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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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!
Shine a Light on Safety
Lighting Safety – Exterior Lighting Plans and Considerations While our crime rate is low compared to the urban violence found in other parts of the country, some condominium and homeowner associations still recognize a need for security tools such as key fobs, Ring doorbell systems, cameras, gates, and guard houses. Of all these systems, perhaps….
New Technology Transforms the Building Inspection Process
Emerging technology and innovations are continually transforming the building inspection process. We are constantly evaluating and adopting appropriate new technologies to provide additional knowledge and information for our clients. One inspection innovation in particular—the use of drones—has been a change driver for Criterium Dudka Engineers in recent years, reaching areas that were previously unattainable by….
Masonry Myths
Addressing the Reality Since brick masonry exterior facades are supposed to have useful lives of 100 years or more, a prevalent myth is masonry facades are virtually maintenance free, needing little discussion by the condo board, and a rare cost item in reserve fund studies. In reality, masonry maintenance is discussed often with a great….
Building Maintenance Check List
A Proactive Approach is Best If you are responsible for your condo or HOA’s physical condition, this is no time to relax. Planning now can pay big dividends in being able to hire a repair contractor before the spring/summer crunch arrives. With that in mind, the following list can provide a guide to issues for….
Happy New Year 2022
Part of our mission is to approach each project as an opportunity to establish a new personal best in professionalism, service, and quality. While making a resolution for the New Year is popular, we challenge you to set goals instead. A resolution is simply a statement of intention and can often be extreme and intimidating…..
Water Damage is No Joke
Now more than ever, building managers and condo boards have been reviewing the cost of deferred repairs and their fiduciary responsibilities when it comes to facility safety and maintenance. But where to look first? There are many types of condos: from high-rises to townhouses, to one-story duplexes, buildings with flat roofs or high-sloop roofs, buildings….
Where Does Danger Lurk?
Most Common Areas of Concern As a member of the board or the property manager, what element of the condominium complex poses the greatest risk to the unit owners and liability to the association? Slips and falls during the icy season? Decks collapsing from rot? Electrical fires? Well, if you picked “decks,” you are almost….