When your condo or co-op board embarks on a major capital project—whether it’s façade repairs, roof replacement, or Local Law 11/FISP compliance—bringing in the right engineer is a critical step. But hiring the right person isn't just about credentials. It’s about understanding your building’s needs, avoiding common pitfalls, and keeping the board’s long-term goals front and center.
Here’s what your board should know before signing any contracts.
1. Identify the right type of engineer
Different projects require different specialties:
- Structural engineers focus on the building’s framework, including façades and foundational work
- Mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) engineers work on systems like HVAC, boilers, and electrical upgrades
- Civil engineers are typically involved in site drainage, sidewalk, or curb repairs
- Environmental engineers can assist with sustainability upgrades or Local Law 97 compliance
Tip: Be specific in your RFP about the project’s scope to ensure you’re speaking to the right type of expert.
2. Ask the right questions when vetting candidates
Beyond qualifications, make sure the engineer understands how condos and co-ops function—including resident dynamics, DOB filings, and communication with boards.
Ask:
- Have you completed similar projects for NYC condos or co-ops?
- Can you provide references from other boards?
- Who from your team will be leading the work?
- How do you handle communication with boards and property managers?
- What’s your fee structure, and what’s included vs. billable?
Also, make sure they carry appropriate insurance—including professional liability coverage.
3. Watch for scope creep
What starts as a focused repair can balloon if the scope isn’t tightly defined. Even legitimate changes can strain your budget and timeline if they aren’t planned for.
To manage this:
- Get a detailed scope of work in writing before signing
- Clarify what’s included in the proposal and what requires a change order
- Establish decision checkpoints for any scope expansion
- Agree on a not-to-exceed budget (or board approval for anything over)
4. Align the project with board goals
Your engineer should do more than solve a problem—they should help your board move closer to your long-term vision.
Before you hire:
- Review your building’s reserve study or capital plan
- Define what success looks like—energy savings? compliance? cost control?
- Share those goals with the engineer from day one
5. Get everything in writing
Even with a great team, written agreements help everyone stay aligned.
Your contract should clearly include:
- The defined scope of work
- Payment terms and timeline
- Expected deliverables and meeting schedules
- How issues, delays, or additional needs will be handled
👉 Understanding your fiduciary duties as a board member
The right engineer is just the beginning
Hiring the right engineer is one of the most important steps in any capital project—but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. For condo and co-op boards, managing timelines, vendors, building access, resident updates, and shifting scopes can quickly become overwhelming.
That’s where having the right support makes a real difference. Daisy’s Projects Advisory Team partners with boards to manage capital projects from start to finish. Whether it’s scoping the issue, knowing who to call, reviewing bids, or coordinating day-to-day logistics, they bring clarity and structure to a process that’s often anything but simple.
When boards have a trusted team handling the heavy lift—alongside experienced engineers—they stay focused on what matters: making thoughtful decisions for their community.
