Condo Media - January 2024 - 43

WHEN TO WORK
WITH ENGINEERS
You should start working with
engineers right at the beginning
when you're first coming up with
ideas and planning the project.
That's when you need to figure out
what you're trying to accomplish and
what kinds of technical challenges
there might be. Whether it's a new
road, roof, deck, siding, or even
a bridge, a building, or an energy
project, engineers can provide really
valuable input from the start.
As your project moves forward
and you've nailed down the scope
and goals, engineers become key for
the design. They make detailed plans
using the latest building science, do
feasibility studies, and tackle any
technical challenges. Their job is to
make sure your project matches your
goals and follows relevant rules.
During construction, engineers
watch over the work to confirm it
matches the approved plans and
specifications. Having them onsite is
critical for maintaining quality and
safety standards and avoiding expensive
mistakes and holdups. And even
after the project's done, engineers
remain as valuable partners. They
help with maintenance and repairs,
providing expert input on fixes and
upgrades to keep your investments in
tip-top shape.
PARTNERING WITH ENGINEERS
Working well with engineers in New
England starts with clear communication.
Lay out your project's goals
and expectations clearly and be open
to suggestions from the engineering
team. Regular check-ins are crucial to
keep everyone on the same page.
Picking the right engineer is key.
Find one experienced in your project
type. In New England, where the
environment ranges from mountain
homes to coastal communities, consider
engineers with the know-how
in your particular location.
The HOA board plays a big role
in making decisions for commuJanuary
2024 CONDOMEDIA 43
nity groups, and it starts with them.
Engineers can help by answering the
board's questions and assist in bringing
the HOA's ideas into reality. What can
be even more valuable is allowing the
engineer to present to the unit owners
the " what, why, and how " of large and
expensive projects. I always tell the
board to let the engineer share the news
and allow the community to ask all
the questions; this takes a tremendous
amount of heat away from the board,
especially if the project is unpopular.
Property managers connect the
board, unit owners, and engineers.
Their job is making sure goals are met
and budgets and timelines are followed.
Most importantly though, consistent
communications between property
managers and unit owners on the status
of the project will keep rumors at bay
and the community at ease about the
project meeting all budgets and timelines
- and give unit owners a forum to
ask questions and point out " issues. "
In New England, caring about the
environment is a huge priority. Work
with engineers to find eco-friendly
design and construction methods.
This matches our region's values and
can save money in the long run, too.
Working with engineers in New
England is not just smart; do it if you
want to get anything done right.
They know their technical stuff inside
and out, keep up with regulations, and
actually care about keeping things
sustainable. Around New England,
engineers help shape the future.
Recognize the big roles played by the
board, property managers, and engineers
themselves. Do all that, and your
project will make it in this unique and
awesome region.
n ANDREW DUDKA IS PRESIDENT
OF CRITERIUM LALANCETTE AND
DUDKA ENGINEERS IN RUTLAND, VT.
Condo Media - January 2024

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