Nightly Idea Factory — 2026-02-27

The Problem

Self-managed HOAs (no management company) track maintenance requests via email threads, text messages, and spreadsheets. When a pool pump breaks, a streetlight goes out, or a sidewalk cracks, the board member who gets the call becomes a one-person project manager. There's no centralized system for residents to submit requests, boards to assign vendors, or treasurers to track costs against budget.

The Solution

MaintenanceHQ gives self-managed HOAs a dead-simple work order system. Residents submit requests (photo + description + location), the board routes them to vendors, and everyone sees status updates. Built-in vendor directory, cost tracking against annual budget categories, and a public status board so residents stop asking "when will the pool be fixed?" Asset lifecycle tracking prevents surprises — know when the roof, HVAC, or pool resurfacing is due.

Portfolio Connection

Direct Sea Pines CSA spinoff. The 47-page workflow spec includes maintenance workflows. GateKeeper's work order module could share code. Sea Pines CSA manages 5,000 homes with extensive common areas (pools, tennis courts, roads, landscaping). This is a standalone extraction of that specific pain point.

Tech Stack

Next.js 15, Tailwind v4, Supabase (auth + DB), Uploadthing (photo uploads), React Email (notifications), Stripe (subscription billing).

Monetization

- Starter: $29/mo — up to 50 units, 3 board users, unlimited requests - Growth: $59/mo — up to 200 units, unlimited board users, vendor portal, budget tracking - Pro: $99/mo — unlimited units, asset lifecycle tracking, custom reports, API access

MVP Scope

• -Resident request submission (photo, description, location dropdown)
• -Board dashboard with request queue and status management
• -Vendor assignment and notification
• -Status board (public-facing, read-only)
• -Cost tracking per request with budget category tagging
• -Email notifications on status changes
• -Asset registry with replacement date tracking
• -Basic reporting (open/closed/avg resolution time)
• -**Buildium** — Full HOA management suite, $55-$375/mo. Work orders are one feature among many. Overkill for self-managed HOAs.
• -**HOALife** — $49/mo+. Violations-focused, work orders are secondary. Targets management companies.
• -**HOA Start** — $47-$97/mo. Website + portal + work orders. Broad feature set, not maintenance-focused.
• -**Smartwebs** — Custom pricing. Enterprise-grade, targets large management companies.
• -**Condo Control** — $1-2/unit/mo. Full platform. Work orders bundled with 20+ other features.

Scoring Breakdown