I took a trip to Home Depot the other morning before Winter Watch 2010 struck. No, not for salt or snow blowers, but to look for a new water heater. I had gingerly peeled back the ancient thermal wrap from the water heater in the garage to find the model number. It was so old it appeared to be written in Roman numerals. Okay, not really but it was the original unit from this house built twenty years ago. I was a little amazed it hadn’t completely given out yet but my tub would only fill up about a third of the way before the hot water ran out, so off I went.
I looked for a slightly larger model, a fifty gallon, and proceeded to set up delivery and installation. I was able to get a rebate of fifty bucks, but after adding delivery, installation, a psi pressure gauge, a permit and the contractor’s winter vacation plans to Hawaii, that fifty bucks was a drop in the bucket. When I asked if the additional pressure gauge was absolutely necessary, the woman told me I could choose not to install it, but I would have to sign a waiver that said if my house blew up from the gas line, they wouldn’t be held responsible. I opted for the gauge.
The perils of buying an older home include upgrading/replacing all the non-sexy stuff-garbage disposals, roof, windows, air conditions and yes, water heaters. For the cash I have poured back into this house, it should look “pimp my crib” worthy (although I probably wouldn’t have a flat screen tv the size of a minivan in my bedroom and my fridge wouldn’t be stocked with Cristal and Red Bull). I pat the walls of my home and tell her that she is “pretty on the inside” and that’s what counts. Sigh. My plans for granite counter-tops and new appliances will have to wait another year. I think I hear the toilets running and the chimney’s leaning a little to the left…
What is your money pit story? If you could upgrade anything,what would it be? (husbands and wives don’t count)
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