COVID 19 Response We’ve seen a lot of unprecedented events over the past few weeks related to COVID 19. At Criterium-Schimnowski Engineers, the safety of our clients and employees and the safety of the occupants of the homes, offices, and buildings we inspect, are of utmost importance. I want to share what we are doing….
News
Why can’t we build a perfect house?
The operative word here is “WE”. We can’t build a perfect house because WE are human beings and human beings are not perfect. And, of course, there is the question, “Exactly what is a perfect house?” Many people expect a perfect house, whether buying a brand-new house or a used house. That expectation only brings….
Criterium-Schimnowski Engineers Earns 2019 Angie’s List Super Service Award
Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service Criterium-Schimnowski Engineers is proud to announce that it has earned the home service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award (SSA). This award honors service professionals who have maintained exceptional service ratings and reviews on Angie’s List in 2019. “Service pros that receive our Angie’s List….
Capital Needs Assessment
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….
Is Your Building Breathing? Why Building Ventilation is Critical
If you are planning for a re-roofing project, this is a reminder that 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….
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….
Got Cracks? An Intro to Foundation Forensics
Cracks in foundations are by far the most common structural complaint raised in either residential evaluations or reserve studies. They can occur in the youngest or newest houses and condominium buildings. As Association documents usually assign the maintenance responsibility of their repair to the association, board members and property managers take them very seriously. Minnesota houses….
Paving Isn’t Exciting: But Proper Maintenance is Essential
Engineering Advisor | Volume 26, Number 1 When was the last time you thought about your parking lot? The honest answer, probably, is not in recent memory. It’s not a question of ‘out of sight –out of mind.’ Parking lots and other paved areas are highly visible, but they aren’t all that interesting. There is nothing….
Stairways and Decks Aren’t Safe Unless their Railings Are Secure
Your Home | Volume 35, Number 1 You’re standing in the basement waiting for a friend, who is following you down the stairs. Missing a step, your friend reaches for the railing, which breaks away from the wall. This will not end well for your friend, who may be seriously injured or worse; and it….
Hidden Dangers of Dryer Vents
Who would think venting a unit’s clothes dryer was so complicated? When was the last time the cleanliness of dryer vents was on your Board’s meeting agenda? Yet, clothes dryers may be one of the most dangerous appliances in the home. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports there are more than 15,000 home fires….