It’s that time of year when Community Associations will soon be looking toward preparing their budgets for their next fiscal year. In order to make rational, informed financial decisions, that process should be predicated on a recent, up-to-date Capital Reserve Study or the Update of an existing study. The Community Associations Institute recommends that Associations update their studies at least every 3 years, with many states also requiring reserve studies to be completed at similar intervals. Many states have recently passed legislation which requires regular reserve study updates as well as site and building inspections. With other states looking to follow their lead, the landscape of legislation which affects Community Associations is ever changing and can be difficult to understand. Our Reserve Specialists stay up to date with changes in state laws and national standards to help Associations, Boards, and Managers understand, navigate, and remain compliant with applicable regulations. Reasons to consider Becht Engineering for your next Reserve Study:  Building on our reputation since 1964 with over 60 years in business and 40+ years of experience in preparing reserve studies, we are well versed in state and national reserve study requirements. Easily request proposals through our online portal or by contacting one of our Project Managers directly. We offer exceptional customer service with site inspections performed by seasoned experts with experience in construction, capital project planning, condition assessments, and cost estimating. All reports are carefully reviewed by CAI Designated Reserve Specialists in each office with extensive knowledge of local projects. Our reports include real world pricing information – In addition to industry standard cost estimating, we also use our own first-hand experience in designing and overseeing construction projects to make sure that the estimates we show in each report are based in reality and guided by our knowledge of what other Associations have spent on similar projects. For complex centralized systems such as boiler plants, domestic hot water systems, cooling towers, rooftop units, and emergency generators, our Reserve Studies are informed by our mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection designers and Professional Engineers that design and work with those systems on a daily basis. We use specialized software to carefully prepare and review each report to ensure that we are providing funding scenarios that meet the specific needs of each community. Each report includes a 60-day revision period during which we encourage the Board and their Manager to review the report and ask any questions before we prepare a final report. During this time, we also offer a complimentary Zoom Meeting with the Board and Management to review the reserve study, explain each funding scenario, and carefully review the options that the Association has. We can also make real-time revisions and edits to the report as needed to make sure the report is as accurate and complete as possible.

The time for change is upon us! Our seamless transition in management marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of our firm. A heartfelt thank you to Richard L. Burke, PE for his invaluable contributions to our company. As we transition to a new era with Kyle Kazimir, PE at the helm, we are excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Becht Engineering BT, Inc. is proud to announce the promotion of one of our esteemed employee co-owners, marking another milestone in our commitment to excellence in the engineering industry. We are thrilled to share that Thomas J. Keane has been promoted from Lead Designer to Structural Department Head. This strategic decision showcases our dedication to fostering talent from within and providing opportunities for advancement.

Brick veneer façades are admired for their aesthetic appeal, durability, and timeless charm. From historic buildings to modern architectural wonders, these façades convey a sense of stability and sophistication. However, the engineering behind brick veneer façades demands careful attention to detail to ensure structural integrity, thermal efficiency, and long-term performance. By engaging structural engineers, building owners can address the unique challenges posed by brick veneer façades effectively. Structural engineers bring expertise in diagnosing existing issues, such as cracks or displacements, and implementing solutions that not only restore but enhance the façade's performance. This role is indispensable in ensuring that repairs are strong and long-lasting, minimizing future maintenance costs. Moreover, their collaboration with architects ensures that aesthetic considerations are balanced seamlessly with structural integrity, whether for historical preservation or modern upgrades. For building owners, this partnership is key to maintaining the value, safety, and visual appeal of their properties. Our structural engineering team at Becht recently completed a successful brick veneer façade reconstruction project at a 3-story timber mixed-use building on the historic downtown Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, NJ. The façade of the building is composed of a brick masonry veneer with terra cotta features. The façade has an intermediate column that was severely damaged by corrosion. It was failing to support the façade lintel beams. This resulted in significant movement and cracking of the façade masonry. Becht provided design drawings for the replacement of part of the first-floor framing, the replacement of the failed column, the reinforcement of the lintel beams, and the construction an entirely new masonry façade wall.

Low slope or “flat” roofs are the primary roof assembly on most mid and high-rise buildings. Like any roofing system, flat roofs are not immune to wear and tear over time, making timely replacement crucial to safeguard your investment. Identifying the need for a flat roof replacement is critical to prevent interior and structural damage to the building. Signs that it may be time to replace your flat roof include leaks, ponding water, cracks, tears, mold, mildew, and unsightly ceiling stains. The first step is to engage a qualified roofing consultant who can conduct a comprehensive inspection to evaluate the extent of the damage, identify its root causes, and recommend the best replacement or recover options. There are many choices for roofing materials including options like EPDM, PVC, TPO, liquid applied, and modified bitumen. After carefully removing the old roofing materials, it is essential to address any structural issues with the roof assembly. Additionally, modifications to flashing and drainage systems may be necessary during the replacement process to improve the performance of the roof. The consultant should also evaluate the existing thermal performance of the roof assembly to determine if additional insulation will be needed for any new roof. Our building envelope team at Becht recently completed a successful flat roof replacement project at the 10 Malcolm Avenue Condominium building in Teterboro, NJ, where we took charge of the design, bidding, and construction oversight, ensuring top-notch results.