Estimate for kitchen ceiling repair

[debodun]

I've been looking. The problem is that there aren't that many houses for sale around here. An I am particular about what type - it has to be at leat 1000 but not more than 1500 sq ft, be one story and have at least a one-car garage. By the time I apply those filters, the field is eliminated. I found 3 this summer, but by the time I did, they had been sold. Two years ago I looked into senior housing apartments. The rents are astronomical and those places have too many rules - I am used to living by my own rules. For instance, I like to sleep with the TV on, but they may have a "lights out" by 11 pm rule.

 

[Knight]

If I were in Deb's shoes, the first decision for me would be whether I REALLY wanted to remain in that house or find something easier to live in and maintain, especially in light of the stairs, which will almost inevitably become a problem to get up and down, and the difficulty she has in getting good services where she is and her reluctance to travel more than just a few miles for medical care, shopping, etc. It will also almost inevitably come to pass that she will no longer be able to do her yard work, snow shoveling, etc., herself. The differences in what you are able to do at, say 60, and between what you are able to do at 70 and beyond, are huge.

If I did decide to stay in that house, and had the money to do it, I'd hire a general contractor and spring for the money to get it all done at once -- I mean as that is possible, over a relatively short period of time -- and be done with it. IMHO piecemeal fixing of this or that is a bad idea, as there will always be something else or the fixing of one problem leads to another (as the fixing of the tub drain led to the ceiling problem).

If I were in her shoes I know what I would do. I'd sell that old house or the land it sits on or whatever and get out from under that albatross. I'd dump all the old yard sale stuff, too. I'd find a smaller place easier to live in and maintain, minus all the clutter, and relax and enjoy the rest of my life.

But then, that's just me.

That was recommended several times but ignored. She claims to be able to pay cash for a home that was listed at a little over 200k but can't see the value in repairing all that is wrong with her home. Considering home values there, if she did quality repairs that made her home saleable IMO she could recoup money spent when the things you mention became a reality.

Fear of moving for whatever reason limits Deb. There are homes in many areas of America the fit her requirements for less than 100k and lower taxes. Selling for whatever she could get would probably pay for moving expenses including packing all her yard sale items. But at her age & never having lived other than where she lives now relocating probably isn't something she could handle mentally.

We live in a rancher that is saleable for twice plus what we paid for it. I expect to croak before my wife so the plan is for her to sell & move to a condo. She will probably be in her 80's with no fear of moving.

 

[Aneeda72]

That was recommended several times but ignored. She claims to be able to pay cash for a home that was listed at a little over 200k but can't see the value in repairing all that is wrong with her home. Considering home values there, if she did quality repairs that made her home saleable IMO she could recoup money spent when the things you mention became a reality.

Fear of moving for whatever reason limits Deb. There are homes in many areas of America the fit her requirements for less than 100k and lower taxes. Selling for whatever she could get would probably pay for moving expenses including packing all her yard sale items. But at her age & never having lived other than where she lives now relocating probably isn't something she could handle mentally.

We live in a rancher that is saleable for twice plus what we paid for it. I expect to croak before my wife so the plan is for her to sell & move to a condo. She will probably be in her 80's with no fear of moving.

She is never going to move, never.

 

[Aneeda72]

But here is a thought @debodun, you want to keep your money. Take out a mortgage on your house to repair it. Repair the house, pay on the mortgage, and when you die the bank can have the house. If you live long enough to pay a 30 year mortgage off, well, then you still have your house.

Also, when the bank does an assessment on the house in its current state, you will know what it would sell for without repairs. Rent an apartment during the repairs and see how you like apartment living.