In New Jersey, property condition assessments (PCAs) play a vital role in the real estate transaction process. These assessments provide buyers, sellers, and lenders with critical information about the physical condition of a property before a sale is finalized. This article delves into the importance of PCAs, the processes involved, key areas of focus, and….
News
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….
Transition Study for a HOA in New Jersey – A Comprehensive Guide
Homeowners Associations (HOAs) play a crucial role in maintaining the value and desirability of a community. In New Jersey, where residential communities often feature complex amenities and shared spaces, the transition from developer to homeowner control is a critical phase. This article delves into the concept of a transition study, outlining why it’s essential, the….
What is a Condo Reserve Study and Who Needs One?
A condominium reserve study, or also known as an HOA reserve study, is a comprehensive examination and evaluation of an association’s assets. Functioning as a strategic capital planning tool, it offers detailed guidance and analysis regarding the community’s assets. The primary objective of a reserve study is to assess the various components of a Homeowners….
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….
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….
The Orange Triangle in Our Logo
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….