Hello,
Long time reader, first time writer. My SO and I are about to buy our dream home in MD. The home couldn't be more perfect: - 15 min commute to his work (I work from home, most days) - 2 blocks from the water and not in the flood zone - closer to our family in PA - small town feel, walk/bike to restaurants/ice cream/bars - large enough (5,000 sq. ft) to bring his parents to live with us (they are older and do not have a retirement set up) - ALL ORIGINAL Mid-Century Modern post and beam, floor to ceiling glass and ALL THE WOOD (swoooon)
The process of buying the home has been quite a nightmare, the sellers believe we are getting a "great deal." This is the homes first time on market, the home was designed by a local architect and the family lived in it until a couple years ago when the father passed away leaving it to his daughters (all with families of their own and retired or about to retire.) Because of the age of the previous owners maintenance was not kept up but the daughters are insistent that the home is in great shape, yet none of them have lived in it for the past 20-30 years. -_-
Anyway, we had the home inspected yesterday and there were things we knew it needed but others not so much, as expected with a home built in 1969. We are getting the house appraised on Monday so that will help with our decision on going through with the purchase. I don't want to be stuck in a money pit and resenting my dream.
My question to you all with a home of this age what would be the first hurdle you would want to clear? What time frame are we looking at? Our inspector was the guy that thought everything should be immediate and didn't know how the house is still standing. I said it was like Mr. Burns and all the bugs/virsus/bacteria stuck in a doorway...I don't think he got the reference.
- Trees/Roof -1-3 months on tree/1-5 year on roof - Slanted roof has moss growing on rocks (most likely because of tree in front yard), I want to cut down numerous trees (dead, dying, garbage trees) I say we cut down in the first 1-3 months, pick off all the moss and see if we can get a few more year(s) out of the roof before replacing with a Tesla roof since they're coming out this year and MD offers tax credits/grants
- HVAC - 1-3 year? From 1975 (has had updates/inspected dates) but is from 1975. There are 3 AC/furnaces (zoned) that are currently working but who knows for how long. I would like to update the HVAC with geothermal since the cost will be comparable. Thinking about getting the highest home warranty to have it covered, and then update to geo when it kicks (don't know if this is kosher yet, but I don't want to replace with builders grade)
- Plumbing - First 1-3 months, the water pressure is at 120 psi, the regulator broke. Hot water heater has PVC attached and some other BS needs to be fixed, leaking pipes (due to water pressure), pipes under sinks that need replacement
- Moisture in Basement - 1-2 year? - could be because of clogged or broken french-drain, could be an easy fix or a total overhaul. We would also have to waterproof it after the french-drain issue was resolved.
- Light bulbs - 1st month - I know this seems small compared to HVACs and french-drains but because of the size of the house (2,500 sq ft first floor, 2,500 sq ft basement) there are no lie, 8 BILLION lights in this house! Regular bulb and long fluorescent (workshop style) ones that light the door/windows.There are least 20 fluorescent bulbs and as for your regular 60w and 100w....billions. I want to replace everything with LEDs 1. because there are a ton of dead bulbs 2. I like all my artificial light to match 3. LEDs save monies in the long run but the upfront cost after pricing bulbs at our local big box wholesale food store, we're looking at $700+ Has anyone bought from GreenlightDepot or recommend another online bulk LED site?
- Refrigerator - 1st month - Don't even get me started, the sellers are taking the 2002 generic white plastic side-by-side fridge. I wanted to replace it, but not immediately.
- Washer/Dryer - 1st month - There is only a dryer, figured we would try and buy a new energy efficient set.
- Doors/Windows - 5+ years - They work but original.
- Kitchen appliances (stove/oven/DW) - 5+ years ^
- New Front Door - have to find a MCM (with rectangular windows) that will fit but will paint the current one right away
- Patio - 5-10+ years - want to do slate and eventually do a small rectangular in-ground pool with a Balinese inspired garden in the backyard. I can handle most of the gardening and design. Was thinking about collecting slate from pool tables to make a patio, has anyone done this? I know people make the slate into counter tops.
I think that covers it. We are dumping all our money into this house, I wish we had the bank roll to buy the house and fix it up to current standards right away but we'll be on a budget after we buy and start paying the mortgage. With all that has been said, I feel like I just threw up all my anxieties about the house... what would you do first in a home of this age? Any advice is appreciated. THANK YOU!!!
Submitted February 18, 2017 at 04:14AM by Giles_MCM http://ift.tt/2lfVQVb HomeImprovement
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