A Single Mom’s Guide to Property Improvement
When I purchased my home nine years ago, my son was about to turn 3 and I reveled in the security of owning my slice in the American dream. Being a single mom was (and is!) both challenging and rewarding, but I knew that having a residence to call my own was the very best issue that ever occurred to my son and me.
My property was ten years old when I bought it, and it was in fantastic condition. Still, as time passed, several different issues cropped up. I believe my method of handling (or not handling) dwelling improvements is relatively typical for single women who own their own properties. Hopefully, my experiences will help you navigate the waters of residence improvement. Here’s what I’ve learned:
1. You may go places with a superior book as well as a toolbox. The Christmas on the year I moved in, my sister and brother-in-law gave me a toolbox filled with all the fundamentals: screwdrivers, wrenches, a hammer, nails, nuts and bolts, and so forth. They also gave me a book on simple residence repairs. Their gift literally provided me using the tools I needed, but it also gave me confidence that I could tackle minor property improvement projects. My assistance: invest in some tools and use a book or on the net sources to guide you by means of the routine maintenance that your house requires.
two. Ask for suggestions. As a single lady who’s now 49 years old and has restricted understanding of extra complex residence improvement troubles, I’m usually afraid that I’ll be taken benefit by a repair business. When my air conditioner conked out on a 100-plus degree day, for example, I had no method of realizing if I seriously required a new unit. I’ve learned to contact on neighbors, family members members, and pals – whose collective understanding exceeds mine – to acquire their impressions. They’ve steered me inside the correct direction on many occasions.
3. Keep tabs on the neighbors. All the houses in my immediate vicinity had been built by the identical builder at roughly the same time. Having to know my neighbors and talking to them about property improvement has helped me get a sense of what to strategy for. For example, two years ago I began to determine that the houses around me were starting to get new roofs. Even though I did not possess a leaky roof, a handful of months ago I decided to re-roof. I wanted to become proactive so I didn’t get stuck with all the expense of drywall repairs furthermore for the price of a brand new roof.
four. Ask for referrals, then examine them yourself. By way of my neighbors’ referrals, I’ve been able to locate a superb roofer, an impeccable exterior house painter, and also a terrific tile guy. But I do not just rely on their word. I generally – repeat, normally – check with my state’s contractor licensing board to verify their licenses and with the Superior Business Bureau to verify on past complaints. I get all estimates in writing, and ask for proof of insurance coverage.
5. Don’t put your head in the sand. There has been more than one particular occasion when I’ve chosen not to take care of a house improvement situation, and I’ve always regretted it. I knew, by way of example, that the exterior of my fireplace had some dry rot. Sadly, by letting it go for so extended it price me much more than if I would have dealt with it instantly.
6. Make a list. This last bit of suggestions is standard, but critical. Begin and maintain a residence improvement list. As a single mom, it really is all also straightforward to obtain caught up in the hectic pace of daily life and let routine property upkeep fall by the wayside. I divide my property improvement list into three sections: one for items that need attention in the subsequent 3 months; one for residence improvement projects for the coming year; and one particular that maps out what I choose to accomplish with the house more than the next 5 years. The short- and medium-term lists preserve me motivated, even though my long-term list helps me save the revenue required for the big-ticket items.
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