120 Days in Condo Management. FB: VICTORLING@ROAD1WARRIOR (Global Citizen)

What to watch out before ATS replacement? As you may know that Automatic Transfer Switch does not commonly fail or uses until emergency such as power failure from the source.  When there is power failure then the ATS kick it and transfer the power supply source to a generator. Your contractor must help you mitigated issues as follow. Before you decide to change the ATS, you must first bring in your License Electrical Worker (LEW) to test the system.  Sometimes, second opinion maybe obtains before final decision is made.  Power Interruption This works requires all power to be turn off and avoiding power going to the grid.  This is to prevent unwanted injury by electrocution.   Totals power shut down of  all common area which will affect the following: Lifts Escalators Lighting Pump for the all facilities including pool, jacuzzi, water tank, etc Security system MA office equipment Amplifier system for...

ATS replacement Most contractor or service provider will tell you that this is system is very reliable system and it is usually work well and does not fail easily. This unit is usually not use unless there is a power supply failure in the estate.  This unit help the estate switch the power supply to generator when there is power failure.  The generator will take over the supply of power to support some facilities in the common area until power supply resume. The preparation of replacement is most important. Please take note of how to prepare for the replacement next. ***this article will be update regularly as it is still work in progress and I welcome comment from other professional.  Disclaimer: All of this articles are based on my personal experiences and opinions.  Not all estates are the same and it will offer different experiences and stories to each writing. My experience does not represent for all in this industry.  ...

How to deal with facilities management under MCST All facilities provided by the developer are to remain in good and usable condition.  These facilities are the basic reason why owner bought into the estates.    Facilities are the gym, pool, tennis, basketball, sport, garden, playground, community complex and any other fixture that was built, market and sold as a package by the developer.  Guideline: ·         Regular maintainer is mandatory ·         By-law and house rules are commonly found to help educate SP on usage of facilities ·         Removal of facilities will need to be majority approve during the AGM then proceed to be approve by the government body.  In Singapore, it will need to be approve by the BCA due to the changes of configuration on usages on buildable area Additional Note: The best way is to improve, c...

How to deal with dogs dropping and urination under MCST It is common to have pet in most estates and they are legal to have. Dogs are usually welcome addition to a family.  Usually, dog may become a problem when they are not control or clean up after their dropping and urinate in common area.  Dog dropping is easily removed by the person who walks them in the public area.  Urine is harder to deal with since it will some of the plants in the yard when it is not water down or wash away.  Guideline: ·         Repellent or cleaner that clean the urine so that the dog will not continue urinating in the same spot ·         Remove the dropping immediately ·         Water down the area that continuing finding dog peeing on the spot. ·         By-law and house rules are commonly found to help educate and con...

How to deal with rental under MCST Rental will go need to through council approval before committing to potential tenant. Guideline: ·         Advertise the unit to rent according to your SOP ·         Business and tenant acceptance will depend on the requirement of the council ·         Renewal must be done on time before expiration ·         Stamping of contract is necessary in Singapore and Malaysia ·         United States will not require stamping.  A signed document is a valid contract. Additional Note: Refer of tenant by agent are acceptable but required approval of the council to pay commission. When the unit is tenanted then the owner of the unit will no longer enjoy the facilities provides by the estate.  Unless you are still living in the estate or come in as...

How to deal with email under MCST Depending on the estate you are managing, and you can deal with the daily email accordingly.  However, the best policy is to reply asap or send out interim reply the first moment you are free. Guideline: ·         Reply all email asap ·         Email from government are the most important ·         The rest will be reply accordingly Additional Note: Late reply will be bad policy Bad situation will get worst when it is not attend to asap ***this article will be update regularly as it is still work in progress and I welcome comment from other professional.  Disclaimer: All of this articles are based on my personal experiences and opinions.  Not all estates are the same and it will offer different experiences and stories to each writing. My experience does not represent for all in thi...

Annual festive celebration in the estate under MCST Approval by majority in the council will be the best route to plan for one of this celebration.  There are a lot of unforeseen situation after the celebration that should be well plan for.  Usually after a few of this event, each estate will find the best way to have this celebration. Guideline: ·         Double check on the funding for this event ·         Need an organizer who will take the lead and responsibilities on this ·         Follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)/ Key Performance Indicator (KPI) ·         Security ·         Cleaning ·         Prevention ·         Medical aids ·         Parking and cont...

Common area outside your unit under MCST Common area is managed by the management and it is owned by all SP.  Condominium parking area is common area.  Common toilet is part of common area.  Common area is to remain clear personal item with no exception.  Waiting area is common area.  Guideline: ·         Follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)/ Key Performance Indicator (KPI) ·         Residence must be educated and learn that common area outside their unit cannot be use for their personal pleasure. ·         Residence including all and also the council members. ·         Warning should be given to SP who does not comply ·         Removal is the job of the management Additional Note: Many residences fel...

Noise pollution under MCST This noise pollution is to address the concern by SP who finds that certain human normal activities intolerable.  Noise pollution should be addressing the construction or constant noise above the norm.  Like alarm ringing all the time.  Air plane fly over your estate. If the noise involves residence chatting, kids playing, laughing out loud, congregating of residence should be left alone.  This is community living and that is the normal behavior. BCA has a guideline for noise pollution but it is for construction setting that involves the time period allows for site construction. Reality for me is that I have only learn of this term in the Singapore Condominium estate.   Noise pollution is general mean the there are constant  loud noises from certain area, construction, repairing, children, adults  exercise or playing activity.  Residents are not welcoming those sound that affect them enjoying the...

Renovation under MCST If you owned it then you can renovate it anyway you want within your condo or property.  When the renovation does not affect the structure or beam on the ceiling and supporting wall then it should be easy to get approval. Your renovation may require approval in certain area within your unit.   Changes of wall configuration for one will need prior approval.  Any changes affecting the structure mostly is not allow without approval in the Annual General Meeting ( AGM ). The local Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) will need to be consulted if changes affect the usage of the area. Guideline: ·         Follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)/ Key Performance Indicator (KPI) ·         Apply for renovation permit with your management. Prepare plan and drawing.   ·         Deposit maybe required b...

How to CondoTel under MCST CondoTel is made up with two words.  Condo and Hostel is the words that give it this name.  This name was published in Singapore news recently.  It helps to describe unit that has been use as a hostel for short term visitor.  They usually charge much cheaper rate then motel and hotel to host some guest in their condo unit.  This may involved one or more units which may be owned by one or few SP. In Singapore, the strata-title law does not against unit to be rent out as it is consider a private property.  Malaysia is entirely different when it comes to this issues which I will not elaborate. In the United States, condo can be rent out and it is mostly not strictly control by the management.  The local Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) may offer a different view. The management can file a report to BCA if they have proof. Here is a link with CondoTel in a website for Singapore. Guideline: ...