Would like your input on a dilemma I'm facing that is impacting my completion of HGP Week 1. I may have mentioned before that I have a deck top-rail that's rotted and needs to be replaced, along with some baseboard and crown around the main deck posts. The deck sits on larger posts and overhangs over part of the garage slab. Contractor originally bid it last April, using vinyl covered cedar, same color. However, that was rejected by the townhome association board -- it has to be painted wood to conform with the existing structure. Contractor came back out for a second look and to remeasure. He doesn't want to do the baseboards unless he can do them all. They were done with a MDF-type product that has started to delaminate. He's suggested that I just remove the delaminated part and paint what's left, if I'm not going to rebuild the entire deck. He thinks that, once you start removing the base trim, you're likely to open up a can of worms. I GET that he would like a bigger job, but I'm not willing to go that far, since the association has been kicking around replacing deck rails with an engineered product, after the current roofing project is completed (another 2-3 years). It's not that I want to do it on the cheap, it's the division between what the Association covers (the posts and trim below the deck) and what I'm responsible for (on the deck, limited common element). I'm concerned that, if I spend a bundle to rebuild it entirely, that the association will decide to change things in a couple of years and it will have all been for naught. Do it on the cheap now, and just seal and paint the trim pieces? Try and find another contractor willing to replace the delaminated wood, in addition to what is rotted? Finding someone to do a small job has been difficult, to begin with, so I'm not sure which way to go. Thoughts? Until I get this resolved, my HGP Week 1 will remain unfinished. Argh!!!!