what to do about hot water baseboard heat

Question

I'm looking at a house that has hot water baseboard heat and am trying to decide what to do with it.  I hate the ugly base boards and have looked at replacing them but they seem to run$200-$300 per cover!  I figure for that price I can almost put in a new forced air furnace system.  Do you think the baseboard heat is a turn off to buyers?  And if not anyone know where to find cheaper covers.  This house is only going to be in the  $100,000 range ARV so I'm looking to save money.
thanks
kelly

N/A N/A · Answer

I love boiler systems. Best heat for the money, downside... no central air usually. I'd recommend a little bondo and epoxy paint. enamel will soften up. Remove all the covers and lay them on some saw horses work on them and reinstall. You could probably refinish for less than $100.

Jim & Michele Wilcox · Answer

Hi - I got curious about this and found the following:

http://www.radiantwraps.com

http://www.go-overboard.com

http://www.accufabinc.com/gal_bb_heat1.htm

Take a look .. there may a solution for you.

Good luck...

Kelly Church · Answer

Thanks for the suggestion, I could try to paint some of the ones in good condition but some are dented also.  I guess I'll keep shopping around to replace those.

Jim & Michele Wilcox · Answer

Can you take them off and sand them down and re-paint them? Or have someone sandblast them for you and re-paint with a powdercoating. That would look nice. Sanding and painting would be cheapest - a couple sheets of sandpaper and couple can's of spray paint.

PS - I don't mind the covers at all.

Good luck ...