In response to the Sunday Telegram editorial (1/14) on triple deckers, living in a triple-decker was, for me, a wise housing choice for years - as a tenant. I imagine there are many more like me who would benefit from such an arrangement, but the economic commitments on the part of the property owner have to be acknowledged and addressed.
Structural issues of triple deckers include:
First: Age of wooden buildings. Inspections are required to determine the health of the building.
Second: Balloon-frame construction was common when 3Ds were built. It uses long, vertical 2" x 4"s for exterior walls extending from foundation to roof. It's a savagely efficient conduit for fire.
Third: Electrical outlets - When 3ds were built, a single electrical outlet in every room was sufficient. Amperage was low compared to today's expected requirements. If not upgraded or not upgraded to code, occupants can overload the electrical circuits with space heaters, etc. No surprise that the Christmas season coincides with house fires.
Fourth: Lead paint - Law-compliant deleading can be more costly than the owner's original purchase cost (if it's an elderly owner). The laws with which I'm familiar allow a temporary reprieve to property owners to 'encapsulate' the lead paint (coat it to prevent chipping) if they are renting to families with infant to preschool children, but property owners are expected to seek permanent remediation, and required under law to provide temporary accommodations to tenants while work is done.
Christina P. O'Neill
Worcester