What the Board Should Ask Their Cleaning Contractor

Strata and condominium communities are unique. They blend residential living with shared responsibility, and when things run smoothly, it shows. Clean common areas, organized waste systems, and swift repairs aren’t just perks, they’re expectations. In a place like Vernon, where property value and community comfort go hand in hand, it’s essential that every strata board works with a cleaning contractor who understands the full scope of what it takes to maintain a well-functioning building.

At Cameron Building Maintenance Inc., we know that the right contractor doesn’t just clean. We support property functionality, help tenants feel cared for, and ensure small problems never grow into bigger ones. If you’re on a strata board or part of a condo association in Vernon, here are the questions you should be asking any cleaning contractor before you sign the dotted line.

Do You Provide More Than Just Cleaning?

It’s easy to assume that janitorial services only cover the basics: sweeping, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces. But strata properties require so much more than that. Before hiring a contractor, ask whether they handle:

Lobby and hallway cleaning on a consistent schedule
Washroom sanitization with eco-friendly products
Food court or shared kitchen upkeep
Deep cleans and seasonal refreshes

You want a company that sees themselves as part of your team. At Cameron Building Maintenance, we integrate into your operations and offer more than surface-level service. We provide peace of mind through consistency and professionalism.

Can You Act As an On-Site Superintendent When Needed?

Strata boards often struggle to find reliable help to handle on-the-ground issues. That’s why it’s worth asking whether your cleaning contractor can also serve as an acting superintendent or on-site representative. With CBM, we take on that responsibility. We coordinate tenant requests, liaise with service providers, and maintain a reliable on-site presence that helps reinforce accountability. Residents get to know us, managers trust us, and you’ll never feel like you’re managing a building alone.

How Do You Handle General Repairs and Safety Fixes?

A squeaky door. A loose railing. A damaged piece of drywall. These may seem minor, but if left unaddressed, they can frustrate residents and become safety hazards. Ask any potential contractor:

Do you offer general repair services?
How quickly can you respond to small issues?
Will you proactively flag safety concerns?

Our team at Cameron Building Maintenance (CBM) is trained to handle non-structural maintenance tasks quickly and effectively. We also perform preventative assessments so your building stays in top shape and your residents stay happy.

Do You Coordinate With Pest Control Experts?

Pest issues are some of the most disruptive problems a strata property can face, especially in high-traffic areas like trash rooms, outdoor entrances, or shared utility spaces. Ask whether your contractor can:

Monitor for early signs of rodent or insect activity
Coordinate treatments with local pest control companies
Provide documentation of treatments and follow-ups
Advise on preventative strategies

At CBM, we don’t just wait for infestations to appear. We keep an eye out, make the right calls, and make sure your property stays clean, compliant, and comfortable.

Is Waste Management Included in Your Services?

Waste and recycling can become a point of contention if bins are overflowing, missed pickups pile up, or disposal rules aren’t followed. A great contractor should make waste management seamless. At a minimum, you should ask:

Do you coordinate routine pickups and recycling schedules?
How do you handle overflow during move-ins, holidays, or renovations?
Will you monitor bin cleanliness and enclosure integrity?
Can you communicate with third-party haulers on our behalf?

Our team at CBM tailors waste routines to fit your building’s needs. Whether it’s a 10-unit condo or a 100-unit strata, we make sure waste doesn’t become a recurring issue.

Can You Support Bylaw Monitoring and Reporting?

Keeping order in shared residential environments depends on enforcing community rules. Your cleaning contractor is in the perfect position to notice infractions that may otherwise go unreported. Here’s what to ask:

Do you monitor and document bylaw infractions?
How do you report violations such as improper waste disposal or parking issues?
Do you provide objective reporting?

At Cameron Building Maintenance, we log issues discreetly and thoroughly, helping boards maintain accountability while avoiding resident conflict. From noise complaints to unauthorized storage, we help you stay informed without having to play detective.

How Do You Handle Pool And Spa Maintenance?

If your property includes a pool, spa, or hot tub, this question is a must. These amenities require strict health and safety adherence, and not every contractor is qualified to manage them properly. Ask:

Do you perform routine cleaning and surface skimming?
Do you test water balance and monitor filtration systems?
Can you document inspections and comply with local codes?

CBM helps properties meet local safety standards through regular checks, cleaning, and coordination with pool professionals. We help you avoid liability while keeping things enjoyable for residents.

Will You Oversee Other Trades On Site?

Many strata contractors do their job and leave. But what happens when an elevator technician, fire safety inspector, or HVAC repair team is scheduled and no one’s around to oversee them?

The right maintenance team should:

Provide site access for tradespeople
Confirm their scope of work
Monitor the quality and completeness of their job
Report any red flags or incomplete work

We step in as your on-site liaison so outside trades get in, do their job, and get out without disruption or confusion.

Are You Familiar With Vernon’s Local Requirements?

A cleaning company from another city may not fully understand Vernon’s seasonal needs, property layouts, or bylaw expectations. Make sure your contractor is local and experienced in managing properties within the region. CBM is proud to be a second-generation family-owned company serving Vernon, Kelowna, Lake Country, and the greater Okanagan since 1997. We know the buildings, we know the rules, and we know what matters to the residents.

What Kind Of Support Can We Expect Long Term?

The relationship between a strata board and a cleaning contractor should never be transactional. Ask what kind of long-term support and communication you can expect. Do they:

Assign consistent team members so residents recognize familiar faces?
Check in regularly to adjust service levels or priorities?
Respond quickly when issues arise?
Offer feedback to help you improve your operations?

With CBM, we don’t just show up to clean. We show up to support. Our clients know us by name, and our presence becomes part of the building’s routine. We’re not just service providers. We’re partners in the success and safety of your property.

Let’s Make Strata Living Smoother in Vernon

If you’re a strata or condo board in Vernon looking for a maintenance partner who understands the full picture, it’s time to have a conversation. At Cameron Building Maintenance Inc., we bring more than just cleaning products. We bring accountability, structure, and true support to your property’s day-to-day operations. Let us be the helping hands behind your smooth-running strata. Reach out today to learn more about how our facility maintenance services can make your job easier and your property better for everyone involved.

Strata & Condo Maintenance in Vernon