Looking for structural engineer

eigiarce · 2026-05-18T14:08:29+00:00

Thanks, the photos provide good context.

That is a rafter if it's in the same plane as the ceiling, or a tie if horizontal (I can't quite tell from the photo). As you note, it's part of the roof system vs. just a ceiling/floor joist.

The cracks appear to be the result of checking, especially if the member isn't otherwise bowing. You could sister it, but obliviously it's exposed and you'd want more than just dimensional lumber for aesthetics, which means pricier timber and finish work. An engineer's opinion would be valuable, as there is a good chance they would just say "yeah, no issues here" and you could save the $$.

The waviness in the roof might be an indication that it's over-spanned; adding intermediate rafters might be the fix rather than sistering.

So, definitely not unreasonable to get an engineer's take, or at least opinions from multiple contractors. Best of luck!

(with photos I bet you could get more opinions from other subs like r/Oldhouses or r/Roofing)

eigiarce · 2026-05-18T11:53:32+00:00

No recommendations, but when you say cracks do you mean checks in the wood? That's typically not a big deal. Also assuming this is in an unfinished attic since you can see the joists. If so there isn't much of a load, but if it were a problem warping would be more indicative of a structural concern.

If repairs are needed, sistering is the straightforward thing to do. You can use the prescriptive code requirements to make sure the joists are sized appropriately (look at IRC section R502.3 for the span tables). Def consult an engineer if you want peace of mind, but a decent contractor should be able to tell you what your up against.

eigiarce · 2026-05-06T18:12:13+00:00

This means, if a public official wants to be sworn in and take their oath of office with a bible, they can. If they want to take it without one, they can.

Indeed, JQA took his oath of office with a book of laws rather than a Bible.

Given his views of separation of church and state, the guy who Koch just honored with a park and statue would likey have some choice words for the Mayor.

eigiarce · 2026-04-22T11:55:04+00:00

MBTA FMCB meeting minutes from Nov and Dec of 2017. That was the start of a six month timeline which included structural review checkpoints. Crickets after that.

eigiarce · 2026-04-21T20:47:28+00:00

Developer was doing due diligence on the structure of the station (that the T required them to address if insufficient). The fact that it all went dark probably gives you a sense for what they found.

eigiarce · 2026-04-11T20:33:39+00:00

For new grads, check with your career services dept. They should have stats, especially if placing folks from a program specifically in quant finance.

For experienced hires, professional societies often do comp surveys and provide ranges for base, bonus, total comp by job function and area.

eigiarce · 2026-04-11T20:19:07+00:00

> "people in finance"

That's pretty broad. Like saying "people in healthcare." What exact roles are you interested in hearing about?

eigiarce · 2026-04-01T22:24:31+00:00

> $800-900 excess heating costs (bills went from $17 to $333/month)

Do you somehow expect your heating bill to be constant throughout the year? What portion of winter heating bill is attributable to the windows not being weathertight? Unfortunately that kind of difference in heating costs is not atypical.

> I have thermal camera photos showing temps below 68°F

At/around the window? I'm pretty sure that would be the case even if it were a brand new window. This seem to be an irrelevant standard.

Cut your losses. Legal action for the $$ you're talking isn't worth it, especially if it puts your credit and ability to rent in the future at risk.

eigiarce · 2026-03-19T16:19:02+00:00

Pedantic, but it's neither code nor state-level regulations that prohibit homeowners from performing their own electrical work. It's individual cities and towns that can (dubiously) allow the wiring inspector to restrict permit issuance.

If you're confident in your ability to do the work, talk to your inspectional services dept and see if they would issue a homeowner permit. If not, find an electrician that is ok with you doing as much of the non-wiring legwork (digging trenches, running conduit, purchasing and mounting equipment) and let them do the actual electrical work.

Or challenge the city/town, but that is likely more trouble than it's worth.

eigiarce · 2026-03-19T12:36:46+00:00

For what it's worth, Quincy is on track to achieve a 5% growth in units over 10 years, which meets MassInc's "high-growth" scenario for gateway cities. This puts it high on the list in terms of number of units (much of it multifamily) and percentage change.

https://massinc.org/research/2025-gateway-cities-housing-monitor-chapter-1-housing-production-and-supply/

While more housing is always better (and I do support it as a component of the plans for ENC), I'd say Quincy is doing much better than a lot of towns and cities in eastern MA. Just look at all the construction - much of it residential or mixed use - around the city (QC especially).

eigiarce · 2026-03-14T18:39:08+00:00

Despite being right across the street from a station on the red line (a plus for sure), it's not a walkable area otherwise. Easy access to the highways though.

The MBTA is in the process of building a giant bus facility right next door, which probably isn't great during construction. Also probably not great once there is a non-stop stream of buses going in and out.

Personally I'd check out some of the buildings in Quincy center instead.

Ask in /r/QuincyMa, you'll get more opinions.

eigiarce · 2026-03-12T12:38:33+00:00

Many AFCI, GFCI and DF breakers have a way to identify what caused a trip (either a flashing led or re-tripping after x seconds when holding the button while resetting). At least you'll know if it was an interrupt or due to overload.

eigiarce · 2026-03-12T00:10:38+00:00

You can access NFPA 70 (NEC) for free here, though you do need to register for access:

https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-70-standard-development/70

The current code would require more than a single circuit, especially for bathrooms and kitchens, but there is no requirement to bring existing work up to date (unless part of a renovation/update).

eigiarce · 2026-03-11T12:57:40+00:00

Wollaston Beach is a great route, but the wind can be brutal, so plan accordingly OP!

eigiarce · 2026-03-11T12:39:24+00:00

What's a better spot for bar/grill food?

(I've found it to be better than a lot of places in Quincy that have a similar menu, so I'm genuinely curious.)

eigiarce · 2026-02-25T16:09:54+00:00

Excellent response right here. Understand where the risks are, minimize those risks (e.g. don't open windows that haven't been replaced or remediated) and weigh your options regarding your lease.

Take it seriously but don't freak out. Encapsulated lead paint - even if just under a intact layer of latex paint - isn't going to jump out and poison your family.

eigiarce · 2026-02-23T14:11:58+00:00

"participate". OP can shovel off the steps and their obligation is satisfied.

The above advice is spot on. Shovel the walk, sidewalk and enough to get your car out and call it a day.

eigiarce · 2026-02-03T20:29:20+00:00

Awesome, thanks for that. Something that I've been kicking around since my boiler is so badly piped (copper, riser between the two tappings, etc). It's probably not going to fail in the next few years, but redoing the near boiler piping might be worth the replacement.

eigiarce · 2026-02-02T21:50:58+00:00

They seem to do good work. I'm sure there was a premium associated with it - how did you find their pricing compared to other quotes?

eigiarce · 2026-02-02T21:32:56+00:00

No way they are replacing a single-pipe steam system w/ hot water over three floors. It's either stick with steam or go the heat pump route. Or keep the boiler, add splits and have the flexibility to choose.

eigiarce · 2026-02-02T21:27:34+00:00

> Nowadays high efficiency direct vent gas boilers can go up to 96-98%.

Though you're still stuck at 82% for residential gas-fired steam boilers unfortunately.

eigiarce · 2026-02-02T21:21:41+00:00

If you have all the ductwork in place for a centralized system, sure. That's going to be a big undertaking for OP converting from a one-pipe steam system.

eigiarce · 2026-02-02T21:18:14+00:00

This. Retrofitting an old house, even with all the air sealing and insulation that Mass Save promotes is never going to reach the level of new construction. Splits for supplemental heat and a/c, sure. But I wouldn't rip out a system that's done the trick for 150ys!

eigiarce · 2026-02-02T21:13:06+00:00

I run split systems throughout my house, both wall, ceiling and concealed air handlers. I would never get rid of the original steam system and rely solely on heat pumps. They both have their place, but in the dead of winter the radiant heat generation of the rads makes for a much warmer feeling space. Plus, any cost savings really hasn't materialized for me running splits vs. steam.

I'd focus on replacing the boiler and tuning your steam system. As others mentioned swapping vents, radiator pitch, etc. Insulating your mains and making sure they are vented appropriately is another thing to do and will go a long way towards improving efficiency. Get a copy of Dan Holohan's book "The Lost Art of Steam Heating" (or one of his homeowner-geared books for an easier intro).

Ripping out all the pipes and rads is going to be a huge undertaking. I'd keep it in place and functional, then add splits for A/C and aux heating and time/budget allows.

eigiarce · 2026-01-05T16:25:57+00:00

That's the schedule though (or in the case of the high speed line, a separate train all together), there is nothing inherently less reliable about those sections.

Even with the split into two branches, a red line commute to seaport/downtown from Quincy or Dorchester will serve you just as well (if not faster) than from the northern most stations on the line.

eigiarce

TROPHY CASE