The bane of a homeowner's existence.....repairs! We built our house 16 years ago, and when it was ten years old we reached the point were it was patch, Patch, PATCH! You'd think a new house would stay "new" longer.
We've replaced the elements on the oven, an ice maker in the fridge, a dishwasher, water heater, air conditioner, washer and dryer, and seven windows. The doorbell has been re-wired, and the one of the furnaces has received a new motor. Oh....and the air exchange fan in the attic has been replaced.
I sure hope the rest of you have had better luck with your appliances and electrical equipment.
We have a steel door that has leaded glass inserts. When the door was about twelve or thirteen years old, I realized that the outside handle was loosing all it's plating. I decided to buy a top of the line replacement. I went to a hardware store in our area that carried this line. We were restricted in type based on the holes that were already in the door from the previous handle, but there were still a number to choose from.
Unfortunately, the hardware store encouraged me to "sub-contract" with one of their less than experienced employees to install the door handle and lock. When it failed to function, I called them back, and one of their more experienced employees came out. He worked on it for several hours, and I still wasn't satisfied. Finally I called the maker. That handle is guaranteed for my lifetime! They sent me the parts that they thought I needed....for free!
Thursday, I called a locksmith. Those guys don't come cheap, but it was worth it to get that cartridge installed in the door and have a working door handle once more! He showed up at the appointed hour, worked for less than an hour, and cleaned up what little mess he made.
It's possible that having a functioning door once more is better than any of the other repairs we've made, and Dear Husband didn't have to do it! I'd say it was a win-win situation!
Comments (6)
Hey girl, it sounds like you have had hubby experance! LOL! Hey we never use our front door any way! The hall is normaly full of somethin! Have a good Sunday.
Posted by Joe Smitherman | May 22, 2005 8:35 AM
Posted on May 22, 2005 08:35
Those home repairs are the only argument for renting. We have replaced the roof shingles, two large windows and the slider. This year we will be replacing two more large windows. The siding really needs replaced, but we will wait on that until we get the addition built.
Posted by Bogie | May 22, 2005 8:44 AM
Posted on May 22, 2005 08:44
I reckon that's why people move into brand new houses every 5 years. No repair bills, ever, and no need to redecorate.
Posted by Blue Witch | May 22, 2005 3:38 PM
Posted on May 22, 2005 15:38
Joe, we only use the front door for the UPS guy and major holidays. But, when my entire family gathers for Thanksgiving, having a door that doesn't open properly is a pain in the patoot!
Bogie, I totally understand. We'll be getting a new roof this year. The shingles are actually crumbling off, so it's past time.
BW...I never thought of that. It's also incentive to keep from buying "STUFF" that will have to be moved. Clever thinking. But, I'd have to start new gardens every year, and I'd loose my view, and privacy. I guess the repairs are worth it for this house. Besides, when we do sell, we'd have to make all those repairs, so we might as well do them now, so we can enjoy the benefits of our labors. Come visit, and we can go carpet shopping together! *G*
Posted by buffy | May 22, 2005 4:03 PM
Posted on May 22, 2005 16:03
Joys of home ownership Buffy....I won't tell you how long I have lived where I am...and there are things that need to be done. Most appliances do seem to need replacement every ten or so years....depending on availability of funds of course. Good re your door handle.
Posted by Dr. D. | May 23, 2005 3:08 PM
Posted on May 23, 2005 15:08
Yeah, yeah yeah, Doc. (grinning)
I know that everything has built in obsolescence these days. I just didn't realize how much time had passed. Getting the door handle repaired has totally perked me up!
So, why won't you tell us how long you've lived where you live??
Posted by Buffy | May 23, 2005 5:02 PM
Posted on May 23, 2005 17:02