Before you hire a maintenance team, double-check the contract
Snow removal, handyman, plumber, painter, gardener: Don’t hire a contractor until you’re sure of the pros, cons and what-ifs
The phrase “I don’t do windows” has been used for umpteen years. Granted, several decades ago, it made sense considering windows didn’t always have the kind of hinges that could easily be cleaned without physically hanging off the window sill. But times have changed even when people’s work behavior has not. That means condo board associations still run into contractors who sound like Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop” rap — they “can’t do this” and they “don’t do that.” But if you sign the wrong contract, you can’t “get a refund” or “bring that back.”
Prior to our current maintenance team, which I cannot say enough nice things about, two prior maintenance crews created more headaches than cleanliness. One worked in partnership with our prior property management company. But odd things started happening, like the maintenance company charging questionable purchases on our open hardware store account. While the prior property management company would pay the bill, sketchy purchases weren’t challenged.
For example, seven keys were copied for what was supposed to be “the basement.” But anyone living in our building knew that we used Mul-T-Lock keys, which can only be copied by licensed locksmiths. When asking about the key copies, our board was told all of the keys “‘didn’t work” so they were “thrown away.” But on the next couple of bills, copied keys from the same hardware store were on there again.
ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon
As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I know some consumers are choosing to boycott Amazon for its DEI removal. However, after thinking about this thoroughly, I want to continue promoting cool products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and (specifically) Black-owned businesses who still feature their items on Amazon. As of the first date of Black History Month 2025, each new post will ALWAYS include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a Black-owned business. (I have visited the seller’s official site to verify that Amazon Black-owned logo.) I am (slowly) doing this with older, popular posts too. If you still choose to boycott, I 100% respect that decision.
Who goes back to a hardware store that made seven faulty keys to get more keys copied? Along with a slew of other supplies that couldn’t be traced to our building— and the maintenance team never confirming a consistent schedule or cleaning tasks — the board ultimately decided to get rid of this company within a matter of months.
Recommended Read: “Never hesitate to ask ‘Is your payment method secure?’ with contractors ~ Contractors change payment methods at a snail’s pace”