I decided to finally get some contract work done on my house.  Window replacement and moving the washing machine out of the kitchen and into the utility room.

For the windows I have 11 windows to replace with 2 actually becoming one picture window with side single hung sliders.  I called 3 companies, Home Depot, New Windows America and Renewal by Anderson.  The bids came in at $6000, $3700 and $12000 respectively.   Its still amazes me how much money you can save by getting multiple bids.  All three sets of windows qualify for the energy rebate.  The 3700 dollar bid will be a lower rebate since it is prorated on anything below $5000.  This makes sense since you don’t want someone doing 4 window replacements for $1500 and getting the full $1500 rebate.  After the rebate my total cost will be $2700.  Although I will pay $3700 up front, I will get the rebate on my taxes. 

 

Of the 3 plumbing companies I called, I only got bids from two, Cheaper Rooter and Umbrella plumbing and heating.  $800 and $1500 respectively.  While I would not hesitate using Umbrella Plumbing and Heating in the future if they had a better bid, (“He interviewed” well) I went for the cheaper bid on this one for a few reasons.  One, I have had Cheaper Rooter perform plumbing work on both of my rentals and they do quality work.  Two, I suspect that my old plumbing may not hold up to any major work as this.  I may be looking at a house repipe if things turn south.  I simply cannot afford what I expect to be $4000 plus from the other company.  If things turn bad, Cheaper Rooter will prevent me from having to sell my left kidney.

 

Work is set to start fairly soon on the plumbing and in about 4 weeks on my windows.  This will set me up nicely before the winter.  I am hoping both will help in the sale of my house when the time comes. 

 

Certainly the repairs on my house have cost me a pretty penny, but not to much more then I expected.   I have spent $3000 on a new furnace, $2700 on windows, $800 on piping, $800 in landscaping, and about $500 in other miscellaneous expenses.  ~$7800 so far.  That is not to terribly bad.  Not to mention I have learned a whole bunch about repair costs to houses.  What a very valuable learning experience.