National Public Radio recently ran a story about a piece of advice from the latest edition of The Old Farmer’s Almanac. The suggestion was about how to stay warm throughout the winter with just one log: chuck it out of an upstairs window, r…
Though mostly unseen, a building’s plumbing and piping network is one of its most important systems—as anyone who has ever had to endure a no-hot-water shower in February, or who has come home to a flooded floor can attest. Plumbing cove…
T he chant is familiar: In goes the good air, out goes the bad. But just how good is the air coming into your condominium? Ductwork and chutes are familiar elements of urban multi-family buildings, handling everything from heat to tras…
With only so many hours in the day, balancing the demands of work, family and outside obligations can become a struggle for anyone, and community association board members are no different. They volunteer countless hours guiding their …
Although rare, there are instances where a community association has to dismiss its manager — like a recent case in Florida where the manager admitted to writing himself checks from his condominium to the tune of over $40,000. Condo…
This winter, when the cold winds of winter whip down from Canada or Nor'easters swirl up the coast bringing tons of snow, condominium residents will head to that thermostat and crank up the heat. Unfortunately, each twist of the thermost…
Almost every condo owner, from time to time, has thought about running for the board. Most quickly discount the notion, but a fair number throw their hats into the ring, and some of these even get elected. But what does it mean to be ele…
Lawsuits are an unfortunate, and expensive, fact of life. It’s been that way ever since the first civil courts in ancient Sumeria, and will be that way as long as there are two parties to dispute something. Chances are, if you live long …
Unlike many notable New England towns, Lenox, Massachusetts does not have a coastline. Nevertheless, it was once a prized destination of the rich and famous. Nestled in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, known to some as “The American…
We are all feeling it –costs consistently creeping upward, skyrocketing grocery bills, and do we dare discuss what we are dealing with at the pump? What’s next? The sad answer is: Your water bill. Water, a commodity that most …