CT August 2026

beat the system by finding the lowest price. But in capital projects, a significantly lower bid can be a warning sign. A bid far below the others may reflect missing scope, underestimated costs, or a strategy that relies on future change orders. The result? Final invoices that end up equal to, or higher than, the original “expensive” bids. Boards should be cautious, ask questions, and even ask a contractor to recheck their figures when something doesn’t add up. Sometimes, walking away from the lowest number is the most responsible financial decision an asso ciation can make. Common Red Flags That Should Stop You in Your Tracks While reviewing bids and contracts, certain red flags deserve extra scrutiny: • Incomplete bids that lack detail or clearly defined scope. • Excessive upfront payments before meaningful work begins. • Poor communication during the bidding phase—this rarely improves once the project starts.

• Hidden costs not explicitly stated but still assigned to the association. • Poor subcontractor management, frequent changes, or vague staffing plans. • Permits missing from the conversation, or worse, the suggestion that the association obtain them. These warning signs often predict future headaches. After the Contract is Signed: Communication is Everything Choosing a contractor is not the finish line, it’s the start ing point. A preconstruction meeting should address work hours, site restrictions, storage needs, change order pro cedures, and points of contact. Clear expectations protect everyone involved. Just as important is communication with residents. This is their home. Regular updates—via email, notices, or meet ings—help manage expectations and minimize frustration. Surprises are rarely appreciated, especially when construc tion impacts daily life. CONTINUES ON PAGE 26

SAVE THE DATE LET’S HELP F.A.S.T. GIVE BACK!

GAMES - TEAM BUILDING - FOOD - NETWORKING

24 SEPT 2026 11 AM - 3 PM

THE SPORTSPLEX AT METUCHEN

REGISTER AT WWW.CAINJ.ORG/NETWORK-EVENTS/

25

AUGUST 2026