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Chimney cleaning exposes cracked crown

By Bill and Kevin Burnett, Wednesday, May 2, 2007.

Q: I have just had my brick chimney cleaned, and the chimney sweep said the crown -- the top layer of mortar covering the top of the chimney -- is cracked in several places and needs replacement.

The sweep took a photograph and I can see what looks like smoke stains around one of the cracks. I don't have a cap, but would like to get one. My house was built in the 1970s, and I understand they didn't always put them on back then.  more...

Think twice before prepaying mortgage

By Robert Bruss, Wednesday, May 2, 2007.

Editor's note: Robert Bruss is temporarily away. The following column from Bruss' "Best of" collection first appeared Sunday, April 16, 2006.

DEAR BOB: About two years ago, we refinanced our home mortgage and obtained a 5.25 percent fixed-rate mortgage. We loved the low monthly payments. Then, about six months ago, my wife inherited enough money to pay off our mortgage in full, which we did. Next, I received an excellent buy-out offer from my employer to take early retirement, which I did.  more...

Homeowner faces nearly $1M in fines for building without permits

By Robert Bruss, Wednesday, May 2, 2007.

Editor's note: Robert Bruss is temporarily away. The following column from Bruss' "Best of" collection first appeared Sunday, April 16, 2006.

In 1999, Jimmy Jen purchased a dilapidated single-family house.  more...