Quote:
Originally Posted by gml1998
All the above info is pretty much dead on.
But lets not forget the other aspects of home ownership.
I own my home and also own a home repair business.I have seen and repaired
many things over the years.
I'll pass along a few thoughts.
1. I've cursed myself hundreds of times For planting all those trees in my yard 25 years ago as I rake all the leaves,clean the plugged gutters and clean the sewer pipes of roots.
2. You can never have a big enough garage or make sure your property is big enough to add on to or build an additional garage/workshop.
3. Basements are nice till the sump pump fails. Always keep a spare pump of the same type on hand (it's easier to switch out identical pumps).And usually when your pump quits the local stores are out of replacements.
4. Steep roofs are a pain to work on.I've been on some roofs that a mountain goat wouldn't go on.A 4/12-6/12 pitch is ok .
5. Don't go the cheap way on repairs. Do it once with good quality materials.
I had a customer that bought 7.99 a gallon paint and paid me to paint her living room with it.It took 5 coats to get it nice.She ended up paying me double in labor costs to use that paint. Penny wise and dollar poor!!!
6. 2 story homes are usually cheaper per square foot to buy but stairs are a pain in the rear.A master bedroom and laundry on the main floor would be my suggestion in case you can't use the stairs due to injury or old age.
A home is a long term commitment .Think long and hard about what you want in a home . Also ask friends and family what they have liked and disliked about homes they have owned.Use that info to help you .
This should give you a little to think about.
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A little late for responding to this post, but all of these are DEAD ON! My steep billboard in the sky roof resulted in $6300 replacement cost due to the pitch. Out "lets do the cheap fix" resulted in us having to pay for the repair more than once; the "we'll cut down those trees and it will be less leaves and pine to rake" just opened the door to other "landscaping issues" that need to be resolved....
GAWD I long for a condo again..... or at least a one level home....