If your house is like most in this country built in the last 50 years, it probably has a sloped roof with one of the following roofing materials: composition shingles composite tile cementateous or clay tile wood shingles metal roofing Each type of roofing has its unique characteristics. However, there are also some common….
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Facts and Myths About Household Mold
Without question, mold is one of the most misunderstood threats to homes. Lawsuits related to mold have been brought against developers or even association boards over health issues and construction problems in communities. These incidents have brought to focus the confusion over mold – what is it exactly, and how much is too much? Mold….
Have You Checked Your Dryer Vent Lately, or Ever?
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….
Good Landscaping can be a Smart Investment – Beat the Rush!
Sure, it’s cold out there. It’s New England and we have long winters but if the condo board is to find a good landscaper for spring projects now’s the time to start looking. Landscaping contractors are overhauling their equipment; looking for experienced crews; and scheduling their current customers, so if you wait till the frost….
Condo Reserve Fund – How much is Enough?
How much should our association keep in our reserve fund? is a question we are often asked. At first blush, the answer seems simple – enough to cover all anticipated expenditures over the reserve period. Upon further analysis, the answer is not so simple at all. A number of inter-related factors may affect this decision dramatically. The….
Tips to Sell a Condo
Selling a condo is a 2-way street. The seller not only has to decide on setting the price but also the seller has to think like a buyer. That is difficult to do because it is only natural to view your condo as perfect and needing no upgrades or improvements. I often recommend the seller….
The Art of Qualifying Home Inspectors
Just as the old adage about the 3 most important factors in real estate are location, location, location, the 3 most important factors in choosing a home inspector are qualifications, qualifications, and qualifications. Home inspections are almost universal today. The high potential volume of business has drawn many into the field. However, in only a….
When A Critical Component Fails Early
It happens to even the most prepared of associations. The roof that was supposed to last 25 years starts leaking after only 15. A harsh winter takes its toll on the parking lot and you’re suddently faced with a large re-paving project 5 years before anticipated. The elevatros in a high-rise are constantly out-of-order, despite….
Turn the Water Tank Temp Up or Down? It’s a Hot Question.
Is your hot water safe?? Too hot and you can be seriously burned. Not hot enough and your hot water may harbor dangerous bacteria. It’s not a simple question!! What’s the “correct” temperature at which to set a water heater? The question is more complicated and more hotly debated than you might imagine. And the….
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters – Whose Fault Is It, Anyway?
The term Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is likely familiar to you. But did you know that a GFCI is a device that, when properly installed, provides you and your family with enhanced protection against electrical shock? And now, there is a new phrase to get familiar with: Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI). According to….