Newly Seperated Single Mom Freaked Out By Home Maintenance- Need Advice Please!!

[Anonymous]

Hi!

We live in an older, in ground basement home that is way too intimidating for me to take care of myself. I am trying to break things down a bit so its not overwhelming and keep reminding myself, I have been the one in our relationship that always took charge with the problems and managing the contractors.

HOWEVER, what I need and not sure if this exists out there- is to hire someone (think home inspectorish type), that I could hire in the Spring and Fall of each year to go through a checklist for home mainteance and inspect things like the gutters, foundation, sump pump, AC, heat pump etc etc. and depending on what they say, I would hire that specific contractor to do a repair.

I work FT and have two toddlers, I dont have the time to do the checkllist myself and we have already had some issues with our home due to the lack of maintance to things like our HVAC. Instead of hiring and researching individual contractors, it would be nice to hire one person to do the checklist with me. I could do it myself, but I have no idea what I am looking for.

Suggestions appreciated!

[Anonymous]

A good home inspector would likely do this for you. I have found them to be pretty knowledgeable on maintenance issues aside from just the stuff they look for in a real estate transaction, and many of them know lots of contractors they can recommend. I'd just call a few and talk to them about it.

I'd also highly recommend an Angie's List subscription. It's a little bit scammy, as businesses have to pay to be on there, but it was a huge help the first year we owned our home to get a large volume of reviews. I don't know about your area, but reviews seem few and far between for handymen, contractors, etc for my area on Google/Yelp/the web in general. Angies' list was awesome that year.

[Anonymous]

There are plenty of checklists on line for free.
Right now, just fix anything that is broken. In the fall, you can worry about the maintenance.
Also, can you ask your Ex what he did in terms of maintenance?

[Anonymous]

I don't know anything about this company but I saw their truck at the hardware store awhile back and it seems to be exactly what you're looking for. I have considered calling them ever since I saw the truck bc DH and I are not handy, at all.

http://www.myhasslefreehome.com

[Anonymous]

Google a home maintenance schedule. The first one I get is from Lowes and seems very reasonable: http://www.lowes.com/cd_Home+Maintenance+Schedule+and+Checklist_1297357358_

Honestly, I would not want to pay for someone to look around for problems because I think you need to learn how you house looks and be able to notice changes. Just walk around for a few minute and try try to notice little details. That way, you can notice if a new hole or crack appears or if some paint starts pealing.

Then, I would find one or more contractors. You will likely need several (such as a handyman service to clean gutters, touch up paint, an HVAC service, and a garden service to trim trees).

[Anonymous]

You don't need a home inspector to do this, just a trusted handyman or even a good neighbor.

[Anonymous]

I Just checked their website. It looks great and exactly what I need. Especially like the monthly maintenance Honey do lists. Unfortunatley, home maintenance was not in my husband's wheelhouse. I was generally stuck being in charge which is why HVAC system was neglected- I didnt know things like air filters needed to be changed. Anyway, the website says the costs for monthly starts at $200/month and the monthly is required. I think that is too much for me. I will research home inspectors and see if they can do a seasonal checklist for me. I found various checklists on line but my issue is that i dont have time to do it myself and i wish I had someone with me doing it because i dont know what to look out for.

if you guys have any more suggestions or home inspectors you trust, please pass on! thanks

[Anonymous]

That sounds really expensive, OP. Basically, your HVAC needs to be checked once a year, maybe twice. I use Bethesda Refrigeration - have for over 20 years. I forget the cost of the maintenance plan - maybe $280 per year, plus cost of any repairs. They can show you how to change air filters, which you either wash or replace for nominal cost at Home Depot.

As for other maintenance, find someone to clean your gutters in the spring and fall. My lawn service does it and I pay $20 per hour. I think it adds no more than $40 to my bill when it gets done.

I'm sure there are other things, but these are the biggies. If you hire someone to check your house a few times a year, you are going to have a house that is in top notch shape because you will be repairing and replacing when you still have time. It's their job to find things that are wrong, but not everything that is wrong or worn needs to be replaced.

Another thing. You can learn how to do anything on You Tube.

[Anonymous]

Hi. I'm recently divorced and remember the panicky days following separation. I think that oh-crap-how-am-I-going-to-do-this feeling is driving your desire to, IMO, go overboard on preventative maintenance.

You have so many other things to focus on right now. Separating is a big adjustment for you and for the kids. It's obviously emotional and draining and expensive. And it can zap your ability to think clearly, and lead you to over-correct.

For now, like a PP suggested, just fix what is broken. Have the HVAC inspected once a year. Put a note on your calendar to have the gutters cleaned in the fall and turn off the water to the hose.

It might be worth having a one-time home inspection to get information on things like how old the roof is and when it is likely to need replacement. The inspector can also tell you what maintenance is needed on various things.

[Anonymous]

You can replace your own HVAC filters, 4 times per year.
Hire an HVAC company to do a yearly inspection (unless your machine is only a few years old)
Hire a lawn service to mulch in the spring and deleaf gutters in the fall
Check radon abatement periodically to make sure it is on
Look around your basement periodically for leaks
Learn how to shut off and drain outside plumbing hoses every winter (it is easy)
Check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors twice a year

What else are you worried about? You can probably do it yourself. You got this!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can replace your own HVAC filters, 4 times per year.
Hire an HVAC company to do a yearly inspection (unless your machine is only a few years old)
Hire a lawn service to mulch in the spring and deleaf gutters in the fall
Check radon abatement periodically to make sure it is on
Look around your basement periodically for leaks
Learn how to shut off and drain outside plumbing hoses every winter (it is easy)
Check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors twice a year

What else are you worried about? You can probably do it yourself. You got this!!

Me again. You can also hire a company every year or two to clean dryer vents.
Hire a plumber - once - to show you how to drain your hot water heater. Then do it yourself once or twice a year. He can also show you how to shut off outdoor water pipes.