5 HOA Maintenance Mistakes That Cost Communities the Most

HOA boards have a lot on their plate: budget management, resident satisfaction, and keeping the community in good shape. But some of the most costly problems we see in HOAs aren’t sudden disasters; they’re slow-building issues that could have been prevented with the right approach.

Mistake #1: Delaying Small Repairs- A tiny stucco crack or a loose railing might not seem urgent, but small issues can become expensive liabilities fast. Preventative maintenance can save thousands in repairs and legal exposure.

Mistake #2: Hiring the Lowest Bidder Without Considering Quality- Choosing the cheapest contractor often means sacrificing quality, which can lead to repeated repairs or incomplete fixes. Look for vendors with HOA experience, licensing in multiple trades, and strong references.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Preventative Maintenance Programs- Many HOAs focus only on repairs after something breaks. Programs like Champion’s Community Maintenance Program (CMP) keep small problems from snowballing—and help spread costs predictably over the year.

Mistake #4: Poor Documentation and Communication- When repairs aren’t documented with photos and notes, boards lose transparency and history. This makes it harder to budget, track warranty issues, or show residents where dues are going.

Mistake #5: Not Coordinating Across Trades- A roof repair might require stucco work, or a drywall project might have to wait for the leak to be fixed first. Using multiple vendors increases the risk of delays and finger-pointing. A single contractor licensed in all needed trades eliminates this.

Your community’s budget is a valuable resource. Protect it by avoiding these common mistakes and partnering with a contractor who understands HOA needs from every angle. A partner like Champion Property Services!