Page 20 - New England Condominium November 2019

20 NEW ENGLAND CONDOMINIUM -NOVEMBER 2019 NEWENGLANDCONDO.COM O T 617-628-8888 www.weatherproofing.net • Serving New England Building Owners Since 1981 • Concrete Restoration & Coatings • Façade Inspection & Repair • Masonry Repair & Restoration • Sealant Removal & Replacement • Parking Garage Repair & Traffic Coatings • • Specialty Coatings & Flooring • Roofing Installation & Maintenance • Emergency Repairs • Structural Repairs Waterproofing Systems BUILDING ENVELOPE RESTORATION SPECIALISTS OFFERING: Visit Our New Website! AFTER BEFORE View Project Profiles Request a FREE Consultation Sign up for our E-newsletter 185 Devonshire Street, Suite 401, Boston, MA 02110 Quality Representation at Reasonable Rates. (617) 988-0633 Contact Attorney Frank Flynn: FRANK@FLYNNLAW-NE.COM Flynn_E4C.qxp:Layout 1 12/8/14 2:30 PM Page 1 cut with three-dimensional patterns that create the illusion of a random flicker- ing flame. Some models feature an audio element that makes a crackling noise, extending the illusion even further. Del- gardo says that other popular features in- clude programmable optical effects – like changing colors, for example – that users can control with their smart phones and other devices. In addition to looking cool, electric fireplaces can provide actual warmth as well. As described on electricfireplac- esdirect.com, “Electric fireplaces can provide supplemental heating for rooms approximately 400 square feet in size as well. Customers control the heating ele- ments, in addition to the flame effect. As a result, electric fireplaces can provide a flame with or without heat so that it can be enjoyed throughout the year. An elec- tric fireplace is a heating element that looks similar to a traditional wood-burn- ing or gas fireplace but doesn’t require any venting or professional installation of any kind. Electric fireplaces work by drawing in cool air, heating it internally using a heating coil and gently forcing the warmed air back out into the room by way of a fan. Some electronic fireplaces also use infrared technology which directly heat objects within a room. In both cases, supplemental heating is provided for the desired area without the mess, fumes or dangerous gas.” Whether you’ve got a turn-of-the-last- century conversation starter featuring a three-foot deep mantelpiece held up by carved lions, or a sleek new electric model you can switch on and off from 1,000 miles away, it’s important for your own safety and that of your neighbors to know how your fireplace works, and make sure it gets all the care and maintenance it needs to function properly – and safely. n A J Sidransky is a staff writer/reporter with New England Condominium, and a published novelist. FIREPLACE... continued from page 10 its decorating policy, there’s one other key component to factor in, along with input from your legal counsel: feedback from resi- dents themselves. While of course you can’t make everyone happy, you can take steps to make sure everyone feels their voice is at least being heard and respected. Those steps could take the form of a questionnaire, a commit- tee, or even a referendum vote to fine-tune your community’s policy. If you go with the latter approach, Kur- lander suggests remembering the following when adopting or modifying preexisting rules: TIME - Rules should dictate the earliest date that decorations may be affixed, as well as when they must be taken down. Again, boards should do their homework to ensure that the time frames implemented actually sync up with the length of each respective holiday. PLACE - Rules should specify what parts of which common areas may be decorated, and which should be left alone. MANNER - Rules may limit the use of decorations to those that are ‘tasteful’ and/or ‘appropriate’ with the hope and expectation that residents are capable of understanding and adhering to generally acceptable stan- dards. Bylaws may also state how decorations are to be affixed to avoid damage to common areas. Respect the Halls Parties and get-togethers are another hall- mark of the holiday season, and it’s common for condo and HOA residents to host events in their building or HOA’s common areas. When a party involves non-resident guests, it’s important for hosts and guests alike to ob- serve the community’s rules, and be respect- ful of the property and its residents. “The successful holiday events of which I am aware are inclusive efforts to celebrate wide-ranging aspects of the holiday season,” says VanderVennet. Worrall agrees, adding that if there’s ever any question about the le- gality – or just the wisdom – of a rule, restric- tion, or association-sponsored event, “Use your professionals – that’s what they’re there MULTIFAMILY HOLIDAY... continued from page 19