Conference 7.286::home_work

            <<< JOET::DUA1:[000000.NOTES$LIBRARY]HOME_WORK.NOTE;1 >>>
                         -< Better living through DIY >-
================================================================================
Note 486.1             Looking for Garage Door Contractor                 1 of 2
Q::ROSENBAUM "Rich Rosenbaum"                         4 lines  23-OCT-1986 13:59
                                    -< A-1 >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I've had reasonable dealings with A-1 Door in Lunenburg (on the
    Fitchburg line).
    
    __Rich

            <<< JOET::DUA1:[000000.NOTES$LIBRARY]HOME_WORK.NOTE;1 >>>
                         -< Better living through DIY >-
================================================================================
Note 486.2             Looking for Garage Door Contractor                 2 of 2
ISBG::POWELL                                          4 lines   6-NOV-1986 16:01
                             -< OVERHEAD DOOR CO. >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I just bought 2 doors and openers and installation from Overhead
    Door Co. in WOrcester.  Very happy with their doors and their work.
    -reed
    

    I recently had an burglar alarm system installed in my house by
    Mellonics Alarms, Chelmsford, (508) 250-1192.  I had several quotes
    (including one from ADT) based on various design schemes, and
    Mellonics' design seemed to make the most sense, and their price
    was the best.
    
    The owner, Roger Mello, does all the installation himself (with one
    assistant), and does a very neat job.
    
    I would definitely recommend Mellonics to anyone needing a security
    system.  (I live in Hollis, NH, so I guess Roger is willing to travel
    some distance).

I'll second Beland Labs in Bedford (junction of Rt. 114 and Donald St,
across from the miniature golf course) if only because they're independent
and won't try to sell you anything.  One caution, the pH test they do
should be viewed cautiously - pH increases over time and the best test is
done on site which is (ugh) usually done only by the outfits that will try
to sell you their treatment.  American Water Concepts in Manchester is
good.

For a septic outfit, try St. Onge Septic in Goffstown/Manchester - they've
been good to us.

    This could also fit under Energy Contractors, but I highly recommend
    
    Guido Aluminum Products
    58 Mowry St.
    Mendon MA  01756
    508 473 0635
    
    They carry a whole line of Windows, doors , and Replacement Windows
    and doors.
    
    I was looking to replace my old Storm windows and wanted the
    replacement windows.  I spke with NewPro, Artic, Bruin, Badala,
    and a few others..
    
    Dave and Goody had the very same type product, Low E Glass, and
    at a fraction of the cost!  I originally contracted to have Badala
    Products install my windows, see BAD Contractors, but this fell
    through and Guido's had the same for a third of the price, installed!
    
    They've been in the business over 40 years and  aren't into high
    pressure sales and stand behind everything the sell. They operate
    all over the metro west, and will travel.
    
    A family run business and very warm people.  My Wife and I are very
    happy!
    
    Cal.
    

    Paul Shea, Shea Welding, Everett, Ma does metal fabrication and wrought
    iron railings.  Excellent work.

    845.57 contains an annotated list of water treatment companies.  Since
    such companies are partly suppliers and partly contractors, I thought a
    cross-reference here might be useful.

My apolgies to the moderator... I searched but did not find the note for this,
which I know is in here because that's where I originally found this sander!

I'd highly recommend B.C.M. Floor Sanding  --  they did an outstanding job
on a living room and dining room (400+ square feet) for us last week.  They
were courteous, meticulous (tarped off all openings to the rest of the house),
efficient, and reasonably priced.  The cost was $650, which started as a per
sqare foot charge, then he gave us a break for doing the dining room at the
same time (we weren't originally planning on doing it yet, but it was better
to be inconvenienced & dusty once than twice!). (I just calculated -- it was
493 square feet).

Myron gave my husband helpful hints for some of the prework we were doing
ourselves (patching where a wall used to be), was flexible for scheduling
the job when we needed, was on time, and even finished the job early (from
9am to 4:30pm *one* day for sanding and 2 coats of clear coat - water based).

The results are amazing -- no sanding marks anywhere, perfect edges, and
beautiful clear grain shining through.

If anyone would like to see it in person for reference, send me mail.

The phone # for B.C.M.(in Framingham, I think) is: (508) 881-5398

-Cori

I second Myron and BCM.  Our floors had been home-sanded and then STAINED dark 
brown (nicely highlighting the gouges).  Myron made them look like new.  Even 
the back corner of the closet was perfect.  Beautiful job, informative workman, 
good price and a nice guy.  

I highly recommend him.

Sue Peghiny

P.S. To -.1: I think Myron is mentioned in the flooring contractors note in 
     		this conference - that's where I heard of him.  My guess is 
     		that the moderator will move this.

.1>  My guess is that the moderator will move this.

Your guess is wrong!  It's HOME_WORK policy that moderators don't move things
except in exceptional circumstances.  Moderators have no special tools for
moving things around; it takes us just as long as ordinary mortals to:

1. EXTRACT the note to a file
2. Establish the correct topic as current (by reading it)
3. REPLY filename
4. DELETE the old copy

All contractor recommendations go in the series of topics beginning at 2000;
hardwood flooring contractors, specifically, belong in 2010.  Would the authors
of .0 and .1 should do exactly that to move their recommendations there?  This
topic is write-locked.

Since the phrase "the moderators should move this if necessary" has turned up 
a lot recently, I thought it was time to clarify the policy.  We _don't_ move
things, although we're happy to help you learn how to do so yourself.  

Back to our regularly-scheduled NOTES conference, already in progress...


					DCL, moderator

    
    
    I would like to recommend Frank Grieve as a CABINETMAKER.  He does
    custom furniture and built-ins, and I guess it doesn't really fit
    in this topic but I don't find a more appropriate place.  He is
    very good, about 10+ years experience, just recently gone out on
    his own. I have been very happy with all that he has done for me.
    He is also reasonably priced.  He is in Maynard, MA and can be 
    reached at 508-897-2764.
    

    
    I'm looking for anyone who might know someone I can pay (affordably)
    to install some chain link fencing.... in the Milford/franklin MA
    area.   I prefer not to pay a fencing company top $$, I can't afford
    it, but do need it installed correctly......
    
    Anybody know of someone who may do small jobs..??
    
    Nancy
    
    USMFG::NROSTANZO
    

    I am looking for information about a particular condominium management
    company:
    
    Molin Compamny, Inc.
    Chelmsford, Ma.
    
    I am a Trustee with a small condominium complex (only 12 units) located 
    in Leominster. We are looking to hire a condominium management company.
    We are considering this company but would like to obtain a little more
    information about them. If you have any information please send it
    along to SMAUG::Rogers.
    
    If you know of any other condominium management companies, that do a
    good job at reasonable rates, by all means, please send along any in-
    formation you may have on them as well...
    
    thanks much,
        dennis
    
    

re:        <<< Note 2034.11 by SMAUG::ROGERS "Beware the naked man offering his shirt..." >>>

>    I am looking for information about a particular condominium management
>    company:
>    
>    I am a Trustee with a small condominium complex (only 12 units) located 
>    in Leominster. We are looking to hire a condominium management company.

      Not a specific recommendation, but ...
      
      I   served  several  years  as  a  director  and  president  of  a
      condominium association in Goffstown, NH.  During  this  time  the
      condo  grew  from  about  50  units  to  about  100;  it has since
      increased to about 150.  We spend a  LOT  of  time  attempting  to
      determine  if we should hire a management firm.  I personally came
      to the following conclusion.
      
      For  a  condo with less than ~50 units you don,t need a management
      firm.  Things are small enough and all (well, most of) the  owners
      know  each  other  so  the  directors  and/or other volunteers can
      contract  directly  for  snow  plowing,  grass  mowing  and  other
      maintenance and repair work.
      
      For  a  condo  with  more  that ~50 units the "small town" type of
      atmosphere starts to break down and professional management begins
      to  become  necessary.   Unfortunately  we  found that the cost of
      professional management was too high, on a per-unit  basis,  until
      you reached about 100 units.
      
      As  a result of this I will NEVER again live in or own a unit in a
      condo that isn't well below or above the 50-100 unit range.
      
      Of  course  I  don't  know  the  nature  of your condo, either its
      physical layout or the  type  of  ownership  (owner  occupied  vs.
      rentals.) But with only 12 units I would suggest that you consider
      NOT hiring a management firm.  I would expect  that  the  required
      efforts by the owners would more than offset management costs.
      
      But  then,  depending  on  the  character of your property and its
      owners, as the EPA says, "Your mileage may differ".

	I just had replacement windows installed by Thermal-Sheild of 
	New England.  It took two days for two installers to install 19 windows 
	including a picture window with aluminum capping on the outside. They
	were quick, neat and professional.

	I checked the competition (NEWPRO, PORTLAND etc...) and you can't beat 
	the price for these windows. They are double pane, welded vinyl and 
	insulated with ALL the features.

	The company is headquartered in Mass. but has an office on Rt. 111 
	in Hudson NH.  	Contact is Joe Savarese @ 1-800-999-7915.

	ps. I used the NH Residential Energy Loan which is at 5.9% interest 
	    with a maximum of $ 5000.00. 

	Joe 

Any suggestions for garage door installers in the Boston MA area?

    looking for someone to fix my oven - an "over/under" type, installed
    in the wall - the oven on top doesn't work.
    
    I live in Gardner Ma.  Any recommendations for who to call?
    
    Thanks.
    
    Bob...

�   <<< Note 2034.15 by USMFG::BVALIANT "A Declaration of Wind Dependence" >>>
�    I live in Gardner Ma.  Any recommendations for who to call?
 
	I've had excellent results from Roger Brouillette who owns Roger's
	Appliance Repair.  He's repaired my refrigerator, clothes washer
	and gas stove.

	Call 632-7546				--Mike

Any recommendations for appliance (fridge) repair in Worcester, MA???

  Thx  Steve

    Reliable Home Appliance
    
    752-2522 or 752-3307
    
    

    
    
    This note has also been placed under 2004.58.  I didn't say it there,
    but just in case, the similarity in last names bears no relationship
    past the fact that we are of the same nationality!
    
    *************************************************************************
    
    This note is a referal for someone who has done work for me in the
    past.
    
    Paul Coviello, a Digital employee, has worked for me on weekends on and
    off for the past 3 years.  He is a general, all-around skilled person.
    He has helped me re-shingle my house, replace exterior trim, paint 
    interior and exterior, sheet rock, perform minor electrical repair, 
    minor plumbing repair, lay sheet lino, ceramic tile, install windows,
    interior trim and carpentry, install cabinets, re-build exterior 
    porches, help frame a 2 story addition, etc, etc, etc.
    
    Basically, I have 2 3-family homes that I have done major re-hab to 
    over the past 4 years and Paul has helped me with most of the work.
    This work has included the complete gutting and restoration of a 5
    room apartment.
    
    Paul's work is of a very high quality, and he is very proud of the work
    that he does.  
    
    Paul is willing to both quote price and work by the hour.  Because Paul
    does not do this for a regular living, I have found that I get the best
    work from him when we work together on a project and I pay him hourly.
    Also, because he is only available on the weekends, he is unable to 
    take on large jobs that MUST be completed in a short time.
    
    If you are planning on doing any work your self, and need someone to 
    help get you though the rough spots, or assist you in doing your work,
    Paul is an excellent choice.
    
    Paul is:
    
    PJC Construction Co.
    P.O. Box 130
    Center Barnstead, NH 03225
    (603) 269-2466
    
    Paul provides free estimates.
    
    

    re: .20
    Where are you?
    

If anyone is considering hiring Lizzie's Garage Doors in Nashua, feel free to
write me for my experiences with this business.

					Steve

    This is a reference for Signs and Graphics of Salem, New Hampshire.
    The proprietor is Stephanie and her phone number is (603)894-6030.
    
    If you are looking for someone to make a sign, whether electric or not,
    you can call her for attractive, reasonably-priced work.  We have had
    work done by her and were very satisfied.
    
    She also does lettering on vehicles and does stationary.
    
    Laura

	The hurricane broke my TV antenna off the brace on
	my chimney. It is now hanging off the side of my house.
	Does anyone know of someone who can give me an estimate
	for the insurance company and replace the antenna.


	kits

    Water Quality Improvement and Pump Systems
    800-729-0388
    Chris Kofer, owner, Northwood, NH

    When we needed radon treatment for our well water, we got three
    estimates, all in the same ballpark, all with the same hardware (only
    one manufacturer had equipment that could handle our radon numbers). 
    We went with Chris who struck me as the guy who really knew his stuff -
    better than other, bigger name outfits.

    Over the past few months, one and then another problem developed - a
    slow leak, then a pump-run-on condition - each of which were original
    equipment (jet-pump-and-tank unit) problems.  Chris spent many hours at
    our place, fixing this and that, eventually replacing the defective
    unit that the radon-unit-manufacturer finally admitted was no good. 
    Chris lost no money on the hardware, but the much! extra time he's
    spent on our stuff certainly wasn't in his expected 1-year warrantee
    for service.

    Pleasant, dependable service.  For water treatment he'll travel most
    anywhere in southern New Hampshire.  For pump sales/service, he'd
    prefer a smaller geography.  Northwood is between Concord and the
    coast.  Feel free to mention my name.

	Recommendation for rain gutters for your house.

	EAST COAST GUTTERS
	Merrimack, N.H. 03054
	(603)-429-0739

	We have a new house, and had water problems in the basement.
	I heard about East Coast, and called them.  Jules Menard came
	out, and looked at the job site.  He came with color samples,
	and we found that he had a grey and blue that very closely
	matched my vinyl and trim colors.

	Because we wanted colored gutters, he had to special order the
	material, and it would take a week to order.  We agreed on time
	and money, and about a week later, they came out and installed
	them.  I was out of town, and my wife didn't notice the new
	gutters until Jules called that night asking about the work done.

	From the EAST COAST flyer:

		- New 5" Gutters
		- Available in a Variety of Colors
		- Completely Seamless
		- 25 years guarantee on material
		- 5 years guarantee on labor
		- In the business for over 10 years

	Conclusion:	work done on time, in time, good quality.
			no hesitation recommending them.  $250.00

    Any recommendations for a snow removal service (one-man type operation
    or a business) for a 200' driveway around the Groton, MA area?  Thanks!
    
    							-SKD-

Can someone tell me where I can find a stripping place to take some wood?
The place in Chelmsford - Jolly Tar Furniture Stripping - has gone out
of business.  I am willing to go quite a distance from Chelmsford, Mass.

I don't have too much left to get stripped.  But I have enough that I need
to get this done ASAP.

ED..

    I used "YANKEE FURNATURE STRIPPINS & REFINISHING" back about 4 years
    they were pretty good and fast.  They are in Framingham, may be a long
    haul for you.  (508) 875-4843
    
    Good luck,
    
    Paul

    
    A few years ago I checked out refinishing companies for chair caning.
    The places I found also stripped wood, as I recall. These aren't
    endorsements just some leads.  
    
    There was Acton Refinishing Co., 263-8233. From a phone conversation
    they seemed nice, but were the most expensive.  There was also a place 
    in downtown Lowell. I found it in the Lowell telephone book.  I don't have 
    a Lowell book with me so I don't recall the name or number. If you
    don't have a Lowell phone book and want to pursue it, send me mail and
    I'll check it out when I get home. They were the place I was going to 
    use because their price was the best and whatever conversation I had
    with them over the phone I was impressed with.
    
    Kathy
         

I happen to have a 1989-1990 Lowell phone book here.
Under Furniture Stripping:

Absolute Furniture Restorers, 476 Merrimack, Lwl	452-4114
Furniture Work's [sic], 496 Groton Rd, Wsd		692-0220
Jolly Tar Furniture Stripping, One Oak, Chel		256-8008

    
    Check with these places to see how they strip furniture. Some of these
    places use the DIP method. They actually dip the piece of furniture in
    a chemical solution for a couple of hours/days until the varnish is
    removed. This method however has some adverse affects, like loosening
    glue, and sometimes causing the wood to warp. The reason they do it
    this way, is because it's cheaper.
    
    Mike

You might try Ralph Curcio on Rt 2A in Gardner, MA.  We bought two chairs for
our kitchen island there, with caned seats and backs.  Very nice.  I believe
he does repairs as well. 508-632-1120.

SJ

    
    	Furniture Rehab in Leominster.  I don't know the phone number,
    but they do advertise.
    
    	I just had an oak pedestal table and four oak chairs done, cost
    was $185 for all.  Very impressed with the job they did.  I had a
    couple of pine doors done by another company (now out of business)
    and was not satisfied.   
    
    	Furniture Rehab will strip and refinish if you want.
    
    	Regards, Linda
    

    A good resource for DIY home concrete projects is either Redi mix
    concrete, or concrete express. You place you order, and pay for 
    what you use. Orders as small as 1/8th of a yard. I placed my order
    on a Friday for a Saturday delevery, I said I may need a yard or 2... 
    
    I had concrete express deliver 1.22 yds on a saturday. It was cheaper
    than what the 80 lb. bags would have cost me. The cost was  $134.53
    In bags it woud have been ~50 x ~$3.00 each. ($ 150.00). 
    
    I told the driver thay had the best kept secret in the industry.
    
    FWIW/Bob
                                                                         

    re: .35
    
    Sounds like a good deal, but how about a location and a phone number? 
    If not, it may just remain "the best kept secret in the industry"...;^)
    
    Thanks
    
    Freddie

    
    
    	Bob Tortorice, of Building Alternatives, is exactly
    	what you are looking for. His specialty is a constuction
    	consultant.
    
    	You can find him at 603-887-5717  
    
    	Ken Holland
    

I'm looking for a recommendation for seamless gutters in the Littleton, MA 
area.  I'm looking for someone to do cut and drop.  I've called a dozen places.
Only two have called back.  One doesn't have the color I want, the other doesn't
do cut-and-drop.

Thanks.

Elaine

    Does anyone have recommendations for deleaders and/or lead paint
    inspectors in the greater Boston area?

  I can recommend Dennison Environmental Associates in Brighton (?).  They used
instrumentation rather than the sodium sulfide test, and did a 5 room
apartment and spots on the exterior for ~$100.
	Linda

    RE: .41
    
    Deb, not to rain on your parade...but..if the man-made pond is
    functioning AS a wetland, you can't dredge or alter it without the 
    permission of the local conservation commission. Even if you made
    it yourself!
    
    If plants are growing, then it can be considered a wetlands. 
    Check with your towns conservation commission.
    
    Marc H.

From personal experience :-(

	Every termite company we called inspected free.  It is the cure that 
	kills your wallet (and presumably the termites).

	Most of these guys are SALESMEN though!  After talking to a few of
	them, you know more than most!  The first one even missed our
	infestation!  Glad we lined up a couple.

	Look in the bug recommendations in this file.  One of the most
	competent people we talked to was recommended herein.  (forget
	his name)

Stan

    The only locksmith that I have dealt with in Marlboro is Baroni.
    I have purchased stuff there, never had them install anything.
    They are located on a little street off the Rt20 bypass around
    Main St.

    I recently had Clinton Electric Motor Repair (or some such name),
    140 Brook St. in Clinton, Mass., replace the bearings and generally 
    check out an aging 1hp motor for me.  I found them very nice people 
    to deal with, the cost seemed reasonable ($26.90), and service was
    fast (next day; I probably could have had it the same day if I'd
    needed that kind of turnaround).
    
    Might be worth investigating if you need motor repair work.

    re: .47
    
>   fast (next day; I probably could have had it the same day if I'd
>   needed that kind of turnaround).
    
    Wow!  That is certainly better than the 5 MONTH turnaround (and $86.00
    price tag) for a 1/4 HP motor I have that needed a bearing replaced! 
    Even if the company hadn't moved to out of the area I certainly
    wouldn't take another motor there.  Sounds like you've found a great
    place.
    
    -Bob

    I need a bathtub refinsher who services the Brokkline area. My parents
    had their tub refinsihed 15 years ago........it is now show age be
    blistering/peeling.  Thew old finish will have to be stripped, etched
    and refinsihed.
    
    Any recommendations good or bad will be appreciated. Feel free to send
    mail to AKOCOA::SELIG or post as a reply here.
    
    Thx,
    
    Jonathan

    Read all 49 notes....
    
    I am looking for someone to install my air conditioner.  I would like
    this contractor/handyperson to cut through the wall and have the AC
    unit installed since none of my windows are large enough to place my
    current unit.
    
    So, I'm looking for a handy person/contractor in the Worcester MA area.
    
    Thanks
    Joyce

    I'm not sure this really fits under "contractor recommendations,"
    but I feel like telling people about this guy.
    
    We're going to tear out the upstairs of our house pretty soon.  
    Remembering the plaster dust (!) of previous renovations, I
    wanted to get a truly industrial-grade vacuum cleaner to deal
    with it.  I found one in a catalog (Lab Safety Supply) with a
    HEPA filter capable of dealing with extremely fine dust, but
    I decided I'd try to buy it locally first to see if I could get
    a better price.  
    
    I went to Assabet Sewing and Vacuum on Main St. in Maynard.  It's
    a tiny hole-in-the-wall shop with barely enough room to walk in.
    I showed Mark the catalog illustration.  He called the manufacturer
    of that vacuum - or tried to.  Finally he got through to them and
    got the name of their local distributor.  He called the distributor twice 
    and got only an answering machine.  In the meantime, he looked around
    and found another, similar vacuum available from another distributor.
    He called them several times (they answered their phone!) and found
    out about prices, options, attachments, etc. for me.  He pointed out
    ways I could buy aftermarket attachments and save money.  He really
    WORKED to help me.  In the end, he came up with at least as good a
    vacuum and saved me a couple hundred dollars compared to the price
    of the mailorder vacuum I was looking at initially.  I also feel a lot
    more confident that the company will respond if I ever need service.
    He's still waiting to hear from the distributor of the first
    manufacturer's vacuum cleaner.
    I was impressed by the level of effort Mark went to.  I've bought a few 
    other things from him in the past, and I've always been pleased.
    

    Looking for a person in the Uxbridge/Northbridge/Sutton area who
    will clear away copious amounts of brush and branches that have
    been piled up on my property.  The pile is about 15 high by 20
    feet wide at this writing.   
    
    I don't know the area well, so all recommendations are appreciated.
    
    Nancy 
    MODEL::CROSS
    DTN 297-4449
    

Any recommendations for garage door/opener contractors for the Boston metro
west area?  Anyone used Northeast Overhead Door in Newton?

Thanks.

Hi,

Our well water is too acid and it is eating the copper from
our water pipes.  I've looked through this notesfile and haven't
been able to find any recommendations for water treatment companies.
Can anyone point me in the right direction or recommend someone
in the greater Worcester, MA area?  Our house is in Boylston.

Thank you very much,
Lisa

    	We had this problem. In fact, the pipes were springing pinhole
    leaks all over the place. That's fine if you're setting up a tropical
    rain forest environment in your house, but it posed a problem for us.
    	We had all the old pipes yanked out and replaced with new stuff.
    The old stuff was the cheaper grade 1/2" copper pipe. It was replaced
    with the better grade (code now in N.H.) 3/4" copper pipe. At the same
    time, the plumber installed an "acid neutralizer" treatment
    system...which basically just looks like a water softener. Water from
    my well tank now passes through this big, blue tank (which looks like a
    6' tall scuba tank) to neutralize the acidity. The water PH from the
    well was around 5.5 and is now around 7.5...give or take...The
    neutralizers, such as this, add some hardness to the water. So if you
    also have hard water to start with, you may need both a neutralizer and
    water softener. Our water was not very hard and didn't require a
    softener.
    	The plumber who was doing the work recommended this particular
    neutralizer, having installed it in multiple houses in my neighborhood
    and with good results. I checked around, and they were all around the
    same price. So I just went with his recommendation.
    	I don't recall the brand name off the top of my head, but I can
    check if you're interested. By the way, you might also experience some
    loss in water pressure after running through the tank. We went to the
    bigger pipe along with the tank, and there was no aggregate loss in
    water pressure as a result.

    If you're interested in remodeling, I would recommend the custom
    woodworking skills of Mike Gendron, MLG Woodworking, in Mont
    Vernon, NH (603)673-9231).  
    
    Mike recently built a painted corner hutch for me.  His work
    is of a very high quality, and I was very pleased with the
    finished product.  
    
    Mike has fifteen years of experience designing and building
    free-standing and built-in styles -- hardwood as well as
    laminate.  Ask to see his portfolio.  Mike also restores
    antiques and fine collectibles.
    
    Tell him Irene Neforas sent you.
    

    I have also used the service of Dave Wimer, of Dave's Cabinets in
    Norwood.  He does custom kitchen cabinets as well as any type of wood
    furniture (does laminate too, but prefers wood).  Excellent quality,
    and easy to work with

    I am looking to hire a moving company to move me in the 128/West area. 
    Does anyone have anyone they can recomend?

    
    This is a recommendation for Outdoor Power Equipment of Nashua,
    who recently replaced the engine on my Ariens.  Very good service
    and fast turnaround.
    
    Colin.

    
    We need a cedar siding contractor recommendation, we're
    in Westboro, MA, so anywhere from Framingham to Worcester,
    north or south of there.  Thanks.
    

    Any comments on Walpole Woodworkers or Reliable Fence Co,
    both in Mass., for sales and installation of fences would
    be appreciated.  They are quoting me vastly different prices and I
    wonder if there is any way such a difference can be justified.
    
    Replies here or mailed to me are welcome.  I'll post the outcome after
    the work is done.
    
    thanks,    
    Dave Sorrells  

Walpole does wonderful work, but they charge top buck for it.  They're about
the only local source for the really fancy fencing and use very high
quality materials, but I think they're overpriced.  They're sort of the
Rolls Royce of fencing.

We got a quote from them for some screen fencing (not stockade; something
a bit fancier); it came in at $5000.  Penney Fence in Londonderry is putting
in essentially the same fence (perhaps not quite so "refined" in construction,
though), for $2600.

I don't have any experience dealing with Reliable.

				Steve

You will pay about twice as much when chosing Walpole.  For that extra 
money you do get a very high quality fence and very good workmanship.  
Whether it is worth the money is up to you.  I do like their paint coating 
it is practially bulletproof and should last many, many years.  I believe 
they use a similar if not the same process used on Childlife playsets.

It was not worth the money for me however.  To put in 90+ ft of salem 
picket, painted, 3ft and 5ft gates, and caps was over $3000 if I remember 
correctly.  

We had NEFCO of Westford do it for $1300 (not including the caps) using #1 
cedar and the large 5x5 square posts.  Took them less than a day.  

    
    This is a recommendation for Gate City Fence Co of Nashua, NH.
    
    They installed 92' of "John Hancock" style cedar fencing for
    us yesterday.  At $1,400 it wasn't the lowest quote but they
    came across as being the most competent & reliable when we were
    obtaining quotations.  
    
    They came when they said they would, worked hard to finish the job
    in about 4 hours and did a neat, quality job.
    
    Colin
    
    

    Thanks for the replies.
    
    Just to let everyone know, we ended up going with Reliable Fence and
    got about 130 ft of cedar post & (round) rail somewhere around $1200 - 
    Walpole would have charged over$ 2000.  They sent one guy who did it in
    about 6-7 hours.  He arrived 1 hour early and was open to discussing
    the final details and following my instructions.  They had somehow
    measured wrong - I was right with the guy and didn't catch it.  No
    problem - the guy called the office and they sent out another section.
    Fence is straight and level.  We'll see how it holds up.  I found a
    fence from Walpole in my neighborhood.  It looks good and is perhaps
    higher quality, but not worth double the price.  

    I need a contractor to work on a solarium in souther New
    Hampshire (Nashua). 
    
    The solarium has a glass roof with seals, some of which are leaking.
    I do not know who installed the solarium, so I cannot go to their
    service.
    
    Thank you,
    David

    Crossposted from note 2013/Flooring-refinisers
    
    My cousin just purchased a home that has wide horizontal wooden walls
    in many of the rooms. The boards are approx 6-8" wide, with a concave
    groove running along the bottom 1", and appear to have been stained and
    then treated with some type of oil (tung, perhaps). Although the house is 
    50+/- years old, the walls are in good shape, and rather than rip them out 
    or cover them over, they'd prefer to have them refinished to a somewhat 
    lighter shade. With the other work they need to do, they don't have a lot 
    of time to spend on these walls, and are willing to pay someone (if they 
    can find one) in order to get back on schedule.
    
    Can anyone recommend a contractor who would deal with something like
    this? (FWIW, she's having the hardwood floors refinished, and every one
    of the contractors who came to estimate the floors declined to bid on
    the walls, so perhaps they're not equipped to deal with such things,
    but I thought I'd ask anyways...) 
    
    BTW, the house is in Lynnfield, MA, approx 20 miles north of Boston.

    Looking for someone to fix your water pump?  I had NO water on
    Christmas eve due to a wild storm and a knock out of power.  The power
    cord coming to my house had been severed and I was getting low voltage
    (115V or less) coming into my home which burned out the switch to my
    water pump (course I didn't know this at the time -- all I knew was
    I had NO WATER and envisioned a problem with my water pump)..so I
    called Terry Spellman (AQUATEK) in Shrewsbury, MA.  He responded within
    1/2 hr and diagnosed the problem for me.  Unfortunately, I had to have
    the electric company fix the "juice" problem so that I had 220V coming
    to the house before Terry could replace the switch on the pump..but
    if it weren't for Terry's troubleshooting experience, I would have
    been S.O.L. and would probably have gone through a lot of unnecessary
    expense with other pump companies.
    
    So next time you run into a water pump problem..call Terry Spellman
    at 800-254-4426.

I am looking for someone to remove an old metal bulkhead (the steps and
enclosure are metal, not just the top) and install a new poured-concrete
or cinder-block (not precast) bulkhead and metal door.  References for the
Nashua, NH area would be welcome.  Thanks.

					Steve

    
    Does anyone have any experiences (good or bad) with Ace 1 Fence Co in
    Leominster?   We are thinking of having them install a fence around our
    pool.  
    We got a quote of $1800 for 140' of 4' high spaced cedar picket, with 2
    gates.  This is apparently a busy time of year for fence companies,
    because we've called alot of them,but only 2 have actually returned our
    calls and given us a quote.  I think I can live with this price, but
    would like some feebback on the company.
    Any input would be very helpful.
    
    Thanks,
    -Lynne
                            

    I would also like any opinions about Ace Fence in Leominster.  Dave
    Fletcher (owner) gave us an estimate of $1400 for 190' of 4' black
    vinyl covered 9 gauge fence w/2 4' gates.
    
    thanks,
    
    jm

    I'd like to recommend
    
            Bob Hohmann
            154 Graniteville Rd.
            Chelmsford, MA
            1-508-251-7124
    
        Bob is a first-rate contractor. When he's done work for me it was
        prompt, on-time, reliable, thorough, and reasonable. He does it all
        from framing, sheetrock, roofs, screen porches, fencing, foundations
        etc.

                      <<< Note 2034.72 by CAPNET::ROSCH >>>

	Enough with plugging Bob whatshisname!  

    On a topic related to fencing contractors/chain link:
    
    I am getting quotes with wild price swings for what I think is the same
    fence.  Which leads me to the question: Are all black vinyl 48" chain
    link fences created equal or should I be asking some critical
    questions about gauge, thickness of vinyl, etc.?  I'd hate to go with
    the lowest bid only to find out I also got the cheapest materials!
    
    tnx
    
    Chris

    Chainlink fences definitely come in different gauges. Also, go check
    out their previous installations. I've seen some real poor jobs and
    I've seen some very good ones.
    
    Just my two cents.

I'd like to put in my recommendation for All Around Fence Co.

All Around Fence Co.
Fitchburg Ma.
(508)343-2919
Peter Croteau - prop.

No bells and whistles with this guy ! Just straight talk, no B.S.
you trust me and I'll trust you attitude. You pay him in small
unmarked bills and he'll cut you a good deal. Of course he takes
plastic but the price goes up.

He has two guys that do the actual installs and they are very good.
Peter does the gates and overall finish work.

We got a 4' #2 cedar picket fence with 5X5 cedar posts. The pickets
are double nailed and not too rough looking. Peter made the gates and
the post caps and they look great. Heavy duty hardware too.

There was a slight delay in installation because he was having trouble
getting the cedar, his main supplier was out. Once he got the material
the fence (24 sections) was complete in 3 days.

Half way through installation I changed my mind on how I wanted a
corner done, they had to re-do two posts, no problem, no extra charge,
they didn't like the way it looked either.

Anyway, the price came out to $81 per section installed ! That included
caps, hardware and gates ! Anyone else we called was $100 + per section. 

He installs all types of fences and doesn't limit himself to the
Fitchburg area.

Randy

    My stockage fence needs about 30 new posts and 2 gate units.
    I have estimates for about a thousand dollars for the job.
    I called the lowest which was John's Fence Company in Billerica.
    He wants half of the cost immediately and the other half
    when the job is done.  Is this reasonable?  In addition, he
    wants to sign the contract and collect the half down about
    two weeks before he is scheduled to begin working.  Is this
    reasonable?  I also got bids from Tim's fence and Shannon
    Fence all in Billerica Ma.  Has anyone dealt with these?
    
    Thanks
    Jill 

>>                     <<< Note 2034.77 by HPCGRP::DIEWALD >>>
>>                  -< fixing a fence - half payment up front? >-

If there is a significant amount of materials that he has to *SPECIAL*
order for your job,  then 50% at signing might be appropriate.  If not,
I'd give him 50% when he shows up in the morning and the rest when you
have inspected the work.  I would *NOT* give that much just for signing
the contract.  If he doesn't want that,  find someone else and let him
know why!

I had a company this summer pour a $4000 foundation on a handshake
with the money due when he was done and he took a personal check!
(If he had wanted money up front,  I would have wanted a contract though.)

Garry

    Any leads to anyone in Greater maynard area who will dig fence post
    holes. I have 5 non-trivial holes left to dig for a stockade fence (e.g.,
    must get through embedded stumps or zig zag through rocks). 
    Thanks, Ernie                          

    Looking for a basement-water-problem solver who would do work in the
    Arlington, MA area. I'm not sure the solution is a sump-pump, exterior
    grading, or gutter runoff redesign.
    
    Thanks for the help.
    
    Art
    

    Can anybody recommend a PUBLIC ADJUSTER to handle the repair estimates
    and negotiations with the insurance company. I need somebody who does 
    adjusting work in the Acton/Maynard area.
    
    I used a public adjusting firm out of Hingham last time and they 
    were very successful in negotiating a fair settlement with the
    insurance...but these adjusters don't want to travel to Acton. 

    Has anyone had any experience with Joe Goodman?  He's a fencing
    contractor.  Please reply both good and bad experiences to me via
    e-mail.
    
    Thanks,
    Carol.