The Top 5 Questions We Get from Austin, TX HOA Board Members

HOA board members, you rock. 

It’s a tough job, and often thankless.

You get a lot of questions from residents, and, let’s face it, a fair share of complaints.

We know you have questions, too, especially if you’re new at this.

“HOA boards change a lot,” says Cory Essman, division manager at North by Northwest. “There are constantly new faces.”

He’s had lots of HOA clients during his time as account manager. Communication is key.

Here’s a look at the top five questions we get from HOA board members.

We’ll even throw in the answers, no charge. 

1. When Is the Next Irrigation Inspection? 

Pretty soon. Most of our HOA contracts include monthly irrigation system walkthroughs. 

Why so often? An irrigation inspection detects the small issues before they turn into big, costly problems.

An irrigation technician will check all your run times to make sure your system isn’t watering your landscaping too much or too little.

They'll run each of your zones for a couple minutes to make sure heads are spraying where they should, no spray heads are leaking or broken, no nozzles are clogged with debris.

They’ll make sure you’re not wasting water. Outdated sprayer heads, leaky valves, and old controllers can pump out more water than your property needs or spray it haphazardly where water isn’t even needed.

Regular inspections keep everything running smoothly — and keep your costs down. 

2. Why Do Irrigation Repairs Cost So Much?

“HOA board members often think the cost should be lower,” Essman says.

Some irrigation companies, to keep costs low, use the cheapest possible components. They don’t last. All irrigation system parts aren't the same.  There are varying levels of quality.

When we come to repair your irrigation system, we use the best quality parts. 

“You don’t want us to come back a year later and have to do the same repair,” Essman says.

You’re paying for expert, skilled labor, too. Our crews are trained, experienced, and know what they’re doing. This work requires in-depth knowledge of hydraulics and electricity. You don't want just anybody messing around with your expensive investment. 

3. What’s in Our Contract? 

HOA contracts can differ, but the standard contract includes these items: 

• General landscape maintenance tasks, including mowing, edging, blowing, and removing debris.
• Weeding
• Maintaining shrub height
• 3-6 visits for weed control and fertilizer 
• Monthly irrigation system inspection
• Seasonal color changes 2-3 times per year 

4. Will You Come to Our Board meetings?

Great question. 

“Most landscaping companies don’t,” Essman says. The meetings are usually on Saturdays. 

But he goes.

Essman attends every quarterly HOA board meeting for his HOA clients, to report on any issues and answer their questions. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to foster a friendly relationship. 

Yes, the meetings are on Saturdays — a day he doesn’t typically work. It’s worth the extra effort, he says, to be accessible. 

Beyond that, Essman checks in with the property manager at least once a week and is available by phone, email or text when any issues arise. 

5. Will You Show Up Promptly for Irrigation Issues?

You bet. We usually visit the same day you call. 

We know irrigation system emergencies really are emergencies. Texas heat is unforgiving. When it comes to getting your irrigation system back up and running, there’s no time to waste.

HOA Board Questions? North by Northwest Has the Answers 

Questions? Just ask. 

We’re proud of the meticulous landscaping we do for our HOA customers and the great relationships we’ve forged with their boards. 

Landscaping is crucial to how your property looks, feels and attracts new buyers.

You shouldn’t have to explain that to your landscaping company — or nag them about it.

We’d love to partner with you to make your landscaping impressive and your job hassle-free.

Are you ready for stress-free landscaping? Schedule a time to meet with one of our experts today. We’ll gather the details, create a customized plan just for you, and you can stop stressing as we improve and beautify your HOA community.