Be preventive.
Be proactive.
Be prepared.
On the surface, not earth-shattering concepts, but in reality, all three will serve to protect you against the effects of rising premiums and ineffective deductible levels.
By employing strategic systems, you can work in collaboration with your owners and residents in identifying risk areas and empowering fast and consistent change.
Regular communication with all owners and residents is key. Identify the high-risk areas of water failure. These include the need to replace older supply lines (especially ones that are not braided) that feed appliances such as dishwashers, fridges, washing machines, faucets, and toilets.
Suggest turning off the supply lines to appliances when not in use, such as the washing machine or dishwasher. Remind owners to have someone check on their place when they are on vacation, turn off the water to the unit (if possible), or at the very least to the various fixtures in the unit.
Send consistent messaging to owners, especially those that are new to the building, which demonstrates where the main water shut off valve is located. Operating this valve on a regular basis will reduce the risk of the valve seizing, and ensure that it operates properly when you need it most.
If the time does come and you are dealing with an event, have a phone number, which owners and residents can call. Make this number readily available. Ensure that the person knows your building and can react quickly and effectively to contain the damage.
For those looking to technology to assist, there is new water sensing systems that can not only detect water failure but also shut down the main water valve in real-time. Look for our upcoming blog post on this subject when we compare the various competitors in this space and the typical cost that an average owner would pay for this type of system.
DANIEL KOLBER
BIO: With 20 years of real estate property management and asset management experience, Daniel and his team promise to deliver first class results with their property and condo management platform. Not only an experienced manager, Daniel is also a successful real estate investor via affiliate company TAKOL, and is Broker of Record at KOLT, Keller Williams Real Estate Associates, Brokerage. He earned his MBA at the Rotman School (1998, U of T).
TAKASHI YAMASHITA
BIO: Takashi is in charge of development and property management services. With over 20 years of real estate experience, he has a diverse background as an architect (Smith Carter Architects and Engineers Incorporated), a private equity developer (The Rose Corporation), and a commercial real estate lender (GE Capital Real Estate). Having served major public and private clients in the Toronto, London, Las Vegas, Berlin, Winnipeg, and Ottawa markets since 1995, Takashi now leads the Takol team of professionals in originating development, executing acquisitions, and implementing effective tenant solutions. Takashi holds a MBA (University of Toronto, Rotman, Dean's List), and a Master of Architecture (recipient of the American Institute of Architects Medal, Certificate of Merit). Takashi has a record of community engagement having served on national and local boards of art, cultural, and educational organizations for over two decades.
NEEL VENUGOPAL
BIO:
Neel has almost 20 years of well-rounded real estate experience, from acquisition and disposition to development, capital improvements, leasing, asset management and property management. As an Asset Manager, Neel supervised over $300M in assets with a major retail REIT, $250M in industrial and office assets with a pension fund and over $250M in residential assets with private equity. He earned his MBA from the Rotman School (U of T, 2006) and is a Broker and Vice President with affiliate KOLT Realty Inc., Brokerage.
KEVAL SEDANI
BIO: Keval is Vice President of KOLT Management Inc. Keval is a Licensed Condominium Manager as well as a Registered Real Estate Salesperson with KOLT Realty Inc., in Ontario. As a Property Manager, Keval has managed nearly 1M square feet of property in the Greater Toronto Area and in various other areas of Ontario. Keval has worked with numerous corporations, developers, owners, and boards of directors in all aspects of condominium management. Keval holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Windsor.
SYED KAZMI
BIO: Syed currently serves as a Property Manager for Kolt Management. He has operations experience in residential apartments and condominiums, as well as industrial and mixed-use asset classes. He has managed high-volume portfolios in the GTA and surrounding areas. Syed holds a B.Sc. from McMaster in Biochemistry and is actively engaged in professional development through BOMI Canada.