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Editorial Advertising General Information |
| New company targets condo associations, owners By Ofelia Saenz, Signal Tribune staff writer 
Owning a home can sometimes feel like a never-ending project. Whether it's updating paint or repairing a leaky faucet, a homeowner's best friend is a reliable maintenance person. Condominium owners face the added challenge of having to distinguish liability for repairs between themselves and their association. When Gene Gluhareff and Humberto Padilla decided to partner up and form Benchmark Condominium Maintenance and Repair Company, they formed the company with the niche market of condo associations and unit holders in mind. From the start of their business venture, Gluhareff recognized the distinct circumstances of condo owners. Although the responsibility of some repairs is clearly defined as either the owner's or the association's, others fall in a gray area. Maintenance and repair companies that are unfamiliar with association guidelines and "area of responsibility" can sometimes, unwittingly, charge unit holders for services that should have been billed to an association. Gluhareff's vision is to provide maintenance and repair service as well as use his experience to help clients figure out who pays for what or if an expense needs to be shared. "I've got a lot of years of experience dealing with condominiums," says Gluhareff. "I managed condominium associations and through the years, [as] repairs would come up, I would have to determine the area of responsibility." Gluhareff's familiarity with associations helps clients wade through the ambiguity of liability. The other half of the Benchmark team is Padilla's know-how as a maintenance man. Padilla himself is a condo owner and recognizes the value of educating clients on "area of responsibility," but his expertise is in repair and preventive maintenance. Padilla says the core of Benchmark's services will focus on "basic electrical, installation of ceiling fans, light fixtures, outlets and wall switches, basic plumbing, installation of faucets, doorknobs and even some light locksmith duties." In addition, Benchmark does larger projects such as interior and exterior painting, stucco repair, drywall repair, general roof maintenance and rain gutter maintenance and repair. Benchmark's two-man operation offers free estimates and competitive rates. Associations will appreciate the discount they offer for repeat customers and may want to inquire about their preventive maintenance scheduling programs. The company has flexible hours and is available for emergencies 24 hours, seven days a week. Spanish speakers, ask for Humberto. Benchmark Condominium Maintenance and Repair is located at 2669 Myrtle Avenue, Suite 21. To make an appointment, call (562) 997-9606. |