Mulled Apple Cider Recipe As the winter chill settles in, there’s nothing better than the warmth of a cup of mulled apple cider. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in, this spiced drink fills your home with festive aromas. Ingredients: 1 gallon apple cider 4 cinnamon sticks 6-8 whole cloves 1 orange (sliced)….
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A Year of Growth, Success, and Gratitude
As we prepare to close the book on 2024, we find ourselves reflecting on a year full of accomplishments, collaboration, and a whole lot of fun. From the first-time homebuyers nervously navigating inspections to experienced property investors planning their next ventures, we’ve been honored to be part of so many journeys this year. For homeowners’….
Condo Trivia: What’s in a Name?
To entertain your friends around the bridge table or between pickleball sets, let’s explore some trivia and history surrounding condominiums. To set the stage, we should first consider where the name “condominium” (or “condominia” in the Latin plural) originated. The English word “condominium” was first used in 1718. This form of property ownership, where an….
Behind the Scenes with Andrew Dudka: Work-Life Balance and Engineering Mastery
At Criterium-Dudka Engineers, President Andrew Dudka’s leadership style is driven by a clear focus on both technical excellence and a supportive work culture. Featured in Business Profile Magazine, Andrew highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance for his employees, which has fostered low turnover and high team morale since he took ownership in….
Attention to Detail, Important Issues for New England Communities
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,….
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….