How to save money with condominiums

Choose an honest and competent administrator. Use email for communication. Provide external security and cleanliness. And above all, don't argue.

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SAVINGS IN SHARED CONDOMINIUMS

How to save with the condominium: the problem is not trivial, as these expenses are part of the family costs which have been most affected by the increase in inflationThere are a number of useful tips, from choosing an honest and efficient property manager to avoiding arguments with neighbors, which can be crucial for saving significant amounts with your condominium.

HOW TO SAVE MONEY WITH A CONDOMINIUM

Condominium fees are increasing by more than 40% Due to the effects of the energy crisis, as reported by associations representing condominium administrators. Furthermore, in recent years, the percentage of those who do not regularly pay these expenses has grown by 20%, compared to the normal level of 10%. over 45 million Italians live in condominiums However, they can adopt various strategies to save on expenses.

ALSO READ: Condominium fights: let's learn how to avoid them. Here's why peace with neighbors is better.

CHOOSE A GOOD ADMINISTRATOR

The first step for save on condominium fees It's choosing an honest and efficient administrator. It's not easy. Unfortunately, mini-scandals involving condominium administrators who make the coffers disappear are very common. Try to choose based on a good resume, get the necessary references as you would for any other employee in your home, spread the word in the buildings near yours and maybe thanks to word of mouth you will find the right person.

PARTICIPATE IN THE ASSEMBLIES

Essential to have an impact on the financial choices of the condominium is the active participation during condominium meetingsIn these meetings, you have the opportunity to express your opinion. Furthermore, during a condominium meeting, you have the opportunity to present suggestions for reducing expenses, for example by negotiating advantageous contracts with suppliers or identifying cost-effective alternatives for some common expenses. condominium meetings They're often torture due to the level of quarrelsomeness, considered a reflection of our country. But in any case, it's worth the effort.

SAVING ORDINARY EXPENSES

From stair maintenance to routine maintenance costs, including postal costs, there are several expenses that can be significantly reduced:

  • In the case of cleaning activities and conciergeIt's a good idea to select companies that offer a quality service at a reasonable cost. Alternatively, you could consider organizing a shared cleaning service with the condominium members or their respective housekeepers, who rotate according to a pre-established schedule. A 24-hour concierge has become a luxury: better to forget it and make agreements between buildings, for example, for the delivery of registered mail and Amazon-type packages.
  • As for maintenance costs, It is advisable to invest a modest amount each year to keep the building in good conditionThis approach allows you to avoid the building from completely deteriorating, which would lead to exceptional expenses for extraordinary maintenance interventions, which are considerably expensive. Consider the condominium like your home: you would leave it abandoned among stains of humidity and walls without paint?
  • Postal communications can be sent via email, including through a condominium certified email (PEC), which the condominium owner is not required to open. Only the condominium administrator, who is required by law to have one because, for example, he or she is registered with a professional association, is required to open a certified email (PEC).

CHECK THE ACCOUNTS

The condominium owner should always check the financial statements and the economic situation of the condominium to identify possible unnecessary costs or areas in which it is feasible. cut expensesWe need to understand how expenses are distributed and identify any increases that may appear inconsistent. If you find any unjustified expense items, you can request a detailed review and communicate your considerations to the condominium administrator.

PAY CONDOMINIUM FEES REGULARLY

When a condominium owner is late in paying condominium fees, the administrator takes a series of actions to recover the outstanding amounts. Initially, an informal reminder is sent via registered mail, requesting payment within 15 days. If the situation persists, a warning letter may be sent indicating the intention to pursue legal action to recover the debt, such as requesting a injunction through the court.

If the problem is not solved, the condominium regulation The condominium may establish penalties. These punitive measures may range from the temporary suspension of services (provided they do not prejudice other condominium owners) to the charging of additional legal interest or penalties. The decision to impose such penalties must receive unanimous approval at a condominium meeting. In any case, a condominium owner who fails to pay their dues regularly, loses credibility and authority: Your requests are very unlikely to be granted. Therefore, it's always advisable to pay your dues regularly.

TO KNOW MORE: Eco-condominiums: saving money by sharing services

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The main focus for savings, as always, is on energy costs:

  • First of all, think about the heating system, evaluating the possibility of replacing the old boiler with a new, more efficient model, perhaps a condensing one. Replacing obsolete and polluting boilers requires the approval of a simple majority of condominium members (500 thousandths), in accordance with the new text of Article 1120 of the Civil Code, which favors all innovations aimed at energy saving.
  • Another cost-saving option is to opt for an independent heating system rather than a centralized one. This change can reduce costs by around 30-40%, but it's equally important to consider a complete energy renovation of the building.
  • Further energy savings can be achieved through proper cleaning and radiator maintenanceThermal insulation through the use of insulating doors and windows is also desirable, as it can reduce heat loss by at least 20% per year, resulting in significant energy savings.
  • As far as electricity is concerned, consider the use of time switches, so as to prevent the lights in common areas such as the entrance hall, stairwells and cellar from remaining on unnecessarily. This way, energy waste is reduced. and you save money.

COMMUNAL SERVICES

If there are valuable equipment in a condominium, such as lawnmowers or washing machinesSharing them is the smartest option for reducing condominium fees. This way, costs are shared among the condominium members, thus easing the financial burden on each. This type of cooperation can foster a sense of community within the condominium and contribute to more equitable and efficient financial management. It starts with a washing machine, but can then grow to a sharing of caregivers, housekeepers and babysitters.

TRUSTED COLLABORATORS

The desire to save on condominium fees also includes the ability to negotiate contracts and seek competitive rates. You can request quotes from various companies for services such as: la elevator maintenance, cleaning of common areas, such as stairwells, assistance in the event of water or electricity outages, and other essential services. By comparing offers and negotiating favorable deals, the condominium can benefit from more affordable rates, thus easing the financial burden for all condominium members.

CONCIERGE SERVICE

Another service where savings can be made is concierge management. If the facility allows it, it might be worth considering eliminating the concierge and instead turning to a security services by security guards. At the same time, renegotiating the concierge's contract, switching from full-time to part-time, could be considered. To maximize savings, sharing concierge responsibilities among condominium members could also be considered, thus contributing to a reduction in overall expenses.

DON'T FIGHT WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS

Don't argue with the neighbors It's the best way to save on condominium fees and avoid wasting a lot of money. For at least two good reasons. Only a climate of harmony between the condominium owners, without fights and without crossed vetoes, can help you make the right decisions, starting with those needed to reduce costs. Secondly, any condominium dispute comes at a cost (including health costs) in legal terms. And it's all wasted money.

IDEAS FOR SAVING YOUR FAMILY BUDGET

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