In new construction, some of the most important work disappears within days. Once drywall goes up, nobody can see what lies behind it. That’s why an area separation wall inspection matters so much on townhouse and multifamily projects. These walls protect lives and property. However, small installation errors can weaken them. In this post, we….
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How to Budget for Structural Repairs: Reserve Studies and Structural Evaluations for HOAs
Every HOA board eventually faces the same question. Our building has structural concerns, so what do we do now? Learning how to budget for structural repairs early can save your community money, stress, and risk. In this guide, we explain how a reserve study and a structural integrity evaluation work together. We also answer a….
S3992 New Jersey: 7 Key Changes to S2760 Structural Integrity and Reserve Funding Law
S3992: Amending New Jersey’s S2760 Structural Integrity and Reserve Funding Law The New Jersey Legislative Action Committee (NJ-LAC) announced that Governor Phil Murphy signed Senate Bill No. 3992 (S3992) into law on August 21, 2025. Senator Troy Singleton, Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, Assemblyman Sterley S. Stanley, and Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy sponsored the bill. It responds….
10 Steps to Structural Integrity Compliance: NJ S2760/A4384 Law
Building regulations keep evolving. Today, maintaining a building’s structural integrity is a legal obligation, not just good practice. It is also essential for safety and longevity. New Jersey’s S2760/A4384 structural integrity law sets strict standards for property owners and community associations. As a result, compliance protects occupants and preserves property value and function. Navigating these….
The Essential HOA Transition Checklist for New Jersey Communities
Transitioning control of a Homeowners Association (HOA) from the developer to the residents is a crucial and complex milestone in the development of a community. This process, particularly in New Jersey, involves a multitude of legal, financial, and administrative steps designed to ensure a seamless and effective transfer, fostering the sustainable management of the community…..
Need Your Building Inspected in New Jersey? S2760 Structural Inspection Law
In the aftermath of the catastrophic building collapse in Florida, New Jersey has taken proactive legislative steps by enacting Bill S2760/A4384. This legislation specifically targets condominiums and cooperatives, with the goal of enhancing structural safety and preventing similar tragedies. It establishes stringent requirements for periodic structural inspections and the maintenance of reserve funds, ensuring buildings….
What are the Four Elements of a Building Envelope?
The building envelope is a critical yet often understated component of architectural design, playing a pivotal role in defining a structure’s aesthetic, functionality, and sustainability. This essential boundary separates the interior from the exterior, acting as a shield against environmental elements while maintaining a comfortable indoor atmosphere. In this exploration, we delve into the nuances….
Top Building Envelope Consultant in New Jersey – Criterium-Hanna Engineers
Building envelope consulting is a specialized field focused on the design, analysis, and construction of the outer shell of buildings, known as the building envelope. This envelope includes all the critical components of a building separating its interior from the exterior environment, such as walls, roofs, windows, doors, and foundation systems. The primary goals of….
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….
Water, Water, Everywhere
Typically when I am discussing water problems with the condo’s property manager or the board, the focus is on leaking roofs, foundations, windows, or other building envelope points of water infiltration. Instead, this article’s focus will be on water damage problems from inside sources and their prevention.It is hard to talk about inside water damage….