Tucked into New England’s peaceful, green-blanketed hills lie numerous homeowner associations (HOAs) -tiny communities within communities. But behind the quiet facades, these groups face issues that strain association operations and finances and demand careful attention. PLANNING FOR DISASTERS New England’s charming landscape with farms, hills, and woods isn’t immune to nature’s whims. Harsh winter weather,….
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Property Manager Responsibilities
Over the last 20 years, when things go wrong at condo complexes, I often get a call to provide solutions. Sometimes the call comes from the property manager and sometimes it is from a member of the board. Sometimes the call is from a unit owner. These types of inquiries remind me there is often….
Navigating Challenges-Reducing Risks for Community Wellbeing
Associations have an important role in keeping the property safe and looking nice. In Vermont, where people form close-knit groups while enjoying the beautiful scenery, associations are tasked with protecting property values while building community spirit. ASSOCIATION CHALLENGES Legal These responsibilities come with legal and legislative challenges that need very careful attention and proactive solutions….
Lower Insurance Costs & Reduce Risks – Leveraging Professional Engineering
Homeowner groups play a big part in preserving and improving property values, ensuring community wellness, and protecting residents’ interests. In Vermont, where postcard-perfect scenery meets the challenges of unpredictable weather and natural disasters, these groups face unique risks and need a proactive, professional approach. A qualified engineer can impact a group’s ability to reduce insurance….
Condo Damage Resilience
Maine’s unofficial motto, “The way life should be,” has taken on new meaning, according to the Wall Street Journa and Realtor.com. The Winter 2023 Emerging Housing Market Index reported that in October, Maine was nationally ranked as the most popular metro area for luxury condo buyers in the third quarter of 2023. This index was….
Construction Projects-The Engineer & Association Partnership
A quiet neighborhood had a bit of a crisis on their hands recently. The local homeowner association (HOA) decided it was time to replace the building envelope siding of their beloved clubhouse building. To pinch pennies, the HOA hired a contractor to handle the work without consulting a licensed engineer or architect. At first, everything….
Building Inspections: A Grateful Reflection
As we approach the close of another year, it’s a good time to look back at how building inspections have quietly shaped the stability of our homes, businesses, and communities. In residential inspections, our dedicated engineers meticulously inspect every system to ensure the safety and comfort of your home. We extend our appreciation to our….
May is Deck Safety Month
Did you know that more than 20 years ago many decks were attached to buildings using nails that rust away or simply do not have the lateral holding power of bolts. To make matters worse, developing problems are often not noticed in a casual visual inspection because the ledger board is hidden behind the siding. This….
The Orange Triangle in Our Logo and History of Our Name
Criterium Engineers was founded in the days when building plans were meticulously designed and drawn by hand. The dedicated engineer’s talisman—the plastic drafting triangle—could once be found on almost every drawing table in our offices. And while a clear plastic triangle might easily be lost on piles of white paper, bright orange drafting triangles always….
Happy New Year 2023!
In the Chinese Zodiac, 2023 is the year of the Rabbit. The Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope. Wishing everyone hope and prosperity in the new year. DOWNLOAD a fresh calendar to keep you on track!