Condo Media - February 2024 - 40

The Region VERMONT
Lower Insurance
Leveraging Pr Costs and Reduce Risks
ofessional Engineering [By Andrew Dudka]
Homeowner groups play a big part
in preserving and improving property
values, ensuring community wellness,
and protecting residents' interests.
In Vermont where postcard-perfect
scenery meets the challenges of unpredictable
weather and natural disasters,
these groups face unique risks and need
a proactive, professional approach.
A qualified engineer can impact a
group's ability to reduce insurance
costs, effectively manage risk, and speed
up recovery from unforeseen disasters.
CUT INSURANCE COSTS
One main advantage of having an engineer
is the chance to cut insurance costs.
Insurers figure risk based on things like
how sturdy buildings are, their compliance
with safety codes, and how they
proactively manage risk. An engineer
can thoroughly check the community's
infrastructure, spot potential weak spots,
and suggest affordable ways to lower
risks. For instance, in areas with heavy
snowfall, an engineer might recommend
reinforcing roofs to handle accumulated
snow weight. By doing these kinds of
things, a homeowner group shows insurers
they're committed to reducing risk,
which can lead to lower premiums.
CONTROLLING THREATS
Effective risk management is key for
the long-term sustainability of a homeowner
association (HOA), especially
in areas prone to natural disasters like
hurricanes, flooding, and winter storms.
Professional engineers offer a lot of
expertise to help HOAs spot and reduce
risks before they become big issues.
For example, an engineer can evaluate
the drainage systems in a community
and suggest improvements to prevent
40 CONDOMEDIA February 2024
flooding when there's heavy rain.
By tackling potential problems ahead
of time, an HOA not only protects
residents' well-being but also lowers
the chance of property damage, meaning
fewer insurance claims and lower costs.
Additionally, professional engineers
can help HOAs comply with local building
codes and regulations. Making sure
structures meet or exceed safety standards
boosts overall community safety
while also reducing legal and financial
risks from code violations.
RECOVERING FROM DISASTERS
If disaster strikes, whether from nature
or building failure, a professional
engineer is invaluable for the HOA.
Their expertise includes quickly
responding and planning recovery,
not just evaluating and preventing risks.
In New England, where winter
storms can cause lots of damage, having
an engineer familiar with the unique
local challenges is critical. From assessing
structural damage to coordinating
repairs, an engineer can streamline
recovery, minimize downtime, and
help residents regain normalcy faster.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
HANDBOOK
Getting ready ahead of time is really
important for recovering after a disaster
hits. HOAs can benefit from putting together
an emergency response handbook
(ERH) before disaster strikes. This ERH,
created with input from an engineer,
would lay out all emergency protocols,
important contact info, and step-by-step
instructions for both residents and HOA
management to follow.
The ERH could contain specifics
on items such as the development's
infrastructure, evacuation routes in an
emergency, meeting points, communication
protocols, and temporary housing
plans. It may also contain a list of all
emergency contractors in the area, in
case broken windows or roofs need to be
quickly boarded up. Equally important,
vetting contractors ahead of time and
creating relationships with them will
help to avoid being scammed. You want
to make sure contractors are licensed,
insured, and possess the skills and
means to quickly repair any damage.
The ERH should be reviewed twice
per year and updated at least once per
year by reaching out to all of the subcontractors
and emergency personnel
to ensure they are at the ready.
By thinking about this up front,
an HOA can not only recover faster,
but also help residents feel safer by
knowing what to do.
Getting an engineer involved is a
smart investment for HOAs - on top of
helping right away by lowering insurance
costs and reducing risks, these experts
are key for bouncing back quickly after
disasters happen. Following their advice,
HOAs can make their communities
better able to handle emergencies and
ensure residents' wellbeing over the long
haul. Putting together an ERH with an
engineer makes the community even
more prepared to respond to crises and
recover efficiently. When facing unpredictable
challenges, having a professional
engineer on your side is critical for HOAs
trying to build safer neighborhoods.
n ANDREW DUDKA IS PRESIDENT
OF CRITERIUM LALANCETTE AND
DUDKA ENGINEERS IN RUTLAND, VT.
Condo Media - February 2024

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