Category Archives: Homeownership

All the wacky and annoying things that come from owning your own home.

Summer in January

Posted on January 10, 2008 by Derek

Ahh…. nothing like 60s in January. You gotta love the Buffalo weather! The break in the temperature allowed me to do two things – grill a steak for dinner Tuesday, and finish installing my second garage door opener. My Dad … Continue reading →

Posted in Derek, Homeownership | Leave a comment

What exactly is a capital improvement?

Posted on December 28, 2007 by Derek

One of the advantages of being a homeowner is that certain home improvement projects are sales tax free, if they fit the New York State’s guidelines of being a “Capital Improvement”. The tricky part can be determining what exactly qualifies … Continue reading →

Posted in Derek, Homeownership, Personal Finance | 3 Comments

Lights out

Posted on December 19, 2007 by Derek

Once again, the government’s attempts to fix “problems” they are incapable of fixing will screw us, the consumer. The latest energy bill has a provision to ban incandescent light bulbs. From the Chicago Tribune… “In this bill, we ban by … Continue reading →

Posted in Derek, Homeownership, Politics | 2 Comments

Time Warner Home Phone not that great a deal

Posted on December 5, 2007 by Derek

Time Warner is certainly advertising the hell out of their new home phone service. I’m guessing it’s because it’s really not that good of a deal. When I had my landline phone and DSL package from Verizon, on average I … Continue reading →

Posted in Derek, Geek, Homeownership | Leave a comment

Geek Inventory

Posted on November 17, 2007 by Derek

This weekend I’m focusing on unpacking the various boxes of stuff that should go in my office. Being the family geek means I accumulate quite a collection of computer pieces, cables, and other things to hang on my utility belt. … Continue reading →

Posted in Derek, Geek, Homeownership | 3 Comments

Some things go right

Posted on November 7, 2007 by Derek

Now that I’ve returned from my trip, it’s back to tackling the new house to-do list. We had our large, woodburning masonry fireplace inspected and it passed with flying colors, so I have 3 cords of wood being delivered on … Continue reading →

Posted in Derek, Homeownership, Rural Life | 2 Comments

Good morning, sunshine

Posted on October 2, 2007 by Derek

This morning, Amanda and I watched the sun rise over the Holland hills from the cozy comfort of our bed. If that’s not affirmation that we’re in the right place now, I don’t know what is. I would have taken … Continue reading →

Posted in Derek, Homeownership, Rural Life | Leave a comment

Leaving the suburbs

Posted on September 28, 2007 by Derek

Yes, we’re moving. No, we’re not leaving Erie County. And no, we’re not going to be the latest to move to a trendy new downtown loft. Now that those questions are out of the way, the next is, “Why are … Continue reading →

Posted in Derek, Homeownership, Suburban Life | 3 Comments

Done

Posted on June 20, 2007 by Derek

Continued from Count your money The new countertops came this morning, and they look great. The real stinger is that they were in and out in an hour! Now we just need a little finish work… and a new floor. … Continue reading →

Posted in Derek, Homeownership | Leave a comment

Count your money

Posted on June 14, 2007 by Derek

Continued from Know when to run Friday came and things were looking up. Other than some caulking and finishing work, we were slated to finish the installation up. First step was, as always, shutting the water off and removing the … Continue reading →

Posted in Derek, Homeownership | Leave a comment