@Adam AdamsWhile what constitutes "C+" versus "B-" has some subjective elements to it, I would say that you can find 11 cap deals.

Placing as many elements as possible between the building and the street will create a feeling of separation, and provide distraction from that pole.This should be easy, could be done two ways... remove the concrete on either side of the entry, and fill the area with simple, zero-maintenance landscape plants.

Review and approval of the documentation concerning the property; Completion of satisfactory physical and environmental inspections of the Property; including suite inspections.Completion of satisfactory due diligence search and examinations;Satisfactory review of the title of the Property;Satisfactory first mortgage financing being arranged for the purchase of the Property;Satisfactory second mortgage being provided by the Vendor for the purchase of the Property;7.

There is no reason to expose your own property to harmful elements that are avoidable.

Proper due diligence includes an Asbestos Survey, Lead (paint and ceramic tile) Survey, Property Condition Assessment (ASTM E2018 - I helped write it), and for many properties, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment.

The elements beat against the front door and you're coming in with wet shoes for a good part of the summer months.

Unless you intend to restore wood windows and other specific elements you might want to skip this.

Or you hire an environmental firm to do the job - they will seal the area while working and check air samples afterward, and they handle all disposal too.

Figured out one of the heating elements was dead.

That said, as @Pat L. mentioned, running stand alone flue pipe through a masonry chimney is not uncommon at all, for the very reasons you're asking.Keep in mind though, you'll likely need a custom cap made to keep out the elements and critters.On another note, if the chimney is "flaking all over the place", is it sound?