subject: A real Single Mother's Guide to House Improvement [print this page] When I bought my house 9 yrs ago, my son was about to turn three and I reveled for the protection of having my slice of the classic American dream. Being a single mom was (and is!) both demanding and gratifying, but I knew that owning a property to call my very own was the best point that ever happened to my son and me.
My property was ten yrs old when I bought it, and it was in exceptional overall condition. Still, as time passed, a range of problems cropped up. I think my way of handling (or not handling) home improvements is fairly typical for single women who own their very own homes. Hopefully, my experiences will support you to learn the ropes of home improvement. Here's what I've discovered:
1. You'll be able to go places using a very good guide and a tool box. The Christmas with the 12 months I moved in, my sister and brother-in-law gave me a tool box filled using the essentials: screwdrivers, wrenches, a hammer, nails, nuts and bolts, and so forth. They also gave me a guide on standard property repairs. Their gift literally supplied me with the tools I needed, but it also gave me confidence that I could tackle minor home improvement projects. My guidance: invest in some tools and use a publication or online sources to guide you through the program upkeep that your home requires.
2. Inquire for guidance. As an one woman who is now 49 years old and has restricted understanding of much more complex home improvement problems, I'm usually afraid that I'll be taken advantage by a repair company. When my air conditioner conked out on a 100-plus degree day, as an example, I had no means of understanding if I definitely desired a new unit. I've realized to call on neighbours, loved ones members, and good friends - whose collective understanding exceeds mine - to acquire their impressions. They've steered me inside proper direction on a number of occasions.
3. Retain tabs about the neighbors. All from the houses in my immediate vicinity were constructed by the exact same builder at roughly the same time. Getting to understand my neighbors and talking to them about home improvement has helped me get a sense of what to prepare for. As an example, two years ago I started to determine that the houses close to me were commencing to get new roofs. Even though I didn't possess a leaky roof, a few months back I made a decision to re-roof. I wanted to become proactive so I did not get stuck while using the expense of drywall repairs additionally towards the cost of a new roof.
4. Request for referrals, after which examine them your self. By means of my neighbors' referrals, I've been able to find an excellent roofer, an impeccable exterior property painter, and a terrific tile guy. But I don't just rely on their word. I often - repeat, often - verify with my state's contractor licensing board to verify their licenses and while using Far better Company Bureau to examine on past complaints. I get all estimates in writing, and ask for proof of insurance.
5. Do not put your head within the sand. There has been more than 1 occasion when I've chosen not to deal with a home improvement issue, and I've always regretted it. I knew, for example, that the appearance of my fire had some dry rot. Regrettably, by letting it go for so long it expense me very much far more than if I might have dealt with it immediately.
6. Make a list. This last bit of guidance is standard, but essential. Start and maintain a home improvement record. Being a single mom, it is all too easy to get caught up within the hectic pace of daily existence and let routine home maintenance fall through the wayside. I divide my home improvement record into three sections: a single for items that require attention inside the subsequent 3 months; one particular for home improvement work for that coming yr; and one particular that maps out what I want to accomplish while using property more than the subsequent 5 years. The short- and medium-term lists maintain me motivated, although my long-term record helps me conserve the cash needed for the big-ticket items.
