All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

@Julia Blythe I posed your question to a friend of mine, who is a Professional Engineer in this field. He designs heating & cooling systems for mostly commercial buildings. He replied:

"Exposed ductwork isn’t uncommon. You see it a lot in old buildings that are remodeled due to the difficulty in adding chases and the desire to leave the structure exposed for aesthetics. The problem with condensation on the ductwork generally occurs when you have a building that has air leakage or you have an entry door that is opening and closing a lot so that moist air is in the room and this moist air condenses on the outside of the cold duct. Also if your system is oversized, the air in the duct may be too cold which would increase the chance of condensation of air on the outside of the duct.

When you run exposed ductwork you generally use round spiral ductwork since it looks nicer. It is more expensive I don’t know exactly how much more expensive it is, but I would think it would be cheaper than boxing in rectangular duct."

@Roselyn Williams Welcome to BP!  You're in a good area. 

@Steven Maduro "It would also be the least costly in the long term due to the durability."  Perhaps, but only if it's installed correctly. If it's not, it will be your worst nightmare. 

Not to discourage you but, if you like doing tile work, you should learn the proper methods and techniques...especially before writing articles instructing others.  There's so much more to doing a quality, durable job than most people realize.  There are tile institutes, where you can get training or you can apprentice with a professional tile installer (it doesn't sound like your contractor friend is a tile installer).  

Finally, perhaps it's a matter of personal taste but I don't care for tile on bedroom floors:  it's cold, hard and I think it t looks 'out of place'.  

@Account Closed Another way to minimize having a "bad apple" tenant, is to not be a "bad apple" landlord. As landlord, you are the chief...you set the tone. Too many landlords treat their tenants terribly and then wonder why they are having difficulties.  You can be firm, business-like and professional while still treating people with dignity and respect.  It works wonders!

@Kevin Forsythe I think where you've gone wrong is to be discussing things with them before they've even vacated.  Once they are out and have relinquished the keys, you go in and inspect...documenting  all potential deductions.  Then you have  a few weeks to make your determinations.  You can give grace if you like...or not.

If they are unhappy with your decision, they can appeal to the court. 

I agree with the others: I ask that tenants vacuum but see carpet cleaning as my responsibility. 

I suppose it depends on the "personal emergency" (e.g. sudden, unexpected death of a spouse, etc) but as a general rule: you have to be business-like and the rent has to be paid on time.  

Having said that, for me part of the pleasure of being self-employed and somewhat successful financially is the ability to help people who are truly in need by being a bit flexible as circumstances warrant. 

@David Huynh Benjamin Moore: "Saratoga Springs" #1669.  

Get rid of the awnings and storm door, build a small portico above the front stoop and add some head casing or water-table above the windows.

I agree with @Jean Bolger regarding the side & rear doors. 

On some things it seems pretty accurate but on other things it seems way off...and that's the problem: how do you know which is which?  

It's hard when you're starting out, to figure what things will cost but after several projects you will develop a sense of your own local market and its costs.  The website in question is interesting but there's really no substitute for actual experience. 

 North Carolina has that too (probably most states do).  It's useful for certain things.  Though it doesn't really help you to find a good contractor, it does help you avoid a bad one!

Sage advice.  :)