A Single Mom’s Guide to Residence Development
When I purchased my household 9 years ago, my boy was about to turn three and I reveled in the security of possessing my slice of the classic American dream. Becoming a single mom was (and is!) both demanding and satisfying, but I knew that getting a house to call my very own was the very best point that ever happened to my son and me.
My household was ten yrs old when I bought it, and it was in exceptional overall condition. Still, as time passed, a variety of issues cropped up. I think my way of handling (or not handling) home improvements is fairly typical for single women who own their very own houses. Hopefully, my experiences will help you to navigate the waters of home improvement. Here’s what I’ve learned:
1. You’ll be able to go places with a great guide plus a tool box. The Christmas in the year I moved in, my sister and brother-in-law gave me a tool box filled while using the essentials: screwdrivers, wrenches, a hammer, nails, nuts and bolts, and so forth. They also gave me a publication on simple home repairs. Their gift actually provided me using the resources I required, however it also gave me confidence that I could tackle minor home improvement jobs. My advice: invest in some tools and use a book or on the web sources to guide you through the regime upkeep that your home demands.
2. Request for guidance. Like an one woman who is now 49 a long time aged and has restricted information of more complex home improvement problems, I’m usually afraid that I’ll be taken advantage by a repair firm. When my air conditioner conked out on a 100-plus degree day, for instance, I had no method of understanding if I definitely essential a new unit. I’ve realized to call on neighbours, family members members, and close friends – whose collective knowledge exceeds mine – to get their impressions. They’ve steered me within the appropriate direction on a number of occasions.
3. Retain tabs within the neighbours. All in the houses in my immediate vicinity were built by the exact same builder at roughly the same time. Obtaining to learn my neighbors and talking to them about home improvement has helped me get a sense of what to program for. As an example, two years ago I began to determine that the houses all around me were beginning to obtain new roofs. Although I did not have a leaky roof, a few months back I made a decision to re-roof. I wanted being proactive so I didn’t get stuck with the expense of drywall repairs additionally to the cost of a brand new roof.
4. Ask for referrals, and then examine them yourself. Via my neighbors’ referrals, I’ve been capable to discover an exceptional roofer, an impeccable exterior house painter, plus a terrific tile guy. But I do not just rely on their word. I often – repeat, often – examine with my state’s contractor licensing board to verify their licenses and with all the Far better Business Bureau to check on past complaints. I get all estimates in writing, and ask for proof of insurance.
5. Do not set your head from the sand. There has been more than just one occasion when I’ve chosen not to deal using a home improvement issue, and I’ve usually regretted it. I knew, as an example, that the exterior look of my fire place had some dry rot. Sadly, by letting it go for so extended it cost me a lot far more than if I might have dealt with it immediately.
6. Make a record. This last bit of advice is basic, but important. Start and keep a home improvement list. Like a single mom, it’s all as well effortless to acquire caught up inside hectic pace of everyday life and let regimen home maintenance fall by the wayside. I divide my home improvement record into three sections: just one for items that require attention within the subsequent three months; just one for home improvement work for the coming 12 months; and a single that maps out what I desire to achieve with the residence above the subsequent five many years. The short- and medium-term lists maintain me motivated, while my long-term record helps me save the cash essential for the big-ticket items.
Donna Wilson will currently be utilizing the particular Single Mothers Guide to provide her useful insight. For more information click on Single Moms and http://www.singlemomslife.com
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