We're getting a load of gravel today (actually, it's probably already delivered). We used two loads of gravel six years ago when we made our driveway. We've had lots of rain this spring/summer, and the potholes have become very evident. The delivery fee is $75, plus $6.50 per ton for the gravel. The dump truck holds 19 tons. So, I ordered 19 tons, and the total comes to $198.50.
It's fortunate that the porch contractor has a skidsteer on site. The gravel driver will spread the gravel as best he can from the dump truck. The porch contractor will help spread it evenly with the skid steer. Will save me from moving it around. We're going to extend the driveway a bit back from the road, too. We would have done that six years ago, but there is an electrical line in the way. The addition of the skidsteer will help that.
I also contacted a professional carpet cleaner. He will be at the house on Monday. He'll charge us about $100-$150. Yes, we could have rented a steam cleaner (and bought cleaner) for about half that cost. It can be a challenge to coordinate that, especially with two kids with special needs. The boys are in school Monday, and DW and the girls are busy, and will be out of the house.
We've got a couple minor, but out of our area of expertise plumbing problems. I've contacted a plumber to take care of them. Not sure on the cost yet.
The gravel and the plumbing have been on the to do list for a while. We just needed to wait until we had the extra cash. Plus, doing the gravel while the porch contractor is there will make the finished product much better, and easier.
Other home improvement projects for the future:
Generator with transfer switch installed. We live in a very rural part of Michigan, and have been without power two times recently. One of the times was for about 20 hours.
Couches and easy chair. We haven't bought a single couch at all ever. The two that we are using are hand-me-downs from my in-laws. The easy chair is about 11 years old. It was a gift from my brother-in-law (purchased new) when our first daughter was born.
New dressers for the kids. Again, all kids dressers are hand-me-downs, and they don't work very well.
Refrigerator. Our refrigerator was left in our old house when we bought it. We moved it with us. Not sure how old it is. It still refrigerates and freezes things. The ice machine does not work. We can do with this for a while, but it needs to be in the replacement plan.
These items are on the wish list. We need to see how the dusts settles out on other priorities.
Spending More Money
August 9th, 2013 at 03:54 pm
August 9th, 2013 at 04:36 pm 1376066187
Nice plan you have as well.
August 9th, 2013 at 04:50 pm 1376067021
I suggest using an easy to take with you binder/scribbler/notebook with your list of need to do, plan to do, like to do home projects. It's really hard to keep these prioritized as new issues pop up, funds are re-directed. My gran's fav saying was 'We make plans and G_d laughs'!
I don't know if you've tried Zero based budgeting. We found it effective to eke out funds for big projects but the downside is it feels so frustrating to always be pushing every penny to squeak.
August 10th, 2013 at 01:48 am 1376099308
August 18th, 2013 at 08:48 am 1376815690