Under Construction: Thank You for Your Patience

The Realities, Do's and Don'ts When Your Complex is Under Construction

Winter is the off season for the vacation rental markets that snowbirds tend to choose for their warm weather communities. Peak season is when school is out for holidays and breaks plus the ultimate summer vacation months from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend. Thus, the off season is November through March, exactly the months snowbirds migrate south.

It should not come as a surprise that maintenance and/or construction projects are typical for any housing community, especially in the off season. Private homes and condo complexes want to avoid as much disruption to guests during peak season when rental prices are at a peak. No one wants to inconvenience anyone at anytime, but if the work has to be done, it will likely be in the winter months.

Be proactive and ask your owner or property manager each and every year if there will be any work being done to your complex and/or rental unit. Ask specifically what will be done and when. Be aware construction projects rarely begin and end when scheduled. Expect the unexpected and go with the flow. It's frustrating, yes, but it's also beyond anyone's control other than the construction vendor/s and HOA. Owners have zero to minimal input or influence on anything despite misconceptions to the contrary.

Some, but not all snowbirds tend to forget part of the reason the off season rates are so enticing is due to the time of year, weather and the likelihood of disruptions from maintenance and construction. Therefore, if it comes down to inconveniencing summer guests who pay a weekly rate comparable to the monthly rate of snowbirds, we know the snowbirds will be the ones adjusting to the construction. 

This season our 188 unit condo community is undergoing major work. As in expensive work. Comprehensive all-encompassing work. Much of it is required by the State of Florida as part of the legislation enacted after the Surfside tragedy in South Florida several years ago. Some is for aesthetics such as changing the exterior color of the buildings from a sandy warm beige to summery white. The work is to ensure safety as well as aesthetics.

Our HOA spent millions of dollars to pay for the construction work and the owners paid the HOA for the work via special assessments. The HOA and owners have a vested financial interest in making sure the work is completed on time with as few disruptions as possible. Delays are bad for business and the whole point of the rental business is to maximize the number of nights that can be sold to guests.

That means snowbirds need to understand and agree to abide by everything they are asked, not put up a fight about it and move to another location if it's too much for their sanity. This can and does happen. However, snowbirds are generally not in a position to play hard ball or negotiate rates if their rental property is in high demand. Other guests are eyeing the place and complainers will be easily replaced if they get out of line. I'm not saying not to politely ask about a reduction of rate, just don't argue and threaten if the response is not what you think should happen. Either accept it or move on. 

Construction Zone Do's

• Safety first! Pay attention to marked construction zones, overhead hazards and any potential hazards to you or your pet/s and vehicle/s.
• Follow all instructions related to parking and restricted areas.
• If you have questions, need clarification or other pertinent business related to the construction, go through the proper channels. Typically that would be to ask the point of contact for your rental. If you rent through a management company, start there. If you book direct with the owner, go to the owner first. Let them get back with you about the answers to your questions.
• Expect and anticipate unpleasant conditions such as noise that can be extremely loud, dust, chemicals, restricted areas, restricted parking, limited amenities, limited elevator access and much more. This is part of the growing pains of construction. 
• Thank and compliment all persons who contributed to the success of the project if you are presented the opportunity. This might be the owner, property manager or others who appreciate feedback that the work and money spent was worth it and meaningful. 
  

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Construction Zone Don'ts

• Never violate or circumvent barriers that are in place to prevent access to balconies, parking or other restricted areas.
• Do not talk to construction workers, request anything or interfere with the operations or work being done. This applies to both owners and guests. The fastest way to annoy lots of people is to attempt to get involved or interact in the smallest of ways other than smiling or being cordial to the workers as they pass by. As much as you really want early access to your parking spot, patio or balcony resist the urge to directly talk to the construction crew.
• Don't complain about anything to neighbors, owners, property managers or the construction employees or vendor. It's stressful for all involved and complaining is not a wise move, especially if your motive is to try to band together and receive special favors or gang up.
• Don't allow pets or your guests to create problems, keep them informed of what is expected during the construction project.
  

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