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If your Houston community is considering adding an amenity center or adding some kind of new amenity it is important to put together a plan before plowing ahead. First, your Houston HOA board of directors should talk with your Houston HOA management company to get insight on the process and advice on how to put together a plan. Some things you may want to consider are:
1. When considering a new project, check with the owners in the community to see what they want done. Doing a short survey online with a few proposed projects is a good start. For instance, let the owners know you are considering a shade structure at the park, a new pool, or a basketball court. Then, see if there is an overwhelming desire for one of the projects over the other. Your Houston HOA management company should be able to assist you in getting a survey out to your members.
2. Once you have a project identified as holding the top spot from the survey, begin the design and/or bidding process. You will want to get professionals involved at this point. Your Houston HOA management company should have a network of some different vendors that you can chose from. If it is a complex project, such as a community center, you’ll first want to interview architects and hire one. Even if it is a more simple project or series of projects you may still want to involve an architect to lay out the space/land. Architects can be a big help in designing an overall plan for your Houston HOA. For instance, you may have 2 acres to use. The architect can give you ideas for use of the land that include making it visually appealing and functional. To learn more about architects and the various things they can help you with visit the American Institute of Architects at http://www.aia.org/.
3. Involve the owners in your progress. Tell them what you are doing as a board. Help them understand how you are doing your due diligence. You can easily do this by asking your Houston HOA management company to post updates on your community’s website.
We recently read a list published by HOALeader.com that we thought was great. It talked about the common mistakes that Dallas HOA board members make. Whether you’re a new Dallas HOA board member or been at it for a long time this list offers some good tips on how to make sure you do the best job possible. Consult with your Dallas HOA management company for more tips.
Dallas HOA Management Tips
We’ll quote here 5 of the mistakes they developed on their list with our commentary under each one.
Mistake #1 – Not Learning How Your Dallas HOA Works
Many Dallas HOA board members don’t spend the time needed to truly learn how they can positively affect their community. We know you’re busy. But, the time spent learning your association and understanding your role can make a big difference. This is one of the big reasons Spectrum Association Management developed Boardline – an education program that we offer exclusively for our association board members.
Mistake #2 – Doing More Than You’re Permitted to Do
If you’re like many of the board members we see in our Dallas HOA management clients you care deeply about your neighborhood. That’s great! But, before you get too active in doing things to improve your community it’s critical that you know what you’re legally allowed to do according to your association’s bylaws. At Spectrum Association Management, we put a huge focus on helping you know where the lines are so you don’t accidentally cross them and potentially cause legal problems for you or your Dallas homeowners association.
Mistake #3 – Changing Vendors Quickly
We all have our pet peeves. Maybe you’ve lived in the neighborhood for a while and can’t stand the way the landscaping company maintains the neighborhood common areas. You might even have lobbied while campaigning for office that you were going to fire the landscaping company. Well, before you do so, it’s very important that you review the contract, consider the implications of changing vendors, examine the services and prices offered by other vendors, and fully contemplated the impact of the change on your association. Our community managers can help you make sure you’re making the right move. If the old company deserves to go, let’s get rid of them. And, let’s make sure we do it the right and legal way. Consult with your Dallas HOA management company for guidance in changing vendors.
Mistake #4 – Being Too Secretive
The Dallas HOA management clients we interact with sometimes engage in conversations or actions without letting the rest of the board know. This can cause severe legal and financial problems. Please familiarize yourself with board policies and state laws governing Dallas HOAs in Texas to make sure you’re disclosing what you’re required to. We can answer all your questions to make sure you’re protected.
Mistake #5 – Not Looking at the Long-Term Financial Picture
It’s important that your board doesn’t spend more money than it has. We can help you examine the financial implications of different projects you’re considering. Nothing is worse than getting your Dallas HOA in financial trouble. We’ll help you avoid that!
Consult with your Dallas HOA management company for more tips on being a better Dallas HOA board member.
Related articles
- Getting Involved In Your Dallas HOA (spectrumam.com)
- Dallas HOA Directors and Officers (D & O) Insurance (spectrumam.com)
- Dallas HOA Board of Directors (spectrumam.com)
