New house

[dragonbat2006]

Inspection was yesterday and there's precious little wrong with with it. According to the report:

• There's some knob-and-tube wiring we'll need to replace. Estimated cost: 4K and the current owners are willing to split it with us.


• Air conditioner is working but on its last quarter-life. It could go tomorrow. It could last another 5 years. However, since it's not a built-in unit, it'll be relatively easy to replace and reinstall.


• Front entrance porch step is crumbling at the edge. It can be grouted as a stop-gap, but would need to replace. The parts are relatively cheap. The labor... stonemasons aren't. Landscapers might be able to do it for less, but the job might not be as good. Still, the estimate is about 1K. The slab won't cost much but one of the railing supports is bolted into it, which will need to be redone.


• There's a tree in the back yard with branches overhanging very close to the roof, which (at least in Toronto) is sort of inviting racoons into the attic. So will need trimming.


• There's a downpipe that goes underground below the patio and connects to a drain system. Municipal recommendation is to have those above grade. Thing is, due to its location near the yard gate, complying with the recommendation would be a tripping hazard and this isn't a 'run out and fix ASAP' thing. This is a 'one day, we'll have someone in to fix something else and while they're here, we'll ask if they can deal with the drainpipe, too' thing.


• Some of the gutters and downpipes will need recaulking at some point


• Exterior is in pretty good shape. A couple of places where the mortar's starting to crumble, but minor stuff.


• We should keep an eye on the grading on the side of the house. Nothing wrong yet, but apparently, over time, it's normal to expect something to crop up.


• Light fixtures in the front hall closet need upgrading


• Need to tape up the return plenum vents in the furnace room


• Furnace overdue for a cleaning/maintenance check

So really? Fix the step. Replace the wiring. And be prepared to shell out $3,500 or so when the AC dies. Now we take possession on Sept 30th, so in all likelihood, we won't have to think about the AC until next spring at the earliest.

I'm happy.

Now we just need to get the financing lined up. We're preapproved for 100K. Hubby has a property he rents out. It's estimated that he could clear over 700K if he sells it, which he will. The house is 875K (I know. It's Toronto. Prices are high. Neighborhood is considered prime. To get a place that needs so little done to fix it up at this cost, in this area... it's fair.

Comments

[tinpra]

Then many, many congratulations!

[dragonbat2006]

Thanks!