I have closely observed condo and HOA communities around the country through reserve fund and transition studies and have noted Maine has a larger share of self-managed communities than other areas of the country. Why is this the case I am not sure, but it has to do with either Yankee thriftiness and independence or….
The team at Criterium encourages commercial and residential property owners, property managers, and HOA board members to prepare for the Atlantic hurricane season which takes place June 1 through November 30 each year. This year’s Atlantic seasonal forecast was announced by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service. They predict an….
The team at Criterium encourages commercial and residential property owners, property managers, and HOA board members to prepare for the Atlantic hurricane season which takes place June 1 through November 30 each year. This year’s Atlantic seasonal forecast was announced by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service. They predict a….
It was inevitable. Portland’s skyline will soon rise. Portland has been the center for Maine’s high-rise construction with such structures as Franklin Towers (175 feet); Back Bay Tower (172 feet); and 201 Federal Street (200 feet). With the announcement in May of the 30-story, 380-foot ‘Old Port Square’ proposed building, things are about to….
As if your docket of condo board issues were not heavy enough, now the potential of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries safety dangers has been surfacing at condo and HOA community gatherings. Li-ion batteries are everywhere and multiplying. Not only are they in your neighbor’s new EV (electric vehicle) in the garage but also his e-bike….
Contributed by Ralph Manglass, P.E., Senior Engineer, Criterium Engineers If you own or manage a building with air conditioning or heat pump systems, you may soon notice higher replacement costs, and the reason may not be equipment age alone. Enacted in 2025, new federal refrigerant regulations began reshaping the HVAC industry, with significant cost….
Addressing the Housing Market The housing data has long been clear: there is not enough affordable housing available. The mix of types of housing (i.e., multi-family, condominiums, HOAs, and SLRs (Single Family Residences) does not adequately match our growing needs. Meanwhile, municipalities and developers are attempting to plan for evolving trends, designs, and technologies needed….
A building’s exterior façade can experience water infiltration anytime during a its lifetime. The façade is composed of a variety of components including windows / door penetrations; wall cladding; and features such as balconies and other architectural elements. Water infiltration can occur while the building is undergoing transition from developer to a new condominium….
Typically, this time of year I act like an economist foretelling the future with greater and greater accuracy by presenting the prior year’s history of condonomics. I often address average condo sale prices and days-on-the-market data. Not this year. The past is not the story. Instead, we should focus on 2026 and the mega-condo developments….
With winter approaching and our best days on the deck behind us why should deck maintenance be a concern now? Industry experts recommend decks should be deep cleaned twice a year for both appearance and determination of the repairs needed. Scheduling these bi-annual inspections in fall and spring provides a routine ensuring sufficient time to….