Part 2: The Tough Part — Why So Many Florida Condo Boards Are Struggling
The hidden costs, tight timelines, and stress behind milestone inspections.
Milestone inspections sound simple enough — but once the reports come in, many Florida condo boards are facing a tough reality: aging buildings, costly repairs, and fast-approaching deadlines.
1. The Financial Shock
Even before any repairs begin, the inspection itself can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If the Phase 1 report finds structural issues, the deeper Phase 2 can multiply that cost quickly. Then come the repairs — concrete restoration, waterproofing, balconies, parking decks — easily reaching six or seven figures.
2. Fast Deadlines
Once a local agency receives your report, the countdown begins: 180 days for the first phase, and about one year to start repairs if issues are found. That’s a tight window when contractors are booked solid and prices are climbing.
3. Decades of Deferred Maintenance
Florida’s salty air, humidity, and hurricanes take a toll. Inspections are uncovering corrosion, cracks, and other long-term damage that boards didn’t know about — or couldn’t afford to fix before.
4. Insurance and Lending Fallout
Insurers are tightening standards and raising premiums. Banks now ask to see inspection results before lending — making it harder for owners to sell or refinance in buildings with pending repairs.
5. The Human Side
Volunteer board members are under stress, and owners are anxious. Meetings get tense, and emotions run high. Communication and transparency have never been more important.
Coming next: Part 3 — practical strategies for boards and owners to manage milestone inspections with less stress and more confidence.
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Kennedy Association Management provides guidance, project coordination, and trusted professional resources to help your community meet state requirements while protecting your owners and property values.
