Ok, so I've stated before I live in an old house. Much has been remodeled, but there are things that need work. Problem is, I have no idea as to cost of these things (even ballpark) or what would be entailed.
First off, I think I need new water pipes. I can't even get a full tub of water before it's cold, and it takes 15-20 minutes to fill up because the hot water trickles from the faucet. I have a new hot water heater that I got for Christmas last year from Santa (errr.. mom and dad). Now, in the half bath on the 1st floor, the water is really hot, and it's wonderful, but no tub, just shower. However, walk 5 feet to the kitchen sink, and you'll be waiting 5-7 minutes for hot water. It just doesn't make sense!!! Do I need new pipes?? The half bath was a newer remodel by previous tenants, but then again, so was the kitchen (which is built on a concrete slab and gets to about 42* in the winter due to no insulation ).
Secondly, I mentioned before I have a gas fireplace that I don't use. Can I just rip out the gas logs that are there and use regular wood logs?? Does the chimney need to be inspected? If so, any clue what that costs?? Do they still have those skinny guys in tops and tails who clean them??? Those sweeps guys??? (I know I'm thinking Mary Poppins... forgive me )
Thirdly, ancient, drafty windows. 6 on the first floor; 6 on the 2nd floor, and then some tiny suckers in the basement. The attic is already done, and so is the kitchen. What kind of expense are windows? I have some very wide windows (I had to custom order shades/blinds because they didn't make them wide enough anywhere I looked (56"w by 74"L), and some as narrow as 19 or 21" and still 74" long. Gotta love these 100 year old homes.
The walls are still all plaster. Only the kitchen is drywall (Sophie loves to scratch those corners of drywall... sigh). And although the 1st floor has gorgeous hardwood floors, the 2nd and 3rd floors have this very wide, dark wood that looks like you'd put in a barn. Well... maybe not THAT bad... but it's this dark red brown wood. I can see it cause the kitties have clawed the carpets up at the bedroom door because they can't stand to be without me...
Any ideas on any of these items??? My dad used to do carpentry and plumbing and all that, but since he's lost his vision and has all his other medical problems, he gets totally depressed when he can't help me out with something I ask about in the house, and I don't want to make him feel worse.
I wish I could just hire a husband for a while or something. Doing this on my own is overwhelming.
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