Engineering a lasting finish For many property managers, an exterior painting project is viewed as a way to "freshen up" the look of the community. While the color change is the most visible part of the job, it is actually the least important factor in determining how long the project will last. ASK THE EXPERT: Q: We recently received painting bids that vary wildly in price. How can we tell which contractor will give us a finish that actually lasts in New England weather, and

ASK THE EXPERT: Q: We are comparing roofing bids, and the lowest proposal notes that they will 're-use existing flashing where possible' to save us money. They do not plan on flashing cheek walls or installing wall to roof transitions or other flashing to key areas of the roof. Is this a smart way to protect our budget, or are we setting ourselves up for future issues? A: When a condominium board reviews roofing proposals, it is natural to focus on the biggest line items: the