Q. I hired an architect to do plans for my commercial building after I got caught running a sports program. It didn't seem like a problem. more

Q. What can you tell me about solar on my house? Do I need a permit and will it really make sense for me? I am near retirement and if I downsize in about 10 years, I don't know if it's really worth it. more

Q. What can you tell me about solar on my house? Do I need a permit and will it really make sense for me? I am near retirement and if I downsize in about 10 years, I don't know if it's really worth it. more

Q. I want to change my home heating system to something that uses biomass, to save money and energy, but I’m not sure it would be allowed in this area. I’d want to burn wood chips, animal pellets or corn. What’s your take on this idea? more

Q. I tried getting help from my town about zoning but they told me they don't give it out. They told me to get an architect. I just wanted to know how far out into my front lawn I can build a … more

Q. I don't understand why I have to get so many permits for things on my property, and why the town wanted plans of my entire house when I was just finishing my basement. I read your column on … more

Q. I'm hoping you can settle a question that has come up between bidding contractors. Two have told me that you don't order cabinets until the framing is done. This will add a six-week delay to the project. Do people order their cabinets off the architect's drawing or wait for the framing to be done? more

Q. My husband and I live on the top floor of a seven-story co-op. The building management has reduced the number of hours the roof exhaust fans are running. The air is stagnant, odors move from apartment to apartment and over the winter, temperatures were close to 80 degrees, sometimes with the windows wide open! more

Q. I was working with an architect who didn't live in the area. He was my neighbor, but moved to work about two hours away. I learned that he never really did work in my town before and didn't know the rules. Although he apologized and referred me to other architects who do work locally, I really feel stuck. more

Q. I want to change my home heating system to something that uses biomass, to save money and energy, but I’m not sure it would be allowed in this area. I’d want to burn wood chips, animal pellets or corn. more