Building Blocks by Daisy

Budget season can feel stressful — but it doesn’t have to. Chris, Daisy’s VP of Finance, breaks down what smart budgeting really looks like. From reserves and cash flow to planning for future repairs, he shares how long-term financial planning and clear communication with owners can keep your building stable, resilient, and ready for whatever 2026 brings.For more help with your 2026 budget, check out our budgeting guide.

Maintenance fees and common charges keep your building running — but where does that money actually go? In this episode, we break down budgets, reserves, and assessments so you can understand your building’s finances and what they mean for your monthly costs and your home's value.

Flooding is one of the most disruptive—and increasingly common—threats facing NYC buildings. In this episode, we break down what boards can do now to protect their property, residents, and operations before the next storm hits. From roof and drain inspections to emergency planning and smart tools like drone imaging, we cover what proactive flood preparedness really looks like. Whether your building is in a flood zone or just wants to stay ahead of the risks, this is a must-listen guide for board members and building decision-makers.

Supers. Porters. Front desk teams. They’re the ones keeping your building humming—handling emergencies, juggling vendors, and keeping residents happy. So what do they wish board members understood better? In this episode, we share five lessons straight from NYC building staff, from communication gaps to trust-building wins. If you want your building to run better, this is where to start.Read more here

Every board faces conflict—whether it’s a rogue member making solo decisions or meetings that spiral off track. The difference between dysfunction and progress? How you handle it. In this episode, we walk through five common boardroom conflicts in NYC condo and co-op buildings—and how thoughtful, proactive boards resolve them with clarity, structure, and teamwork.read more here

Joining your building’s board comes with a lot of learning curves—but few are as risky to ignore as insurance. In this episode, we break down the essentials every new board member should understand about building coverage: what the master policy includes, what unit owners are responsible for, and why D&O insurance matters more than you think. If you’ve ever looked at your policy docs and wondered “...is this covered?”, this one’s for you.Learn more at 

Cycle 10A is officially here — and NYC condo and co-op boards need to act. From February 21, 2025, through February 21, 2027, stricter FISP rules mean higher stakes for inspections, repairs, and compliance.In this episode, we cover:What FISP is and why it’s critical for building safety (and legal compliance)Key updates in Cycle 10A:Hands-on inspections every 60 feetStricter balcony and railing checksRequired annotated diagrams and photo documentationProof of completed SWARMP repairsHow to check if your building is due for Cycle 10A (hint: block numbers ending in 4, 5, 6, or 9)The three inspection ratings: Safe, SWARMP, Unsafe — and what they meanCommon pitfalls that boards make (and how to avoid them)Pro tips to prepare early, budget smartly, and partner with the right QEWIHelpful Links:DOB NOW Portal — Check your building’s FISP statusNYC FISP Cycle 10A deadlines & updates

Three major NYC building deadlines are closing in: Local Laws 97, 84, and 88- but the deadline has been extended to June 30th. In this episode, we break down what board needs to file and how to navigate the new grace periods and extension options. From emissions reporting to energy benchmarking to lighting upgrades, we cover the must-know deadlines, penalties, and strategies to stay compliant. Clear, practical, and built for busy board members—so you can meet your deadlines without the last-minute scramble. 

Why is insurance getting so expensive? Outdated systems, complex policies, and inefficiencies are keeping costs high—while many owners don’t even realize what their coverage is missing.Lemonade’s Chief Business Officer, Maya Prosor, breaks down what’s wrong with traditional insurance, how AI-driven solutions are making coverage faster and fairer, and the biggest mistakes owners make when choosing a policy.Plus, practical tips to protect your home—without overpaying.Learn more about Lemonade here.

This week the Treasury Department announced it's suspending the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) for U.S. citizens and domestic companies. This means (as of now), boards will not need to submit Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports. An updated ruling will be issued by March 21st.Tune in for more details on what this means and how boards should plan through this uncertainty.

After facing legal challenges, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is now back in effect—with an extended filing deadline of March 21, 2025. In this episode, we break down the key requirements and the serious consequences of non-compliance. From hefty fines to personal liability for board members, the stakes are high. We’ll cover who needs to file, what information must be reported, and why staying ahead of these new rules is crucial for condos and co-ops. Learn more here.

With Local Law 157 natural gas alarms will soon be required in all residential buildings in NYC. With a compliance deadline of May 1, 2025, board members should start planning now to avoid fines and last-minute costs. We break down what the law requires, where alarms need to be installed, and the steps buildings should take to keep residents safe.Read more on the blog.

Cities are getting denser, apartments are shrinking, and the way we live is evolving. But what if your building already had everything you needed? This week on Building Blocks, Yael from Tulu joins us to explore how neighbors are coming together to share resources, transforming buildings into more connected and efficient communities. Instead of everyone owning the same things, residents are shifting to on-demand access—unlocking the hidden value within their buildings.Learn more at Tulu.io

ButterflyMX founder, Cyrus Claffey reveals how modern entrance technology is bringing premium service to buildings of all sizes. He explains how smart access solutions are solving everyday operational challenges while enhancing security and resident life. Drawing from his experience transforming building entry systems, he shares his vision for how AI and automation will reshape building management, and why the entrance is the first step toward the future of buildings.

Veteran broker Kathy Murray reveals what truly drives NYC property values and buyer decisions in today's market. She offers candid insights on smart investments, which amenities actually matter, and how technology is reshaping real estate without replacing human expertise. Drawing from two decades in the field, she shares her surprising forecast for Manhattan's next hot neighborhood.

NYC buildings are running on 1960s technology, costing owners and residents millions in wasted energy. Lee Hoffman of Runwise discusses how smart building technology is helping boards address rising costs and Local Law 97 compliance, while improving resident comfort. Through intelligent control systems, buildings are reducing operating costs, increasing property values, and creating more sustainable communities.