Ok, so the main problem with the new house, the one that everything is pretty much hanging on, is the back deck. It is enormous, two story, and it is basically the only yard there is to the house right now, as the house sits on the crest of a steep hill, and the rest of the property is currently unusable. The property can be terraced and built up to make a yard, and we’ve seen previous bids to do it, but as it sits right now, the deck is the only playspace the kids will have for awhile.
And it’s rotting and sliding down the hill because it wasn’t built properly.
So, before we finalize anything, we need to find out just what $$$ amount we’re looking at to replace it. So far, there have been vague numbers thrown around by the inspector and the contractor I took out there yesterday. And the numbers were in the high 20 to 30 thousand dollars.
Mercy.
So, we’re looking at options. I’m heading out with another contractor this afternoon to get hopefully more of a specific bid, and to look at re-building a smaller deck.
The sellers will meet us part way on the cost, but they aren’t going to hand over no $20,000. Certainly. And I don’t even want to build that much of a deck, particularly if I’m paying for it, because we do want to put in a yard at some point, and possibly even an addition down the road, and I’d hate to have to rip up an expensive, perfectly fine deck that we had built to do it.
See?
Lots to think about. Lots to do.
Plus, the attorney that is working on my car accident case has started calling again, so things are beginning to happen there, and have to be wrapped up or filed by March 27th.
So there’s one more thing on my plate suddenly.
We hired a roofer this morning, who thinks he can start replacing our current roof beginning next week. Thank heavens.
And I’m trying to lock down the contractor that was out here yesterday as to when he can start on the other home repairs we have to do before listing our house.
Which I’m not even going to DO, (list our house) if this other house deal falls apart, because I’m NOT going to put myself in a position of having to move with nowhere to go. Or, having to buy something I don’t particularly like because if we don’t, we’ll be homeless.
Not gonna do it.
Happy knitting to you all. I’m amazed I still have fingernails.
January 31st, 2006 at 2:42 am
We got a bid of $25,000 to build a deck, but then were able to find someone to build it for 10. Still a boat load of money, but less. However, we’re not on a hill. But I just wanted to let you know that bids can really vary. I think the first time we asked some seriously upscale builders.
January 31st, 2006 at 3:02 am
Ugh, what a series of headaches.
I’ve just had a few months like that (minus baby and moving…), where the list of absolutely essential to-do items just grows and grows. I know that for you the end isn’t really in sight yet, but I hope that everything works out, and that you’re able to take things one at a time. You generally seem to manage beautifully, but this must feel like a lot at once. Good luck with it all!
January 31st, 2006 at 4:10 am
Deep breaths. It’ll all get sorted out. It’ll be ok. Knit a little to take the edge off. 😉
January 31st, 2006 at 4:54 am
Hang in there Laura.
January 31st, 2006 at 5:11 am
a deck isn’t nearly as exciting as a tribal burial ground, but stressful none the less. You are in my prayers:)
January 31st, 2006 at 5:54 pm
Wow, this is indeed a lot happening all at the same time !! At least one thing’s for sure, your last weeks of pregnancy will fly! On the other hand, I’m sure the mere thought of moving to a new bigger house must be so exciting !!
January 31st, 2006 at 9:57 pm
Eeek! I will risk being a party pooper! I think you need to back away and cool off!!
Experienced people will tell you to never buy the first house you look at, and never buy a house that needs a ton of money to fix it up. A house on a steep hill with the deck falling down the hill??? In an area that is always rainy?? Who’s to say the house won’t follow suit??? No yard for the kids to play in??? I am sure that you can find a house that is in a good school district, with a play yard, that does not need major work. In the meantime, put the new roof on your current house, and swim to shore before you drown in stress and major problems!!
January 31st, 2006 at 11:45 pm
Um, yay house? Yeah, that probably wasn’t helpful, was it? Still, I have faith that this will all work out (for the best) for you and yours. Just remember to breathe and take breaks. (And to eat chocolate, because seriously! I can not get enough of that stuff for some reason.)
February 1st, 2006 at 2:50 am
Poor Laura! May you have peace and strength through all of this!