Ever Been Overwhelmed By Keeping Up With Your Home Maintenance?

[MushyMushy]

I don't know what to say if you can't get your husband to do any of the work! Does he know anybody who could do the work for less? We really lucked out and found a retired contractor who's been doing work here and there for us dirt cheap, and he's also teaching my husband as he goes along, so my husband is doing a ton of the work himself.

Doesn't he see the financial issues the same way as you?

 

[Christine]

I don't know what to say if you can't get your husband to do any of the work! Does he know anybody who could do the work for less? We really lucked out and found a retired contractor who's been doing work here and there for us dirt cheap, and he's also teaching my husband as he goes along, so my husband is doing a ton of the work himself.

Doesn't he see the financial issues the same way as you?

I have exhausted all avenues of getting this stuff done. The quotes I gave are the cheapest I could fine. We've had several estimates on the siding and the windows.

My husband is more inclined to borrow money. I'm not against it, but truthfully, I feel that we are borrowed up to my personal comfort level.

I just don't have a lot of cash flow. And before any looks at my signature and kindly suggests I stop vacationing , those trips were "suggested" by my mom and she paid for 90% of the trip (yes, I'm lucky that way) and my husband hasn't been on a few of them because he has to work.

 

[Christine]

Not to be mean, but welcome to home ownership! The only thing I can say, is do the things that protect the house from the elements first. That will prevent major damage, the rest is cosmetic, and can be done at a pace that won't break your budget

I understand, believe me. I've been a homeowner since 1988 (this is our second home).

I don't know if it's the area we live in or just the economy in general, but home repair costs have gone through the roof. When we had our first home, we put in hardwood floors, new carpet, finished the basement, and various other small projects. I found them all very manageable financially and my husband and I were making MUCH less money then. It just seemed that the cost to make repairs was more in line with my income.

Believe me, I'm really, really a frugal person. I just can find the extra cash to do these things. This is where I'm perplexed. I am just having a hard time accepting that I'm going to have to go into a fairly large debt anytime I want to fix something.

 

[clarabelle]

Don't feel bad Christine -I feel like if someone gave me a check right now for say 100 grand I could spend it all on the house!
Sometimes I wonder how anyone truly makes money on a house.

 

[miss missy]

I dont know how people do it I am in the same boat as you. Roof, windows, floors... paint every room of a 10 room house! and basement is done but needs paint and floor.

I think we have outgrown the size of house. I want smaller newer house with less to heat and less to fix!! But they dont make new SMALL houses!

I have ranted so much, that I have convinced DH that HE hates the house I just am sick of seeing so much to be done and know I dont want to pay for it. I think I lost my heart for the place.

I so know where you are at. I don't know what to do either.. I am going back to read and see if anyone gave you any good advice!

 

[Christine]

I dont know how people do it I am in the same boat as you. Roof, windows, floors... paint every room of a 10 room house! and basement is done but needs paint and floor.

I think we have outgrown the size of house. I want smaller newer house with less to heat and less to fix!! But they dont make new SMALL houses!

I have ranted so much, that I have convinced DH that HE hates the house I just am sick of seeing so much to be done and know I dont want to pay for it. I think I lost my heart for the place.

I so know where you are at. I don't know what to do either.. I am going back to read and see if anyone gave you any good advice!

Yes, I want smaller too! Not that 2,700 sq. ft is "big" these days, but it can be overwhelming. We cannot even paint our foyer or living room ourselves (or we must rent scaffolding) because of the 2 story ceilings. When we repainted the kitchen it was a 4 weekend project. When I lived in a townhouse, we could pretty much knock little project out in a weekend. Not so anymore.

My next door neigbor finally painted her master bedroom and bath and it took them several weeks and her husband threw his back out. (Tall ceilings again). I would love to sell and just get a townhouse or small house.

 

[Charade]

If it hasn't been suggested already...

If your siding is in otherwise good shape (it should be in only 13 years) and just that the color has changed, you can power wash it and then paint it. That would be a WHOLE lot cheaper than replacing it.

 

[ducklite]

Even a new house requires constant little repairs. My house turns three in a couple of weeks, and we've had to fix grout that's come loose as the house has settled, powerwash the exterior on a regular basis, and touching up moldings seems to be a constant thing. DH had to replace the "guts" in one of the toilets, the list goes on. We're already looking at the carpet in a couple of the rooms and knowing it will need to be replaced within the next five years, and the stucco exterior will need to be repainted in seven years at the most.

Fortunately my DH is super handy, so he can do most of the little things himself, but replacing the carpeting (possibly with hardwood) and painting the exterior are things we'll have to hire someone to do.

I feel your pain as far as those things we have to sub out. It's expensive. We're starting to stash away money already to pay for it all.

Anne

 

[Charade]

My Dfi has never owned a house and occasionally wonders why people buy houses for just the reasons you mention. She's always lived in an apartment since being on her own. Me, I prefer not having neighbors on top of my head.

 

[Christine]

My Dfi has never owned a house and occasionally wonders why people buy houses for just the reasons you mention. She's always lived in an apartment since being on her own. Me, I prefer not having neighbors on top of my head.

She's a wise woman.

 

[Tybug]

Home ownership will definately humble a person. You either learn how to make the repairs or pay someone to do so. We built our own home and during that time I learned how to do all kinds of things! Put up siding, paint, lay tile, etc. In the last 12 years I've learned how to put down hardwood floors, refinish solid wood stained doors, cut and put up molding and installed new bathroom vanities. This stuff is not difficult and if you really want to save money there are resources out there to help you learn.

Repainting the siding instead of replacing is a huge money saver! You could also look into spray on siding. That is really big here right now.

 

[mickeysgal]

We've been our home for 13 years. It was brand new when we bought it. 2,700 square feet, plus a basement. We have done our best to keep the house maintained, but now the big ticket items are hitting and I just don't know how to handle it. I refuse to get a loan for any of this because I'm still trying to pay off the loan for the flooring that I had done many years ago. Both DH and I work and make a decent living but I don't know how people can do the stuff they do.

So far we need all new siding because all of the houses in our neighborhoods turned "green." No, the HOA went and researched it and it is not covered by any warranty. Cost to replace siding - $15,000-$20,000K. This isn't a necessity and we've been living in the "green" (originally taupe) house for a few years now. But, we might like to sell soon...

Then the windows. Ever since we've moved in they have been CRAP. They are leaky, drafty. Common problem in the neighborhood with all the homes. Cost to replace: $15,000.

Two bathrooms: the grout is starting to go in the showers and needs replacing. DH works all the time and says "he cannot do". I can only imagine that hiring someone will cost a fortune.

Upgrade of stovetop, microwave and oven combo. Stovetop is already not working properly and hasn't for years. Combo is okay for now but not much longer. $3,000 to replace all.

Basement carpet is shot. Absolutely shot. Estimate to replace is $2,000 and this middle of the road carpet.

All of these things feel like they are looming and need to be done. The house is starting to look like a shack!

The things I have done is:

Put hardwood in the entire house (except basement) due to son's severe asthma/allergies - $20,000 (that was the loan several years ago--still paying).

Finished the basement - DH did this and I think he lost his mind over it.

Fixed driveway that has been eroded by underground spring ($2500).

Replaced countertops - $2800

Replaced sliding glass doors ($1,800)

Replaced dishwasher - $400.

How do people manage this stuff without severe debt. I just don't foresee how I can do this!

Christine, I really understand this, I really do. To have so many projects on your plate, it is overwhelming.

However, I will say that the projects I would pick to do first would be those that can be harmful or can cause further damage. The first one that jumped out to me is the grout. If your grout is falling out in the showers in two bathrooms and if water gets behind there, it could cause mold and damage to whatever ceiling is below that bathroom. Take it from me...we learned the hard way with this one.

We right now can afford the upgrades that we have been doing because we luckily just sold a house last year and did make a great profit on it. We're using some of that money instead of a home equity loan. So far we haven't needed a HELOC, but I would imagine that this is how some folks finance big ticket improvements hoping that they'll recoup when they sell. Or they refinance their HELOC into a new mortgage to eliminate their debt. With falling housing prices, this may or may not be do easy to do nowadays.

Since we tend to move alot due to DH's work, we carefully pick those projects that will bring us a strong equity return when we sell. We bought our current house last year at an undervalued price and hopefully can dress it up enough to recoup our money and make a profit to boot.

But you're right, I see other folks do major, major work that costs 10's of thousands of dollars, plus they drive great cars. I sometimes don't get it either.

 

[clarabelle]

DH and I often play the "how do they afford it" game. Yes I know it is none of my business -but we do wonder sometimes -are people in debt up to their ears? Rich Uncle? No retirement?

 

[mickeysgal]

We cannot even paint our foyer or living room ourselves (or we must rent scaffolding) because of the 2 story ceilings.

Isn't that the truth! Same here. Our foyer, living room, and great room have very, very tall ceilings. We need to replace these very ugly ceiling fans and foyer light. How simple is that? Not so very as we have to hire someone with scaffolding to do this as normal people don't have 20+ foot A-frame ladders. I know, I know, we bought the house like this. But I tell you, once we change these lights/fans, I have no idea how I'm going to keep them clean. Not that anyone will be able to see dust that high up.

 

[java]

Well I am the fixer in our house. My DH wasn't into doing anything(apartment guy) and I just can't see paying someone to do something I can do myself. Or at least try to do myself. (siding- mmm probably not)

I have re-grouted bathrooms- easy peasy. You can do that. And you will feel great after doing it because it is an instant gratification thing.

I patched and drywalled 2 holes in my son's bathroom- (dh kept saying he would do it but after a month of looking at them I just did it)

I have taken out toilets and replaced them. (that one you need 2 people to do- when you lift out the toilet.)

We are at the 7 year mark on our home and I hear you with it all kind of going at once. But I agree on making lists. The things you can do and the things you have to hire out.
Then prioritize that list. Siding- big item one that can wait until you are really moving. Windows- I would do now. Think of the money you are wasting with drafty windows.
Also are you just calling guys from the phone book- or are you asking around? Handymen are very capapble and usually are much more reasonable than contractors.
On the painting- you can RENT scaffolding. That is one I didn't do(have 4 children) but my nieghbor did it and painted his whole house himself. And knowing what a do it yourselfer I am he offered it to me when he was finished- but I passed. That one I left to the pros.

Think of them as one at a time. We have been getting landscaping quotes that are making my head spin- but we are looking into alternatives. Sometimes you have to be a little creative in your thinking.

Keep your eyes out for electronic sales for your stove top. Or even look into floor models (especially if you are moving) you can get a much better deal on them.
Good luck and I agree that at times it seems overwhelming.

 

[JunieJay]

Well our house is 105 years old, so yeah, sometimes home maintenance gets a tad bit overwhelming.

Every so often I dream of buying a brand new house, but then I consider how cheaply they are constructed and we just fix what ever needs fixed and hold our breath until the next crisis.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Every so often I dream of buying a brand new house, but then I consider how cheaply they are constructed and we just fix what ever needs fixed and hold our breath until the next crisis.

I have had 2 brand new houses and stuff goes wrong.

I swear we have a 'leaking-roof ghost' that follows us. We have had 3 houses and ALL of them had roof leaks.

The house we are in has a leaking roof, house it 2 yrs old. Not easy to get just a leak fixed.

 

[KelNottAt]

Christine, sometimes I wonder if you're my long-lost twin. This week I've found myself in a deep funk over all the things going wrong with our (14 yo) house, too. Not kidding, the following things have popped up just since MONDAY:

Riding mower died. Replacement will be at least $2,000. Thank God we're in a drought (j/k). DS is getting by using the weed wacker where the little bit of green is still growing.

Bag worms on our blue spruces. Had them treated yesterday. Not expensive ($150), just a hassle.

Heat pumps. We're a dual-zone house and one of the units sounds like a chain saw. Hmmm. Can't be good.

And - saving the worst for last - yesterday I discovered we have an underground water leak somewhere around our meter. County is coming today to determine if it's on our side of the meter, or theirs. I fear the worst; the grass is squishy on sour ide of the meter. I picture our whole front yard being dug up next week...and we're scheduled for vacation

 

[Christine]

Christine, sometimes I wonder if you're my long-lost twin. This week I've found myself in a deep funk over all the things going wrong with our (14 yo) house, too. Not kidding, the following things have popped up just since MONDAY:

Riding mower died. Replacement will be at least $2,000. Thank God we're in a drought (j/k). DS is getting by using the weed wacker where the little bit of green is still growing.

Bag worms on our blue spruces. Had them treated yesterday. Not expensive ($150), just a hassle.

Heat pumps. We're a dual-zone house and one of the units sounds like a chain saw. Hmmm. Can't be good.

And - saving the worst for last - yesterday I discovered we have an underground water leak somewhere around our meter. County is coming today to determine if it's on our side of the meter, or theirs. I fear the worst; the grass is squishy on sour ide of the meter. I picture our whole front yard being dug up next week...and we're scheduled for vacation

Uuugggh!! The underground leak sounds scary...hope it amounts to "nothing."

We also have the dual-zone heating/AC and were told recently that we better start thinking of replacements due to the age to the tune of $15,000!! Of course, the AC guy was probably trying to "upsell" me, but still. That's another one I forgot to add to my list.

I almost forgot, a few years ago our backyard was a swamp. My husband had tried the regrading on his own and had some improvement, but we are situated in the middle of a street that is a hill. We are in the middle of that downward incline and water was running through our yard like a river after every storm. We finally had to contract with a landscaping company to reroute the water from my neighbors yard to the back of yard and then install a big "retaining plant bed" with a stone wall. $6,000--Cha-Ching!!!!!

Yep, homeownership is not for the weak at heart!

 

[mallcat]

I can relate to all these posts.

We built our home 11 years ago, and I think I could tear it down and start over. We have learned how to do alot of home projects ourselves.

We tore out our bedroom carpet and laid prefinished hardwood flooring. Big job, but it looks so nice.

We have added on to our deck and make it bigger. Started out as just a square 10 x 12, now we have added another section, making it L-shaped. DH did all this himself. It looks so much better. We actually have room to move out there now. We added plants and torches and furniture, and it is so pleasant to spend time out there now.

We do all our own painting. DH just painted the detached garage. Now it needs new windows. I'm sure he will do that himself as well.

DH is a plumber by trade, even though he has advanced in his work to project manager. He can still do plumbing work and repairs. So, he takes care of doing all of that.

Our HVAC unit was fried by lightning and we had to replace that. Thankfully, DH did that as well and bought the unit through his company at a reduced price. He did the installation.

We had our wooden front steps replaced by brick ones. DH did the prep. We hired a mason to actually install the steps. Cost about $2000 maybe 7 years ago.

We had our basement finished 3 years ago to the tune of $19,000 which we got a HELOC for. DH didn't have the time to devote to something that large.

We had all the vinyl flooring ripped up on the main floor and replaced by ceramic tile about 5 years ago. Kitchen, powder room, hallways, laundry area, our master bath and walk in closet was done at a cost of $4,000.

Now, I would like new countertops and stainless in the kitchen. There is nothing wrong with what we have, it's just all almond colored. It is in perfect shape, I would just like to upgrade to granite and stainless. Not a necessity, so other things will take priority over that.

The front of our house needs to be landscaped badly. When we built, we were going to do it ourselves to save money. Now, 11 years later, it needs help. We have very little except a few shrubs that DH keeps trimmed. But, it needs sprucing up by a professional. Have no idea what this would cost.

Our upstairs bedroom carpet and bathroom vinyl needs to be replaced. Would like hardwood up there, but would be ok with new carpet and ceramic to be cost effective, especially since no one uses is now with the kids being grown. Would probably run about $3500-$4000.

Our front porch is all painted wood. We would like to replace it with vinyl and composite decking material in order to make it maintenance free. It is a real pain to paint all those spindles and keep the flooring looking nice without peeling paint. This project will probably be the next thing, with the landscaping after that.

We try to do a house project every year in order to keep the house from looking like it is getting shabby. Boy does it take lots of money! WE try to save where we can by doing things ourselves.