Maintenance

One of the guiding principles of our co-op is self-sufficiency, and this extends
to how we care for our building. If we fix up our house ourselves, we not only
save quite a bit of money, but we also strengthen our community through working
together. Some of the needed work is done by contractors, and much of it must be
in compliance with Urbana building codes, but this leaves plenty that we can do.
With enthusiasm and willingness, and appropriate outside help, we can manage to
solve just about every problem, from remodeling to fixing broken furniture.

Maintenance first needs to be handled on an individual basis. Notice when something needs to be fixed. Take responsibility for minor problems, especially
to prevent damage. Some examples are: closing windows before large
thunderstorms, noting leaks in the roof or plumbing, etc. If the problem is more serious than you can do yourself, ask a Maintenance Coordinator for help, and perhaps be willing to learn a new skill. For more major problems, inform
the Maintenance Coordinator who will arrange for more skilled members or a contractor to deal with the problem.

### Maintainence Coordinator

House maintenance gets done in various ways. The co-op has a Maintenance Coordinator, who arranges for needed work to be done. He or she does work herself or himself, is empowered to ask other members for help, and hires
contractors for large projects. NASCO Properties holds the maintenance budgets
and NP and COUCH help to coordinate major projects. Willing house members are
encouraged to take on smaller projects, and every academic semester (including
summer) we have a “work day” where everyone works together on maintenance and
deep cleaning.

If you have an interest in learning carpentry or other skills, please get more
involved. Living in a co-op is often a good opportunity to learn! Members can
take the initiative for minor improvements to their rooms.

Always promptly return tools to where they belong in the basement workshop, and
report any damaged tools to the Maintenance Coordinator. Please treat the tools
well (note that some are lent to the house by members), and leave paint brushes,
rollers, etc., clean when you are finished with them.

Please clear any maintenance purchase with the Maintenance Coordinator prior to
purchase.

### Work Days

Twice a year or more, members come together to work on projects around the house
(deep-cleaning the kitchen, putting up plastic sheeting on windows). The date is
decided between house members. Attendance is mandatory. If a member cannot
attend a particular work day, he/she may be assigned tasks to complete another
day and may be required to pay a penalty fee. The penalty is equal to $10 per
hour of work day missed.The details are specified by the house maintenance
coordinator(s).

The date of the work day, and decisions about what needs to be done, are decided
on by the house. The Maintenance and Labor Coordinators organize the actual
event, make sure needed supplies are on hand, etc. Each member puts in at least
an afternoon's  worth of labor. (If you can't make the event, talk to the
Maintenance Coordinator about making up the time either before or after the
fact.) These weekends can be incredible fun, a great “bonding time” as members
sweat and fix up the house together! The maintenance coordinators cook a full
breakfast and we can order out for pizza for a lunch break.