Has your association ever come across a problem that seems to occur in just about every unit on the property? If you could only just go back in time and tell the builder “Hey, this is going to be impossible to fix in 30 years. Can you please build it this way instead?” No matter how good the architect or builder is, there always seems to be something simple that becomes a topic of association meetings, and drives everyone in the building crazy.

DOOR TO SUCCESS

OPENING the

By Dan Teuscher, HomeStory Chicago

In many buildings, that topic is “doors.” Why did they use these junky, flat panel, hollow core doors? Why aren’t any of the doors standard sizes? Why did they use these metal door jambs that are impossible to remove without causing major damage? Why won’t my closet door open? Unfortunately, this “door issue” is becoming a recurring theme in many communal properties nationwide. When many of the high-rise buildings were built, contractors used basic flat panel doors in sizes that are now considered non-standard. Many properties are being built with paper thin doors that, beyond feeling cheap, are terrible for sound proofing, and are far from durable. For builders, it comes down to the bottom line - why put extra money into doors, when they are not going to see any return? But, after one night in your condo, you would give anything to go back three months or 30 years and pay that builder extra to upgrade your doors. Now that they are installed….not so easy.

Recently, one local Chicago high-rise was able to crack this door code. It was a perfect storm of flimsy, odd sized doors, metal frames, and broken down closet doors that were driving owners crazy. With no good answers from tending contractors, owners mainly resorted to dealing with what they had. One owner, Regina, had tried a couple of contractors to replace sliding closer doors that were stuck, and she really wanted to replace her flat panel hollow core doors that provided no sound barrier.

Having no luck in the past, Regina found a vendor that specialized in odd-sized doors and closets. This company utilized a new technology to digitally measure door openings, providing for the fabrication of custom doors for each opening. Due to this

specialty, the doors were pre-fit and could be pre-finished before they were brought into the building, allowing for all doors to be replaced more efficiently.

After the installation of the doors Regina purchased for her home, many of Regina’s neighbors asked about the new doors, and she was happy and quick to give tours. She made good use of the association’s communication system; posting information about her experience on the building’s digital message board. As a board member, she also brought up her experience at the next association meeting. As other owners learned about the easy door replacement process, they were able to solve their nagging door issues as well. There really seemed to be a backlog of people who needed doors replaced, or just wanted an easy way to freshen up their living space.

As in most things in life; communication is everything. Whether it be in a marriage, in the office, or in a condo association, communication is the key. In your condo association, be sure to make that extra effort to communicate things that have worked well in other parts of the building. In this case, thanks to Regina’s communication efforts about the success she achieved, this “door story” is a chapter that can be closed.

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