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….
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….
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….
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….
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….
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….
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!