All Forum Posts by: Charles Stein

@Nathaniel Walker our heating company suggested that changing the venting of the current tanked water heater from the chimney to direct vent would cost more than installing a new tankless

HI BP,

I have a 1 year old water heater and have to repair my chimney costs $5,000. I have two options:

1. 1. Repair the chimney for $5,000 and keep the existing water heater 
2. or 
3. 2. Replace the water heater with a tankless for $3,200 and then pay to have a roofing company remove the chimney neck and roof over the chimney (waiting on quote)

What's everyone's thoughts?

Thanks!

Hi BP,

I am planning our upcoming duplex renovation and am trying to determine the steps of our projects in order. We are hiring contractors for all. Here is what we have so far:

1. 1. Lead abatement 
2. 2. Chimney repoint 
3. 3. Rewire house
4. 4. High velocity heat/AC system
5. 5. Replace some basement drain pipes
6. 6. Attic and basement insulation
7. 7. Interior & exterior paint

Does this look in order? 

Thank you for your help!

Thanks everyone! The hot water baseboard Is fueled by a gas boiler that is still running but 25 years old. 

Thanks, Mike! 

Jill - they do. We would actually install hyper-heat mini splits which will work below freezing. 

Most of our network has stated to stick with the hot water baseboard and let the renters put in an AC unit themselves. 

Hi BP, 

I recently bought a duplex in Massachusetts which has hot water baseboard already installed in the first floor's rental. We will be installing mini-splits for heat and AC in the second unit. 

We are wondering if we should keep the hot water baseboards and purchase window AC units for the first unit or replace them with mini splits. 

Thank you!

Hi BP,

Does anyone know if Massachusetts allows owners to remove asbestos themselves if they follow correct procedures on MassDep?
Thanks!

Hi BP,

Has anyone replaced single asbestos cement shingles and replaced with fiber cement shingles? I have a duplex where most of the asbestos siding is in decent shape, but few areas, especially at the bottom are in poor condition. 

I feel like it would be most cost effective to replace single shingles with fiber cement look alike. 

Please let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!

Charlie 

Great advice! Thanks, @Charles Carillo

Hi BP, 

We recently bought a duplex in MA that will need a lot of rehab. Here is what we have planned:

• Lead abatement 
• Change heat from Oil to Gas
• Change basement drain pipes from cast iron to PVC 
• Chimney repoint
• Rewire attic and ground outlets 
• Insulate attic 

Can someone please help me prioritize these projects in order in regards to what to do first and what to do last?

Thank you!

Charlie