Owner Maintenance

Page under construction, last edited: 3/14/21

1. Prevent Water Damage by protecting our Plumbing.

2. Control Mold:

   • To clean mold on windows:

     1. On windows: wipe windows until dry, then spray windowsill with a bleach and water mix (1 cup water to 1/3 cup bleach);

     2. On walls: use water bleach mix and allow to dry.

   • Feel for air leaks around doors.

     1. There should be very little air and light coming through the door jam and door-sill.

     2. If you have mold on doors, wipe and spray with bleach, and put new weather-stripping on the door

   • On walls and in closets: Ensure air flow.

     1. Pull furniture and storage away from walls.

     2. Open the doors for air flow.

     3. Consider air flow when hanging or storing items.

     4. Run bathroom fan when bathing/showering.

3. Prevent Fires, "Fire is Everyone's Fight":

   • Properly maintained smoke detectors save lives:

     1. Older models: change your smoke detector batteries on daylight savings day;

     2. Newer modes: replace every ten years.

   • Keep a fire extinguisher and keep it charged;

   • If you feel you must leave to escape a fire:

     1. Please call 911;

     2. Pull the fire alarm to alert other residents: pull stations found in stairwells.

   • Unattended candles and space heaters can kill people and destroy property,

     1. Considering using electric lights instead of candles;

     2. Please make sure your space heater is approved, working properly, and shuts off automatically if tipped over.

4. Prior to Painting, Remodeling and Construction, contact the Property Manager in accordance with the Declarations, Art. III Architectural Provisions.

   • Please submit remodeling plans to the property manager, for the board, if your remodel includes work on: walls, flooring, windows, doors, electric or plumbing, or your deck

• • Outside Paint: New paint coating applied to building in 2017. Matching color numbers available through the property manager.

  • Flooring:

    • If you are considering flooring, please purchase the thickest padding available on the market to help control sound

    • Please consider using flooring that is water resistant, in case the plumbing backs up into your unit. Ask the property manager for details.

  • Doors:

    • Please use white storm doors, style #275SS (per minutes 9/6/1994). [Very similar modern alternatives are available.]

  • Numbering and Lighting:

    • Please speak with the property manager for styles that create cohesive look and maintain saleability ("curb appeal").

  • Kitchen and Bathroom Fixtures:

    • Delta water faucets are the easiest to rebuild per Plumbing and Heating Co.

5. Reduce Electric Bill: Tips found at Home Energy Checklist; and Alaska Housing Finance Corp. Resource Center.

   • Common area outlets are intended for building maintainance personnel use. Engine block heater outlets are assigned by unit and have covers that allow padlocking by the owner. Please contact the property manager for details.

6. New to home ownership and/or want to learn how to care for your own home?

• • Classes in Juneau:

    • Alaska Housing

    • Alaska Craftsman

  • Explore Community Association Institute's references here

  • Read & Watch

    • For complete beginners: Dare to Repair

    • More ideas?

      • PBS's Hometime

    • This Old House

Every owner contributes to the maintenance of the condo building by paying dues. Owners who are informed about home maintenance and building science help improve the association's decision-making. The property manager assists the volunteer board members with understanding building science; and provides informed and dedicated oversight to tend to the needs of a 28-unit community. Our property manager stays abreast of best practices, and provides the board with recommendations.

• The Community Associations Institute has a wealth of resources: http://www.caionline.org/info/help/Pages/ResourcesforHomeowners.aspx

Additional Building Maintenance References

• • Cold Climate Housing Research Center

  • Alaska Residential Building Manual: "This comprehensive manual is designed to cover Alaskan home building from pre-construction all the way to post-construction. It is an exhaustive resource for all construction needs from materials, to necessary sciences, to retrofitting and to actual construction. Filled with graphics, charts and tips, this manual is a must-have for anyone planning to build an Alaska home."

  • Calendar of Care http://www.churchcare.co.uk/images/Calendar_of_Care.pdf

  • Hong Kong's Government has a useful, readable guide at http://www.bd.gov.hk/english/documents/code/bmg/BDG_ENG.pdf

Page validated: 2/28/2021