We're in the same Boston area, and we have a natural gas boiler with steam heat. The boiler dates from the 1970s, and it works just fine. The water gets drained monthly. However, it's old enough to become problematic, and rather than take chances, we're thinking of replacing it. Besides, a new one would surely be more efficient. Several years ago Bay State Gas gave us an estimate for a Weil-McLain EG35. Prices rise, but at that time, the proposal was $6,430, including everything - electrician, labor, permits, boiler,stock & removal & 1-year service plan. A price like that is about what we see on line, We're just beginning our shopping, and trying to do our best in product quality, workmanship & price. People who know what they're doing (e.g. the staff at Economy Plumbing Supply in Dorchester) think the rebate is much higher than the $200 on the quote though, and we'd like opinions about boilers that might have been bought/installed by area homeowners. Has anyone had work done by Rob Weinstein, Al Pell or Bob Donahue? They seem like competent plumbers, and we plan to find comments on the 'net - and who can tell without experience?

Our pool is 25 years old and we just this month had it resurfaced with Wet Edge Satin Matrix Pebble finish. Our pool had no leaks or cracks, the original plaster was in good condition but the original color was a green/black plaster and that had faded heavily with all of the gas chlorine that was used by a pool maintenance company. A lot of people are going to Cartridge filters because of their ease of maintenance. We also added a salt chlorinator. My pumps had small leaks so I pulled them out and took them to the local Leslie Pool store. When you bring the pumps in they do not charge for labor, only the parts. My main pump cost me $35 to get a new seal in it and the Polaris booster pump cost $18 to get a new seal and O-Ring. The pool now looks brand new and we love it. The dark color of the Wet Edge Midnight Sea even raised the temp of the pool about 5 degrees. With no solar, no blanket the pool is at 83F in the San Francisco Bay Area with daily air temps in the mid 80s. ..Doyle

Thanks for the replies! I measured the skylights from the inside and they seem to be 39 x 41. Not sure if the Velux Fixed FS S06 will fit, or if I'll need to get the FSR. The roofing company here in CT was saying it's going to cost $1185 to replace each skylight. So basically like $2400. That involves flashing and trim etc. That sort of seems insane. I was thinking maybe $1600 for both. We already signed the roofing contract but that was before I decided we should replace the skylights. Please let me know if that price seems way out of line.

Thank you for the feedback - MUCH Appreciated. - I'll check out the Garage Door windows. The Garage Door definitely needs painting! Yes FL - We are in SW FL - Near Sarasota. I'm thinking about SW Urbane Bronze for the gutters and possibly the siding. The siding I'm struggling with - SW Evening Shadow or SW Crushed Ice also 2 that seem to be recommended with Alabaster which is the 'safe' color choice for the body. Greek Villa (another thought) seems to have a slight pink undertone. Unfortunately you can't really see the front door, except when is the front porch area. But it's a sweet sitting area with a lot of potential. We also need new screening in that area and will go with the dark bronze to match the pool cage. This small area has siding, stucco and the door to figure out paint colors that will work together There is a slight grey/blue in the roof shingles which is why I thought that could work. But then again I'm spinning and looking for help and appreciate the advice! The landscaping also 30 years old so that's a project coming soon. Along with interior needs. The house is deceiving in size. Inside it opens into an split & open floor plan with cathedral ceilings.