Owning a home may be the American dream, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Owning an older home is grounds for the asylum.
It started with piers to stabilize the front of the house a couple of years ago and this year, everything that can possibly break, has.
While re-painting the living room and hall, I found the patio door was leaking and called out a contractor. Not good news. They had to replace the door.
Cha-Ching.
I’ve still got sheet-rock repairs to do on that wall so I can finish the painting in the living room and get away from the makeshift curtain, also known as a bed sheet.
A couple of weeks ago, I noticed a drip from the living room ceiling. Yes the same ceiling I just painted last fall – before the door project. First thought was the roof, but it hadn’t been raining. Second thought was plumbing, although my plumping is in the slab. So, I assumed it was duct condensation and placed a call to the AC folks. The latter was the case. I was hoping they could repair the offending duct. Not in the cards. The ducting, probably installed in the early 80s, had deteriorated and needed complete replacement. The total replacement of the ducts, return air, plenum and manifold was completed yesterday.
Cha-Ching.
Now you’d think that would be the end of the tears for now. Not so quick. While in the attic, the installer noticed a roof leak over the garage. Apparently when the utility company buried the power line to the house a couple of years ago, they didn’t cap or seal the penetration into the soffit left behind when they removed the old connection. Of course it’s leaking and I didn’t notice it. Not that I spend my days on the roof, nor has my focus been on the roof lately. I called a roofing contractor this morning and, thanks to a cancellation, they’ll be out this afternoon. I’m hoping for a repair, but my luck hasn’t been all that great lately. Likely, it’s going to be a roof replacement.
Cha-Ching.
Nothing I’ve mentioned could be delayed. Everything is emergent and has to be repaired now. Will that be the end of this saga? Doubtful. It’s an old house and things such as these are all part of owning a home. Right? It would be nice, though, if the home-gods would space it out some. At this rate, future repairs are going to be paid for with rolled up quarters.
The joys of home ownership? I’ve had enough joy for a while.
Roof update
The roof can be repaired. $900. Believe it or not, that’s good news.
I’m having an adult beverage now.