When you look at a roof, can you see the difference? I can! Let me give you a couple of tips. Asphalt and fiberglass-asphalt shingle are the most common roofing materials you will see in this area. They are built with a dark underside covered with granules of asphalt or asphalt-fiberglass particles. Over time, the
Why am I talking about heating now? Because a buyer can’t feel how well the system works once it is shut off for the season. Even when we test it during home inspection, it is not the same as when it is fighting the winds howling outside. How they heat: Boilers send hot water or
One-of-a-kind houses have one-of-a-kind problems. A custom house can be exceptionally beautiful and exceptionally well-suited for its primary purpose. But, that same house could be poorly suited for everyday living. How do you decide if a one-of-a-kind house works for you? Case in point: One of my clients purchased a house that was originally built
“As is” is a term that should raise your eyebrows and open your eyes. I just saw an “as is” house that lacked a single permanent support column. Yes, I am saying that every upright in the basement was a temporary measure. Crooked houses are commonplace here in the Commonwealth. If the incline bothers
The owner of any residential building in Massachusetts is required to supply a carbon monoxide detector on every habitable level of a house. If you are renting, that is the landlord’s job. If you own, it is yours. When you buy, your lender will require that the local fire department certify that the correct fire
By Dave Twombly In Stephen King’s classic film (and one of my favorites) The Shawshank Redemption the denouement occurs when the main character, Andy Dufresne, escapes prison and a tyrant warden. He’d tunneled through the wall of his cell and then escaped by breaking open the sewer pipe. If you have seen the film,
fooling the eye, myself and my neighbors by Ron Rothenberg, 4 Buyers Real Estate The first few cool days of Autumn send me into a panic. I made so many grand plans for home improvement projects over the summer, and now summer is running out, and I've only done . . . well, not too