CAI-NJ July 2022

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT... from page 26.

• Educate the community about the need for, and benefits of, the project. • Build confidence in your decisions by detailing why this project and why now. • Show evidence of structural failure (i.e., pictures, video, tours). • Lay out your process and timeline regarding project management, funding, and contractor selection. • Schedule periodic information sessions and reinforce everything through your community newsletter, emails, and social channels. As soon as you can, explain how building access and routines may be disrupted. Use paper notices and in-person meetings as heavily as email and video conference calls. For example, post notices throughout the community 30 days before any phase of work begins. If crews will enter homeowner units, post detailed schedules on their doors about what to expect and update the notices as work is completed or delayed.

Pre-construction efforts can make or break a project’s success. To calibrate your expectations, keep in mind that this process usually takes 30 to 40 weeks and is essential to properly ensure the success of your upcoming project. Your pre-construction work will evolve across seven major phases: Phase 1: Plan and Roll Out Community Communications While capital improvements protect and enhance home owner value, members of the community are naturally inclined to question large expenditures and bristle at any inconveniences and disruptions to their daily lives. That’s why ongoing education and communication are critical. It’s one of the greatest predictors of a proj ect’s speed and success. Develop a program that the board and community managers can use to communi cate early and often about the why, when, and how of the project: Architectural Services Building Envelope Capital Reserve Studies Civil Engineering Concrete Restoration Expert Witness Façade Inspections Forensics, Litigation & Insurance Claims

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MEP & Energy Services Structural Engineering Transition Engineering Studies

95 Mount Bethel Road Warren, NJ 07059

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