Make sure you actually need one, too They don’t teach you how to hire an engineer in school. Indeed most folks have never had the occasion to hire an engineer or an architect in their whole life. This is also true for most condominium or HOA board members. So how does a condo board go….
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Is Your Condo Breathing? Why Building Ventilation is Critical
If your condo board is planning for a re-roofing project, remind the board the project will not be a success without an in-depth consideration being given to the condition of the building ventilation under the roof. Inadequate attic venting will cause ice dams; energy loss; and moisture damage to the roof structure. Too often roof….
Want to Avoid Unexpected Property Maintenance Costs? Hint: Plan for Your Commercial Property’s Future
Whether you are a building owner, property manager, REIT manager—or if you are questioning whether a building purchase makes financial sense—it’s important to anticipate how the property will perform over time. For retail, multi-family, office or industrial properties, the best solution is to assess, plan and budget for the future. A Capital Needs Assessment analyzes….
Commercial Building Inspections: Why You Should Hire an Engineer Versus a Building Inspector
For every real estate transaction that you are involved in—chances are—as part of the due-diligence process you are hiring a commercial building inspection professional to inspect the property. This is a helpful and valuable service that you routinely recommend to clients any may be required by lenders, however if the inspection is not done objectively….
Vinyl Siding – or Not
Perhaps you are on the Building Committee which has been charged by your Homeowners Association Board to recommend a replacement siding material for your 35 year old condo. Perhaps you are a property manager whose in-basket is filled with unit owner complaints about vinyl clapboard siding problems in the new condo complex. Whatever the vinyl….
A Pre-Lease Property Condition Report Pays For Itself!
Criterium Engineers provides the straightforward evaluation required for an extensive Pre-Lease Property Condition Report (also referred to as a property condition assessment) for clients looking to lease buildings of all sizes. They are especially useful for Triple-Net Lease negotiations. Be Informed! Investing in due diligence and being an informed lessee provides greater confidence in the….
Foundation Forensics
Cracks in foundations are by far the most common structural complaint raised in either reserve fund studies or transition studies. They can occur in the youngest or newest condo building. As condo documents usually assign the maintenance responsibility of their repair to the association, board members and property managers take them very seriously. Maine condo….
Solar Panels — Right For Your HOA?
Solar panels may be an option for your community. Legislative incentives are available in states around the country. There is a growing consensus that climate change is real and its consequences will have significant impact on our quality of life and regional economic future. While the cause of climate change may be debated, its potential….
Burning Questions & Fire Safety Checklist
⇒Go to checklist The words ‘safety or security’ mean different things to members of a condominium or HOA community. While the board or property manager may be focusing on the common element safety dangers such as the pool or the walkways/ paved surfaces, unit owners’ biggest concern is unit security and household accidents. In reality,….
Fire-Rated Assemblies – Building Science Webinar
Welcome to Criterium Engineers’ educational Building Science webinar series. In this episode, Scott Forbes discusses fire-rated assemblies as part of construction basics. We’ll look at high-risk conditions in attached and detached residential construction and other important topics associated with fire-rated assemblies. If you have questions about this presentation, contact us. Presented by: Scott Forbes, Vice….