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Problem Solved! For Co-ops and Condos

Problem Solved! For Co-ops and Condos

Written by: Habitat Magazine
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About this listen

From building repairs and maintenance, energy upgrades, insurance, lobby redesigns, accounting and financing - the challenges facing co-op and condominium board directors are endless. In this series, Habitat Magazine editors interview New York City experts to learn how problems have been solved at their client co-op and condo buildings. We take a deep dive into the issues being confronted, the possibilities for solutions, the costs, the challenges, and the outcomes. Habitat Magazine, founded in 1982, is the trusted resource for New York City co-ops and condo board directors. Visit us at www.habitatmag.com

© 2026 Problem Solved! For Co-ops and Condos
Economics
Episodes
  • When Century-Old Gas Pipes Finally Fail
    Jan 5 2026

    A 1912 building on the Upper East Side failed its gas inspection and faced a terrifying reality: repairs could exceed half a million dollars, with residents losing cooking gas for an indefinite period. Peter Varsalona, principal at RAND Engineering & Architecture, walked the board through a systematic approach that ultimately saved them over $300,000 and minimized apartment disruptions. Varsalona explains exactly how they isolated the problem areas and why his testing strategy worked, but also reveals what happens when it fails spectacularly. He shares the specific changes that protect buildings and discusses why converting to electric might not be the solution everyone thinks it is. If your prewar building uses gas, this episode could save you from an expensive crisis. Habitat's Emily Myers conducts the interview.

    Thanks for listening. Subscribe to this podcast for more stories on how New York co-ops and condos have solved a myriad of problems. Brought to you by Habitat Magazine, the "bible" that hundreds of board directors turn to every day!

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    14 mins
  • Why Your Governing Documents Are Sabotaging Your Insurance Rates
    Dec 29 2025

    A newer Upper West Side condominium was facing a crisis: three water damage claims over four years had pushed their insurance premium from $50,000 to $130,000. Sophie Bird, Senior Vice President at IMA Financial Group, reveals how her team discovered the real culprit wasn't the building itself, but something hidden in the bylaws that was driving up claim costs. Bird explains the unconventional strategy her team used to help this condo escape the expensive non-admitted insurance market and start bringing premiums back down. Along the way, she shares insider knowledge about when boards should actually report claims and why frequency matters more than severity. Whether your board is currently struggling with rising insurance costs or wants to prevent future problems, this case study offers a roadmap for using governing documents strategically to protect your building's financial health. Habitat’s Emily Myers conducts the interview.

    Thanks for listening. Subscribe to this podcast for more stories on how New York co-ops and condos have solved a myriad of problems. Brought to you by Habitat Magazine, the "bible" that hundreds of board directors turn to every day!

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    10 mins
  • Laser Scans and Leaning Towers: How Technology Is Revealing Facade Faults
    Dec 22 2025

    What happens when a multi-million-dollar condo conversion hides serious structural problems in plain sight? Restoration architect Hannah Sebastian, co-founder of Mayta + Sebastian Architecture, walks board directors through a real-world case involving a landmarked former church near Washington Square, where leaks, failing marble, and a visibly — but not obviously — leaning spire sparked years of debate with shareholders. Board members will learn how advanced tools like laser scanning and BIM modeling helped cut through skepticism, clearly communicate risk, and ultimately build consensus for critical (and costly) repairs. The conversation offers practical lessons and concrete strategies on how data-driven visuals can defuse shareholder resistance, and why accurate records and phased capital planning are essential — especially in landmark buildings. Habitat’s Emily Myers conducts the interview.

    Thanks for listening. Subscribe to this podcast for more stories on how New York co-ops and condos have solved a myriad of problems. Brought to you by Habitat Magazine, the "bible" that hundreds of board directors turn to every day!

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    16 mins
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