Building is suppose to have been painted 2 years ago, board dragged feet.. and continues to do so. now what?

So sorry for the long subject.

Our reserve studies show that this building is suppose to be painted every 7 years.. I have lived here 6.5, and according to the old timers here is was done in 1998 "or so". Our paint due to weather looks bad! Our wood siding shows signs of rotting wood, chpped paint and we are suppose to be a nice medium blue gray buidling, our paint is so faded it looks like a worn out battle ship. Sorry for allthe details, but a picture can't be posted. It is clear this building is due to maintenance and a paint job big time.

The issue? Our painting of this building has been put on the back burner for 2 years due to low reservess according to all records. 2009 will be year #3 that this is building was suppose to be painted. Our current board is split on painting again ( as we are prepping our minds ect for a budget for 09). I hate to say this, but I almost feel that it's our responsibility at this point to maintian this old building. We have had patch jobs done and every single vendor who has been out has told us, the longer you wait the more it's going to cost you, your wood has dry rot and it will continue to worsen throughout the buidling unless you prep the wood, replace and repaint. ( that was told to us this summer.. and he highly encouraged to paint asap along with the other 3 vendors who have done patch work )

What can I bring to support my wishes of painting our building? Property value internally is down, foreclosures are happening, and our building is NOT being maintiained from a paint exterior sense.

Hi Francesca,

I agree with Susan’s advice, and would add:
If the Board will not use Reserves to pay for the painting (or there is not enough $$), then plan for it next year out of your operating budget. This will mean an increase in assessments (would either way), but once planned, then for the following years, contribute to a painting reserve so that you will have the $$ for the next painting phase. We consider painting to be an operating expense. And, painting is an absolute must. Same as regular maintenance for roofing, driveways, etc.

Replacing rotting wood can be expensive, but must also be done before painting. We went through this even though we paint every 4 years (Midwestern weather is hard on wood – in our case builder had used pine rather than cedar in the 2nd building phase for some door frames). Make sure any new wood is properly primed prior to painting. The longer it is put off, the greater the problem and cost. If your Board chooses not to meet their responsibilities to maintain the common elements, then get the owners together and replace the Board at the next election.

Upon re-reading your post – what type of building are you referring to – you refer to it as an old building. Is it housing (condos)? Is it part of the common elements?

Bonnie

I was just asking for ideas on how to present my concerns about the buildings upkeep, but non the less the HOA ihas a line through it right now 2/3 in favor of painting. One idea is to try to rally homeonwers to come to meetings as at with this HOA they change thier mind when the HO's ask questions if it's something the HO's feel isn't ih the communities best interest. I will attempt to get intterested folks invovled.