News

Spring Renewal: Navigating Essential Property Plans and Grounds Maintenance

As the cold clutch of winter finally releases its grip, Vermont’s scenery undergoes a rebirth, exposing the scars left by the harsh season. For Vermont associations, spring’s arrival signals a vital period to tackle the damage inflicted on community properties over the winter months – from soil erosion, storm drainage systems, retaining walls, pavement, walkways,….

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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….

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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….

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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….

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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….

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The Top 10 Construction Forensic Services Companies: Criterium-Dudka Engineers Earns Recognition

Criterium-Dudka Engineers proudly announces its recognition as one of the Top 10 Construction Forensic Services Companies by Construction Business Review. Criterium-Dudka Engineers has received this prestigious acknowledgment due to its expertise in addressing complex water infiltration and building deterioration challenges across various property types, including suburban condominiums, high-rises, and historic brownstones. With a commitment to….

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Pickleball: One Way to Repurpose Underutilized Assets

Is your HOA looking to repurpose underutilized assets? Here’s is an engineer’s perspective on one way to utilize the tennis courts on your property and once again make them an asset for residents. The article takes a fun look at a fast-growing sport that may be a good fit for your community association. An Addictive….

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Repairs & Reserves

Liabilities and Risks of Ignoring Issues: An Engineer’s Perspective  Question: A recent reserve study identified a number of repairs/replacements that should be addressed in the community. However, while the reserve is being funded on a monthly basis, there isn’t enough in the current reserve fund for the repairs/replacements. With inflation and knowing that owners won’t….

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Building Science: 101 Ventilation Best Practices

With winter approaching, I am often asked what cold-weather planning the building committee should be considering. Surprise is expressed when I suggest the condominium’s attics and their venting. It is true an attic only needs one tenth the ventilation in the winter than in the summer to control moisture buildup and temperature, but the wintertime….

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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….

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