Engineer Warned of 'Major Structural Damage' at Florida Condo Complex

[sop]

19. Of course. Business conducted at every meeting is recorded, usually by Association officers.

Everything has to be voted on, so records are kept on every item of business that comes before the condo association. Engineers and contractors are routinely hired to inspect the building when problems are found. These reports must be made available to everyone at the meetings, along with recommendations and cost of the proposed repairs.

The meetings can get pretty rowdy; I've witnessed fights break out. You often have several factions in every building, each group arguing for their particular point of view. Some residents never want to spend a dime for anything, others want to immediately repair any defect and spare no expense. Since money is usually involved, things can get heated. Condominiums can be like a microcosm of American society and politics.

Most residents are only willing to spend money on improvements in common areas that will increase the value of the property and their individual units when they sell, things like new carpeting, lush landscaping or fancy pool furniture. Others understand that while expensive and needed concrete and foundation repairs won't be visible to prospective buyers, and may not increase sale prices of individual units, the money is well spent if it keeps the place from crashing down in the middle of the night.