So we’ve started getting some bills for the new house. They’re a bit higher than the old house, but we expected that as we have 3X the room compared to the old place. For perspective though, here are some things we’ve run into in our first month of home ownership:
1) in 7 years in Fairfield Jim and I used a total of 97,000 gallons of water at a cost of $25/month (which included not only water but sewage and trash too). In this house, thanks to the sprinkler system, we used 20,000 gallons in 4 days at a cost of $74. Ouch! Yeah, those puppies got turned down and we’re not disappointed that they’ve been officially shut down for the year
2) Speaking of the sprinkler system, the company who put it in has been paid for ½ the sprinkler cost and that’s it. We’ve called several times to pay them the rest, including the full $1700 for the backyard sod, and they won’t return our calls. We’re not sure why they don’t want the rest of the money owed to them, but when we finally did get a call back it was to do MORE service for us at no cost. Seems strange but we’re not arguing- we’re earning interest on their money in the mean time…
3) Our electric bill was high too – heating and cooling a 3300 sq. ft. house will do that I suppose. Good news here- when we cost compared to the old house’s cost on a monthly basis it was not only proportionate based on the sizes of the two houses, but this house was just a tad less comparatively.
4) We are officially getting mail. People magazine hasn’t missed a week! We do suspect the post office is holding some of our mail downtown though as it’s been lighter than usual as far as quantity.
5) I'm going to pull the trigger on the blinds today - $3300 for the upstairs and part of the downstairs. OUCH. Never had a clue how expensive blinds were.
So far, so good. Now if the old house would just sell and we had some equity to pay off all these people….
2023 Year in Review: Tough breaks, but it’s all right
11 months ago
8 comments:
Oh the painful joys of homeownership! :-D At least you are getting some interest on the money the sprinkler company doesn't want right now. :-D
Blinds are super expensive. That is something I would never have known if I didn't own a house. :)
Have you not been getting the junk mail?? I wouldn't complain about that.
One thing we probably won't do before we move out of our apartment is actually get curtains. The blinds in the living room are a little jacked up (have been since we moved in), but I don't want to get them replaced either.
I'm glad the new place is a little more energy efficient than the old one. I'm sure you'll find more ways to keep those costs down, too...
Too bad that you built so early. In another year or so Martin will be a fully grown architect. He is specializing on passive houses and ecological heating/cooling systems. He could've cut you those costs! :)
Regards, The Proud Girlfriend.
"a fully grown architect". Katrin's so cute!
Sounds expensive. I'd better start saving my money so I can own a place soon. like in 6 months. oi.
Hehehe, you never really hear about those hidden house costs from parents or older folks. Some are new to our times, and some are just so much a part of it that they don't think to mention it.
Just wait, there will be more when you least expect it :)
snopes.com/luck/stjoseph.asp
Time to get serious in selling the house, see the above link.
The difference in water usage is amazing! But your lawn will appreciate it :)
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