News

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….

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Foundation Cracks & 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. Most basements and garages have….

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Building Maintenance Checklist!

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….

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Do You Have Mold in Your Buildings?

The problem of mold in buildings is one that no building owner or manager can afford to ignore. Mold has been suggested as one of the possible factors in so-called “Sick Building Syndrome.” What conditions create mold in buildings? Mold typically reproduces by means of airborne spores. These spores are always present in the air…..

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The Steps to Complete Your Reserve Study

The following will provide an overview of the typical steps involved in Reserve Studies performed by Criterium-Liszkay Engineers. Request For Proposal – The Association Board or the Association Property Manager will request a proposal from us. This can be as simple as a phone call, email or completed form on our website to as formal….

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New Home Construction Consulting Services

Constructing your dream home, built to your specifications with the unique design features you want, can be exciting – and unnerving.  How can you be sure the contractor you hire will deliver the home you’re expecting? Criterium Engineers’ home construction consulting, monitoring and inspection services can relieve your anxiety, reduce construction problems, and improve the quality of the home you….

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Top 10 Condo Building Problems

Workmanship, Quality Control & Water… Probably because I have inspected thousands of condo buildings and their units for construction defects and other issues, I am often asked by both prospective condo buyers and property managers to name the most common problems found in new condo developments. Interesting enough, new condo buildings have more hidden problems….

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Tips for Dealing with Winter

  Winter is here across much of North America. This season plagues even the sturdiest among us—as with winter comes the inevitable storms of the season. Here are a few winter tips to help you prepare for and deal with the season: Insulate the attic to keep roof surface cold and help avoid ice dams…..

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Section 179D Commercial Buildings Energy Efficiency Tax Credits

Federal tax law section 179D 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 was set to expire at the end of 2020; however, it was instead made permanent and signed into law December 27, 2020 as part of….

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