R fund for windows


> At Rocky Hill we are working on budgeting for our reserve for
> replacement for our common elements and those elements on homes that
> the association is responsible for (ie painting, roofs, etc). (We have
> a condo model).
>
> Our by-laws aren't particularly clear about a few things. Far and away
> the biggest and most important (expensive) are our windows. We need to
> decide whether we should build our reserve to pay for window
> replacements or leave them to the responsibility of the homeowner.
>
> Advantages of the community collecting:
>
> Builds reserve and makes it easy to replace the windows when necessary.
> Ensures windows are replaced when bad (thus preventing damage to other
> elements in the event of failure)
> Forced savings for association members that makes sure the windows get
> replaced.
> Community standard for quality of new windows easier to enforce.
>
>
> Advantages of individual owners paying for replacement at time of need:
>
> Lower on-going condo fee.
> Individual unit owners responsible for maintenance (ownership of
> maintenance).
>
>
> At some level, the community can decide on standards via our regular
> processes and enforce them. Also, the community has the ability to
> make or force repairs on a unit if something is wrong....
>
> One thought we had was splitting the difference (community builds up
> reserve for half, homeowner pays half).
>
> We are wondering what other condo based communities do? Are unit
> windows included or excluded...
>
> Any thoughts? Advice?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Randy Sailer
> Rocky Hill Cohousing
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