Home Ownership Projects

Posted on Thu 07/21/05 in My So Called Blog

I’ve decided to compile a list of what I call “HOPs”, or home ownership projects, which I’ve overcome since the purchase of my first home just over a year ago. Now, keep in mind, I have a background in computers, not construction or plumbing or electricity or laying tiles or hanging stuff on the wall or any of that regular stuff that most adult men know. But, I am as resourceful as a librarian and do posses an incredibly logistical mind (if I do say so myself). I think I’ve been scared to take on projects because I’ve always been terrified that I will do it all wrong.

That has all changed…

I purchased a Fluke multimeter and a voltage detector; I’ve acquired some tools and a few good do-it-yourself books from Home Depot. Oh yeah, the Internet is my best friend when I start a project I know nothing about. But, what is the driving force behind my new ambition?

Well, two things: My wife; and Money. My wife tends to kick me while I’m down on the ground pleading with her to relieve me of the task at hand. I try repeatedly to convince her that I simply do not have the skills or the will to finish the project. But, she never gives in… She never seems to see my surrender flag waving in the air right in front of her face. She just tells me to “Do it!”... And, somehow, I do.

Money is my other motivation. I rarely mind paying someone to do work that I don’t know how to do or don’t want to do. But, with project frequency on the rise, I’d prefer to save my pennies for emergencies (like floods, or projects involving protozoan).

So here it is… (Remember, I had absolutely zero experience with the items below)

THE LIST:

Water pipe fitting broke (inside the wall) and flooded the bathroom [JOB COMPLETE]
The fix: Tebbe Plumbing knocked holes in three walls and replaced the fittings.
Cost: $600; Money saved: $0

Water not going down the toilet bowl in master bathroom [JOB COMPLETE]
The fix: I fixed it! After a quick estimate from Roto-Rooter (they said it could cost $200 to determine problem) and about a month of procrastination, I pulled the toilet from the ground and sprayed the hose into every hole I could find (on the toilet, that is). Turned out that when our wallpaper was taken down, some fell into the open toilet tank. This inhibited the water from spraying out the hole in the top of the toilet bowl that propells the water down the hole.
Cost: $20; Money saved: $180

Five ceiling fans to hang (two in 20’ vaulted ceilings) [JOB COMPLETE]
The fix: I fixed it! I hung them all wobble-free.
Cost: $0; Money saved: ~$200

Dryer smells like there is a forrest fire inside [COMPLETE]
The fix: I tested and replaced the thermostats in the dryer ($30) and cleaned out the exhaust path and filter on the roof. We also had Dryer Vents Unlimited come out and clean the vents (just to be sure – $95). The dryer has completed 5 loads in its first week of operation.
Cost: ~$135 Money saved: ~$150+
Last update on 7/21/2005

No hot water [JOB COMPLETE 7/9/2005]
The fix: I fixed it! After testing, doing some reading, and consulting Grandpa Bob to confirm I wouldn’t blow up the house, I replaced the heating element.
Cost: $16.50 Money saved: ~$120

Install our new Over-the-Range Microwave Oven [Ongoing]
The fix: We purchased a new OTR Microwave to replace our counter-top model, mainly to free up some precious counter space. I’ve determined that I am going to have to cut the shelves above the stove to accomodate the new appliance. More to come…