Stores and other commercial businesses on the ground floor of an apartment building are a tradition in big cities. By contrast, when one looks at the typical suburban condo development, one must go to another location to shop—maybe to t…
Whether indoors or out, few design elements are as dramatic and arresting as a waterfall, water wall, koi pond, reflecting pool or statuesque fountain. These water features add beauty and value to any property or building, whether they …
In the 1960s, people would laugh at the notion that someone could make money by going to people’s houses and asking to mow their lawn. This was something that everyone did themselves and the thought of paying someone else to do it seeme…
Whether enhancing a towering high-rise or a sprawling suburban development, landscaping not only helps a condo or HOA increase and retain property values, but has a positive impact on residents themselves. Beautiful, functional green s…
One of the things that attracts people to a condo or HOA are the beautiful grounds and lush landscaping that surrounds the property. Because of the topography of New England, it’s almost always necessary for properties to use irrigation…
In Worcester, Massachusetts, the north side of the city has been stripped of its shade trees, victims of a slow but persistent invader from China—the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB). The value that mature hardwoods provide in dense reside…
New England is not exactly known for year-round sunshine and palm trees swaying in the breeze. At first glance, greenery, lawns and lawn care, may seem a non–issue for many Northeast residents—but like most Americans, New Englanders have…
As we approach the 2013 construction season, it’s time to begin planning for any major building envelope projects that are needed at your property. In fact, if you are only planning now, you are behind schedule already. Getting your job…
The shingles on the roof look worn. Paint is peeling off the clapboards on a few buildings. Potholes have turned the parking lot into a slalom course. But collections are down, several homes are in foreclosure, and the temptation to le…
As spring dawns anew on the frigid New England landscape, many condo dwellers will get their first prolonged looks at Mother Nature’s wintery ravages. Likely nowhere is this better seen than on a property’s exterior siding, much of which…