News

COVID19 UPDATE

While closely monitoring reports and updates concerning COVID-19, Criterium-Dudka Engineers will remain open for business to serve our clients.  In doing so, we are taking a proactive approach to prioritizing the health and well-being of our team members, clients, and vendors by following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization,….

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Section 179D Energy Efficiency Tax Credits

Section 179D Energy Efficiency Tax Credits Federal tax law 179D was recently reinstated and provides significant tax deductions for building owners—and, in certain circumstances, building designers, for new or renovated commercial buildings that meet certain energy saving standards. This deduction is for qualified commercial buildings with energy efficient lighting, heating-ventilation-air conditioning (HVAC), hot water, and….

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Cost Segregation Studies for Commercial Real Estate

Cost Segregation is the practice of identifying assets and their costs and classifying those assets for federal tax purposes. In a Cost Segregation Study, certain commercial building costs previously classified with a 39-year depreciable life, can instead be classified as personal property or land improvements, with a 5, 7, or 15-year rate of depreciation using accelerated….

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100+ Questions to Ask Before Buying Your New Home

We understand that buying a new home can be an overwhelming process. Whether this is your first home, your third ski home, or an investment property, there is a lot to consider for the newbie and veteran alike. That’s why we developed this helpful tool designed to assist you in the early stages of home….

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Got Cracks? An Intro to Foundation Forensics.

It’s happening, you think you found your dream home. But you noticed a large crack in the foundation, where do you go from here? Foundation cracks can signal foundation problems or just be the house settling. Read below for an introduction to foundation forensics and contact us to schedule an inspection today. Our standard building inspection includes a full….

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Signs You Need a New Roof

Most people don’t think about their roofs until they start leaking. Don’t wait until water is pouring through your ceiling to start paying attention to your roof. A little monitoring and preventative maintenance can go a long way. A good time to inspect your roof is during a rain storm. Go outside with binoculars and….

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Winter Checklist

We have a saying in New England, “Don’t like the weather? Wait five minutes.” While the weather can be chaotic, your home doesn’t have to be. Now is the time to get your property ready for winter and be prepared for the colder months ahead. Rainwater protection. Let’s face it, moisture penetration can be a….

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Building Envelope Woes

by Jack Carr, P.E., RS, LEED-AP So what to do in a Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont winter? Certainly snow sports, a good book, or dreams of spring golf are excellent pursuits but for the chairperson of the condo maintenance committee, winter is a good time to be planning building envelope repairs. The building envelope comprises….

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Turn the Water Tank Temp Up or Down? It’s a Hot Question.

Is your hot water safe??   Too hot and you can be seriously burned.  Not hot enough and your hot water may harbor dangerous bacteria.   It’s not a simple question!! What’s the “correct” temperature at which to set a water heater? The question is more complicated and more hotly debated than you might imagine.  And the….

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