Women Travelers - husband traveling, house repairs

Mr. Kipper is traveling more than me at this point, and we just bought our first house. Of course, the day he leaves for a week long trip, our water heater goes. Mr. Kipper usually takes care of this sort of thing, but it fell to me. Before we bought the house, the sellers had a new furnace installed, and gave us the information to have the warranty placed in our names. I called that company, since I figured that if the sellers (who are very nice people) trusted them, they'd be decent. They are, but I started wondering, "How should I handle things like this if he's out of town, so repair people don't take advantage of my lack of technical knowledge?"

You are pretty much at the mercy of the company. I have tried to get at least two if not three estimates prior to agreeing to any work. I have been surprised to find two of the companies close in price and one a ton more. It really showed me that you need to shop around.

A good way is to ask for recommendations from friends or coworkers but that doesn't always work either. The likes of Home Depot and Lowes may be a bit more expensive but at least it is relatively easy to file a complaint if something goes wrong.

It often iS a crap shoot.

You are pretty much at the mercy of the company. I have tried to get at least two if not three estimates prior to agreeing to any work. I have been surprised to find two of the companies close in price and one a ton more. It really showed me that you need to shop around.

A good way is to ask for recommendations from friends or coworkers but that doesn't always work either. The likes of Home Depot and Lowes may be a bit more expensive but at least it is relatively easy to file a complaint if something goes wrong.

It often iS a crap shoot.
Will Lowes and Home Depot install new water heaters and such? Our water heater just needed new thermostats, so they installed those. What annoys me is that Mr. Kipper could've installed those had he been home. I wasn't going to wait a week for hot water! :(

Find a neighbor you can rely on that can give you names of repair people in a pinch. It has made a world of difference! I've become "friends" with people at Lowe's (including the Mgr.) and again, it makes a difference, but I have a neighbor that has really helped me. I don't know what I'd do without them :) They've introduced me to another neighbor who is handy and has helped me in a couple of sticky situations. Keep a "home" book that has all the info on your home. Keep numbers in there of different repair people. It won't always be seemless. Trust me, I am still pretty clueless and I do worry about getting taken advantage of but I don't make rash decisions and I just do the best that I can. Enjoy your new house!

You can always consult with hubby even away on business.

Find a neighbor you can rely on that can give you names of repair people in a pinch. It has made a world of difference! I've become "friends" with people at Lowe's (including the Mgr.) and again, it makes a difference, but I have a neighbor that has really helped me. I don't know what I'd do without them :) They've introduced me to another neighbor who is handy and has helped me in a couple of sticky situations. Keep a "home" book that has all the info on your home. Keep numbers in there of different repair people. It won't always be seemless. Trust me, I am still pretty clueless and I do worry about getting taken advantage of but I don't make rash decisions and I just do the best that I can. Enjoy your new house!
I'll have to start asking for names, preferably in advance. :)
You can always consult with hubby even away on business.
I did call him about it, but part of the issue is him not being here. :) He could fix it, but we were in a position where it couldn't wait, unfortunately.

Call your realtor. My realtor had great recommendations for almost everything that needed to be fixed. Over the years I got names from my neighbors and I even found some great people in the yellow pages.

Enjoy your new home.

Call your realtor. My realtor had great recommendations for almost everything that needed to be fixed. Over the years I got names from my neighbors and I even found some great people in the yellow pages.

Enjoy your new home.

I didn't think about asking our realtor. That's a great idea! :)

Call your realtor. My realtor had great recommendations for almost everything that needed to be fixed. Over the years I got names from my neighbors and I even found some great people in the yellow pages.

Enjoy your new home.

Excellent suggestion! Also, if you have a homeowners association, contact the people on that board and they will be happy to give you names. When Mr. Baglady is traveling, he can't always be reached, so I don't rely on being able to contact him. I also had time when I was a solo homeowner and became well versed at handling things; especially after a tornado came through! That was a quick lesson in handing insurance companies and a myriad of home repairs; one I hope not to repeat anytime soon!

Congratulations on the new home!

I don't know how handy you are around the house, but I would also suggest that you learn some basics from your husband, if you don't know them already. A few important things to learn are:

1. You should know where the water shut off valve is and how to turn it off. Once a pipe broke in my house and started shooting water through the heater vent into my hallway. What a mess!

2. If you have natural gas you should know where the shut off valve is and how to turn it off.

3. You should know how to shut off the electric power as well (either at the circuit breakers or fuse box). Breakers are easy, it's like flipping a light switch. Fuses are another story.

When I purchased my first home 27 years ago, I found a book that was written for women about basic home repair called "I Took a Hammer In My Hand." It must be out of print now, but I'm sure they have something similar you could get. It is very empowering to know the basics. Who knows, maybe next time you could be replacing the thermostat by yourself?

[QUOTE=Pat89339;10771933]Congratulations on the new home!

I don't know how handy you are around the house, but I would also suggest that you learn some basics from your husband, if you don't know them already.



Both Lowe's and Home Depot have mini-classes in the evenings or on Saturdays that teach you how to do the simple repairs - some of them are geared specifically toward women.

Enjoye your new home !

Why do women think that the man in the house is the only one who can fix/repair/address house-related issues? This kind of thinking makes me crazy! My husband (and father before him) couldn't find the right end of the hammer if their lives depended on it (and wouldn't have the faintest idea how to find or deal with a repair person). Either fixing the problem myself or dealing with contractors is not difficult (and sometimes can be a lot of fun with a great sense of accomplishment when I'm done.).
And, yes, Home Depot replaces water heaters (ours went out last year while I was on a trip and my husband waited until I got home to take care of it;).)

Why do woman think that the man in the house is the only one who can fix/repair/address house-related issues? This kind of thinking makes me crazy!

I bought myself a book on small household repairs and have used it to fix my own dishwasher and disposal, replace the dining room light, vinyl my bathroom (which requires removing the toilet and replacing its wax ring), redo the plumbing inside a couple of toilets, replace a leaky faucet and weatherproof doors and windows.

Having someone else do this kind of stuff is nice, but I really appreciate knowing what it takes to do these things. It's really enabling to feel that I can do my own repairs and makes me more familiar with what it might take to do something on a larger scale.

Kipper, definitely take a class or two at the local hardware store. You may never have to actually do anything, but knowing that you could if you had to is awesome!

I also have my own tool kit (brought it with me). No, my hammer isn't pink, but it is a bit smaller. I know my way around power tools, too :) I bought a book called the Home Book or something like that and it has basic tips on what to do. I had a refrigerator delivered earlier this year and it wouldn't fit through the front door and it would through the back door, but not through the gate. The guys were told not to remove the gate so I got out my power screwdriver and got to work. It was fun watching the shock on their faces :p because they didn't think I had a clue about anything. I took the gate off and successfully got it back together. I have to admit though, I needed help hooking the refrigerator up. Thank goodness for my handy neighbor!

I was totally taken by a company on a new water heater when ours burst the day before Christmas.

If possible, get multiple estimates.

I didn't think about asking our realtor. That's a great idea! :)

How about Roto Rooter? :p

When we bought our first house, our realtor pitched in a warranty from American Home Shield (I'm sure she got some kind of bonus for that) which turned out to be pretty decent. One month owning the house and the toilet goes kaput. They dispatched a plumber and initially gave him guff when he said the toilet needed replacing but then he pointed out that they were the ones who warranteed a 70+ year old house with original plumbing :D

Yes, Home Depot and Lowe's install water heaters. Actually, they send out contractors to do the job

If you don't get any referals, you could also try an online service like Service Magic (refers contractors to you) or Mr. Handyman (uses their own people). Just be sure to get a couple of quotes. We made the mistake of contacting a plumbing service to swap out a dishwasher at our new place--it came with one but we have our own (better) unit we wanted to put in its place. The service call is free if they do the work but if you decline then they want some $35! Well they wanted $450 to swap the dishwashers!! They said they could lower the price by sending a more "junior" plumber out but he go lost getting to the house. We never saw a bill from them.

Why do woman think that the man in the house is the only one who can fix/repair/address house-related issues? This kind of thinking makes me crazy! My husband (and father before him) couldn't find the right end of the hammer if their lives depended on it (and wouldn't have the faintest idea how to find or deal with a repair person). Either fixing the problem myself or dealing with contractors is not difficult (and sometimes can be a lot of fun with a great sense of accomplishment when I'm done.).
And, yes, Home Depot replaces water heaters (ours went out last year while I was on a trip and my husband waited until I got home to take care of it;).)

I have no desire to do anything as far as repairs around the house. I could learn, but really, it's not something that interests me, which I suppose is one of the issues.

I make the decisions around here but I've found it helpful to have a guy friend who is willing to come over when the repair folks are here. For some reason, they seem to prefer talking to him and give him more information than they will me. And the price usually comes down too.

I make the decisions around here but I've found it helpful to have a guy friend who is willing to come over when the repair folks are here. For some reason, they seem to prefer talking to him and give him more information than they will me. And the price usually comes down too.
I like that idea. I think I'll try that the next time something happens. :D Thanks for the suggestion!

I've been a solo homeowner for ten years, and own a 104-year-old house that has had its share of issues. A lot of the suggestions above are good ones--I particularly second the advice to get multiple estimates on EVERYTHING, ask your realtor for suggestions on contractors, and learn how to do at least some repairs yourself--or at least get a basic home repair book, read the relevant section when something in the house breaks, and get a basic understanding of what it's going to take to fix it, just so you can talk to your contractors intelligently.

In ten years, I've had contractors in to repair, then replace my furnace (in the process, switching from gas to oil); replace my water heater (and price out the difference it would have been to go to a tankless water heater); replace the thermostat; replace a rotten beam under my kitchen floor that was causing the house to subside; re-coat the roof and make several roof repairs. In every case, I had absolutely no idea of what I was doing beforehand, but managed to read up on it enough to do (more or less) the right thing and not get ripped off. Several of the repairs were of the emergency variety, too--one more reason to learn a little something about your house and its systems BEFORE they break.

I don't really agree with techgirl's suggestion of having a guy friend come over to do the talking when the contractor shows up. I prefer not to perpetuate the stereotype that women are incapable of understanding technical matters (for someone with the handle techgirl, I'm surprised at you!) or dealing with financial decisions. Better, IMO, to just use your brain, get at least a little bit knowledgeable, and show whatever Neanderthals are still out there that women can actually handle these things without a man's assistance.

I make the decisions around here but I've found it helpful to have a guy friend who is willing to come over when the repair folks are here. For some reason, they seem to prefer talking to him and give him more information than they will me. And the price usually comes down too.

Yes, unfortunately, I`ve found that the same thing works with moving companies and with auto mechanics. :eek:

I don't think it is necessarily perpetuating a stereotype - I'm usually right there and talk directly with the service providers, and my guy friends know to run any questions or information directly by me. I don't like it, but I've found that unfortunately it allows me to get some things done better and more expeditiously. Ocasionally, a male service-provider has keyed in that I may actually know what I'm talking about and then starts talking to me directly. @:-)

I did handle setting up the oil company without Mr. Kipper. The guy was nice, explained a lot about the furnace to me, and backed up my decision to have the company that installed the furnace handle the water heater issue, because he made mention that they're a good company and do good work.

I've asked my local hardware store to recommend handymen - it's worked well for me.

I don't really agree with techgirl's suggestion of having a guy friend come over to do the talking when the contractor shows up. I prefer not to perpetuate the stereotype that women are incapable of understanding technical matters (for someone with the handle techgirl, I'm surprised at you!) or dealing with financial decisions. Better, IMO, to just use your brain, get at least a little bit knowledgeable, and show whatever Neanderthals are still out there that women can actually handle these things without a man's assistance.

Could not have said this any better ^^^travelmad

I don't think it is necessarily perpetuating a stereotype - I'm usually right there and talk directly with the service providers, and my guy friends know to run any questions or information directly by me. I don't like it, but I've found that unfortunately it allows me to get some things done better and more expeditiously. Ocasionally, a male service-provider has keyed in that I may actually know what I'm talking about and then starts talking to me directly. @:-)

Why would you want someone working around your house when they initially treated you as a less than knowledgeable homeowner, didn't talk to you directly, and felt that they needed to address the man and not you?:confused:

Could not have said this any better ^^^travelmad

Why would you want someone working around your house when they initially treated you as a less than knowledgeable homeowner, didn't talk to you directly, and felt that they needed to address the man and not you?:confused:

Good points all around. Years ago when my then in-laws split up, my mil couldn't do a THING around the house. She kept calling my then-husband to come over to replace light bulbs for her. Seriously. I was too nice to tell her how pathetic that was.

My current hubby and I are one heck of a team. Last weekend we re-ran some electrical wiring in the garage through the studs in readiness for installing insulation and drywall. We do most home improvements together, and I really enjoy it. Yes, it's hard work, but I get quite a sense of accomplishment from it.

(Which isn't to say that couples can't have their own division of household duties. That is perfectly fine. But it's good to at least know you can change a lightbulb in a pinch if need be!)

Good points all around. Years ago when my then in-laws split up, my mil couldn't do a THING around the house. She kept calling my then-husband to come over to replace light bulbs for her. Seriously. I was too nice to tell her how pathetic that was.

My current hubby and I are one heck of a team. Last weekend we re-ran some electrical wiring in the garage through the studs in readiness for installing insulation and drywall. We do most home improvements together, and I really enjoy it. Yes, it's hard work, but I get quite a sense of accomplishment from it.

(Which isn't to say that couples can't have their own division of household duties. That is perfectly fine. But it's good to at least know you can change a lightbulb in a pinch if need be!)
Mr. Kipper is the one who is mechanically inclined/handy around the house. I can do the minor things--changing light bulbs, unclogging drains/toilets, hanging things, and even removing/changing locks or door knobs. I just don't enjoy doing that sort of thing. He enjoys repairing or building things, which, most of the time, is fine with me.

I probably need to start making a list of questions/items that I should have Mr. Kipper show me how to do, because I learn far more by watching than by reading. :)

Go online and see if there is an Angie's List for your town. Angie's list is a company that does peer reviews and informationfor all sorts of companies -plumbers, contractors, movers, etc. Not connected with the companies. I joined for a minimal price and have used the information repeatedly for varous jobs. Would not be without it.

If you live in one of the US metropolitan areas covered by the "Consumers' Checkbook" then you can go to your local library to see if they rate businesses that are useful to you.

It's a ratings magazine which is to local services what Consumer Reports is to products. See also http://www.checkbook.org/. They use a variety of information (including reader surveys) to rate the services.

If you live in one of the US metropolitan areas covered by the "Consumers' Checkbook" then you can go to your local library to see if they rate businesses that are useful to you.

It's a ratings magazine which is to local services what Consumer Reports is to products. See also http://www.checkbook.org/. They use a variety of information (including reader surveys) to rate the services.
Unfortunately, we're not in one of those areas, but it's a great tip for those who are. ^

I now have the number for a handyman that comes highly rated by a coworker. Her comment was that he's far cheaper rate-wise than most companies, and he's great about explaining the problem and the different solutions.

Mr. Kipper is going to get the number for another handyman who used to work in the same department as him. He too is far cheaper rate-wise than most, and is used to dealing with the wives of the guys who travel, and the guys that work there recommend him.

It may be too late for the water heater, but at least the next time something breaks, I'll have a few options.

We also had our next house-related problem--the lock on the front door knob decided to stop working. Does it ever stop? :)

Does it ever stop? :)
NOPE!! Welcome to the joys of home ownership! :D

We also had our next house-related problem--the lock on the front door knob decided to stop working. Does it ever stop? :)


That's funny, I just replaced our front door handset and lock this weekend. Easy! (one person and one screwdriver.) Our houses must be the same age! It never stops. As soon as I complete something at the top of the list something gets added to the bottom.

NOPE!! Welcome to the joys of home ownership! :D
Thanks. :)
That's funny, I just replaced our front door handset and lock this weekend. Easy! (one person and one screwdriver.) Our houses must be the same age! It never stops. As soon as I complete something at the top of the list something gets added to the bottom.
Mr. Kipper replaced them while I was still in bed on Sunday. :D The only problem he had was that the deadbolt openings didn't line up, so he had to use a drill with a router bit? to get the new opening.

Well I call contractors (despite the other half offering) mainly as if it re-breaks I dont have an arguement! My ex-landlord was a builder, so I hit him up for repairers when needed, however I can do most wooden things myself....which is good considering I am on some mythical list that says I know my way around a hammer and can build theatre sets.

I'm not sure where you live, but here in northern NJ, PSE&G (gas and electric company) offers inexpensive warranties on furnaces, hot water heaters, a/c units, w/d, and just about every other appliance, all at reasonable prices. They will come out VERY quickly, and even fixed my furnace on New Year's Eve once.

Why do women think that the man in the house is the only one who can fix/repair/address house-related issues? This kind of thinking makes me crazy! My husband (and father before him) couldn't find the right end of the hammer if their lives depended on it (and wouldn't have the faintest idea how to find or deal with a repair person). Either fixing the problem myself or dealing with contractors is not difficult (and sometimes can be a lot of fun with a great sense of accomplishment when I'm done.).
And, yes, Home Depot replaces water heaters (ours went out last year while I was on a trip and my husband waited until I got home to take care of it;).)

Well said. My dad was not mechanically inclined in any way shape or form, so my mom dealt with everything. To this day she's pretty darn handy around the place.

I have no desire to do anything as far as repairs around the house. I could learn, but really, it's not something that interests me, which I suppose is one of the issues.

So... You don't want to do it yourself, but you don't want to wait until your husband returns home. You definitely need to find a repairman you can trust (and at least learn enough to check up on his/her work).

I make the decisions around here but I've found it helpful to have a guy friend who is willing to come over when the repair folks are here. For some reason, they seem to prefer talking to him and give him more information than they will me. And the price usually comes down too.

Sure they prefer talking to your guy friend but I can't believe you are content to perpetuate that attitude.

I don't really agree with techgirl's suggestion of having a guy friend come over to do the talking when the contractor shows up. I prefer not to perpetuate the stereotype that women are incapable of understanding technical matters (for someone with the handle techgirl, I'm surprised at you!) or dealing with financial decisions. Better, IMO, to just use your brain, get at least a little bit knowledgeable, and show whatever Neanderthals are still out there that women can actually handle these things without a man's assistance.

^^ Well said.

Mr. Kipper is going to get the number for another handyman who used to work in the same department as him. He too is far cheaper rate-wise than most, and is used to dealing with the wives of the guys who travel, and the guys that work there recommend him.

Used to dealing with the wives of the guys who travel? What a saint. :rolleyes:

I'm not sure where you live, but here in northern NJ, PSE&G (gas and electric company) offers inexpensive warranties on furnaces, hot water heaters, a/c units, w/d, and just about every other appliance, all at reasonable prices. They will come out VERY quickly, and even fixed my furnace on New Year's Eve once.
I have a "home care contract" with the company that I bought my new furnace from--mine covers furnace and AC service (one maintenance visit per year for each, plus any emergency service calls). They also offer contracts that cover other units, including the whole plumbing system if you want.

I decided to use these guys after they did the furnace. For that job, I got 4 quotes and sat through all those visits with the various companies' reps trying to sell me furnaces. It was a pretty good education into how all the companies treated their customers (e.g. treating them like intelligent people who can make decisions based on a lot of information, or like children who can be browbeaten into buying the appliance that the company wants to sll you). After seeing how they worked, and how some of the other companies worked, it was a pretty easy decision on whom to go with.

So... You don't want to do it yourself, but you don't want to wait until your husband returns home. You definitely need to find a repairman you can trust (and at least learn enough to check up on his/her work).
I'm working on finding a repairman.
Used to dealing with the wives of the guys who travel? What a saint. :rolleyes:
Apparently, from what one of Mr. Kipper's co-workers said, just about everything that he's had to replace at his house has happened while he was out of town. :)

Apparently, from what one of Mr. Kipper's co-workers said, just about everything that he's had to replace at his house has happened while he was out of town. :)

That's the way it always works. It's one of Murphy's lesser known laws. :)

Years ago the pump to our water well quit working while my husband was out of the country for three weeks. I was dealing rather well with everything, or so I thought. When the well repairmen arrived, they asked me if I had a crew hauling hay that day. I told them yes, and wanted to know why they were asking.

"Well, on the way here we passed a rig pulled over on the side of the road that looked like yours. The trailer was on fire."

That's when I began pulling my hair out...

If you live in one of the US metropolitan areas covered by the "Consumers' Checkbook" then you can go to your local library to see if they rate businesses that are useful to you.

It's a ratings magazine which is to local services what Consumer Reports is to products. See also http://www.checkbook.org/. They use a variety of information (including reader surveys) to rate the services.

I am a huge fan of Checkbook, and have never had a bad experience with any business rated highly by them. I also do my part by rating the companies I do business with.

That's the way it always works. It's one of Murphy's lesser known laws. :)

Years ago the pump to our water well quit working while my husband was out of the country for three weeks. I was dealing rather well with everything, or so I thought. When the well repairmen arrived, they asked me if I had a crew hauling hay that day. I told them yes, and wanted to know why they were asking.

"Well, on the way here we passed a rig pulled over on the side of the road that looked like yours. The trailer was on fire."

That's when I began pulling my hair out...
Yikes!!! That's the other thing we need to address sometime--we're on a well here, so I'm sure we'll have a problem with the well pump or something similar.

Yikes!!! That's the other thing we need to address sometime--we're on a well here, so I'm sure we'll have a problem with the well pump or something similar.

You definitely ought to have the name and number of a dependable water well guy on file. Not only can the pump go out, both the bladder and the well casing can eventually wear out. And of course, the power can be disrupted*, so you ought to have the name of a good electrician on file, too.

*One time the telephone repairmen nicked the electric line, but this didn't become apparent until a few days later when the well shorted out during a rain storm. Finding an electrician who'll work on an electrical line in the pouring rain is not as easy as it might seem. (Of course my husband was out of town for this episode, too.)

You definitely ought to have the name and number of a dependable water well guy on file. Not only can the pump go out, both the bladder and the well casing can eventually wear out. And of course, the power can be disrupted*, so you ought to have the name of a good electrician on file, too.

*One time the telephone repairmen nicked the electric line, but this didn't become apparent until a few days later when the well shorted out during a rain storm. Finding an electrician who'll work on an electrical line in the pouring rain is not as easy as it might seem. (Of course my husband was out of town for this episode, too.)
I have the name of a water well company--my company does work with them. :)

As far as an electrician, a friend of ours is an electrician, so he's a good person to call. :)

And, thanks to my Secret Santa, I now have the Home Improvement 1-2-3 book that features easy to understand photos and text for all sorts of home repairs. :D

Yes, unfortunately, I`ve found that the same thing works with moving companies and with auto mechanics. :eek:

I've never had an issue with a mechanic not being honest with me.

Then again, I live in a small town and my current mechanic knows that if he DIDN'T tell me that something was wrong with my car, it'd be back in his shop in a matter of weeks, so he just saves himself the hassle. Or he knows I'd hunt him down and beat the living daylights out of him.

I've never had an issue with a mechanic not being honest with me.

Then again, I live in a small town and my current mechanic knows that if he DIDN'T tell me that something was wrong with my car, it'd be back in his shop in a matter of weeks, so he just saves himself the hassle. Or he knows I'd hunt him down and beat the living daylights out of him.
I usually just bring my car to the mechanic that my parents have used for the past 25 or 30 years. He uses his shop to support his Nash habit--he's always working on a Nash if he doesn't have anything in his garage, since he has to be there during his shop hours. His rates are very reasonable, and he's incredibly honest about vehicles.

I usually just bring my car to the mechanic that my parents have used for the past 25 or 30 years. He uses his shop to support his Nash habit--he's always working on a Nash if he doesn't have anything in his garage, since he has to be there during his shop hours. His rates are very reasonable, and he's incredibly honest about vehicles.

My mechanic is one that my Uncle found then we all decided that they did good work and switched from the other mechanic in town.

If you ever get stranded in Woodland, WA, have the car brought to Auto Works. :) You'll get some eye candy in the process, ladies. The Service Manager is gorgeous/hot/cute/handsome (take your pick).

I'm not sure where you live, but here in northern NJ, PSE&G (gas and electric company) offers inexpensive warranties on furnaces, hot water heaters, a/c units, w/d, and just about every other appliance, all at reasonable prices. They will come out VERY quickly, and even fixed my furnace on New Year's Eve once.


Our gas and water companies offer service contracts too. We live in PA. Eventually you will have your own list of contractors whom you will come to trust.


Bobette

Our gas and water companies offer service contracts too. We live in PA. Eventually you will have your own list of contractors whom you will come to trust.


Bobette

Our oil company offers a service contract, but with the new furnace, we figured it wasn't worth it. :)

I have the name of a water well company--my company does work with them. :)

As far as an electrician, a friend of ours is an electrician, so he's a good person to call. :)

And, thanks to my Secret Santa, I now have the Home Improvement 1-2-3 book that features easy to understand photos and text for all sorts of home repairs. :D

And if all all that doesn't work, can't you just shoot something? :D:D

And if all all that doesn't work, can't you just shoot something? :D:D
LOL, I don't think Mr. Kipper would like that! :)

I can highly recommend "The Woman's Hands-On Home Repair Guide" written by Lyn Herrick. Of all the house-repair "how to" books I have used this one is well written, informative and the graphics are very clear (not cartoon-ish).

You can also get reviews of service providers via online services like Yelp.

I can highly recommend "The Woman's Hands-On Home Repair Guide" written by Lyn Herrick. Of all the house-repair "how to" books I have used this one is well written, informative and the graphics are very clear (not cartoon-ish).
I'll have to check that one out as well.
You can also get reviews of service providers via online services like Yelp.
Unfortunately, Yelp doesn't cover our area... I guess this is the downside to being in the middle of nowhere!

Wow, so I stumbled onto this today... Home ownership is still such a joy. :rolleyes:

We replaced the thermostats in the water heater that November, only to have the water heater rupture in March or April of that year. Mr. Kipper was home for that, so he replaced it, while I watched what he did. I'm now fairly confident that I can handle most minor plumbing emergencies. :)

Last July, the day before Mr. Kipper left to go to Guam for 2 weeks, we decided to try to figure out why our well pump kept running for 30 seconds, shutting off for about 30 seconds, then repeating that cycle. Looking back, I will admit--horrible time to try to investigate that!

We tried removing what we thought was a check valve, only to find that the piping leading to the tank had rusted to the tank. We replaced the tank, much of the piping leading to the tank and the pump motor, only to then find that we were unable to prime the pump. With our neighbor's consent, we tried to use their water supply to prime our pump (hose to their water supply, running to our tank, which ran down into the well pump), to no avail.

So, Mr. Kipper, as I was dropping him off at the airport said, "You'll have to deal with it. I have to go to Guam." The next day, the plumber arrived and found that our well pump had a gaping hole in it, hence why we couldn't prime it--the water was simply draining through the hole, into our well. They were very nice, and very reasonable in what they charged, considering they had to cut a hole through our deck to access the well. They were also very willing to explain everything to me.

I do feel like I'm leaps and bounds from where I was when we bought the house, in regards to repairs. Mr. Kipper is out of town for 5 weeks, and I'm considering converting a closet to a pantry... Something I'd never have tackled when we first bought the house!

Wow, so I stumbled onto this today... Home ownership is still such a joy. :rolleyes:



Funny how all those ads by real estate companies don't mention any of these "joys" of home ownership. Just happy, smiling couples getting the keys to their "DREAM HOME".

When I owned I was at Home Depot what seemed like every weekend. Then I sold my house at the peak of the bubble and have been renting ever since. Life is so much easier when I make a call to my landlord and she deals with all this stuff, and most importantly pays for it all as well.

In a rising r/e market owning is a good bet to get the appreciation. In a falling or stagnant market, it's a big headache that's not worth it.

In a rising r/e market owning is a good bet to get the appreciation. In a falling or stagnant market, it's a big headache that's not worth it.

I guess it depends on what your goals are. While appreciation would be nice my purpose for purchasing a home had more to do with retirement planning. My goal is to go into retirement with a paid off house vs. still paying rent. Since I own my home alone I keep money in my budget for handyman type issues. I have found Angies List to be an excellent source to find repairmen, handyman, remodeling and other issues related to the challenges of home ownership.

I guess it depends on what your goals are. While appreciation would be nice my purpose for purchasing a home had more to do with retirement planning. My goal is to go into retirement with a paid off house vs. still paying rent. Since I own my home alone I keep money in my budget for handyman type issues. I have found Angies List to be an excellent source to find repairmen, handyman, remodeling and other issues related to the challenges of home ownership.

I've found that by watching Mr. Kipper, I've learned a LOT about home repairs. I feel pretty confident now that I could handle most minor plumbing emergencies, and probably could even figure out how to change out a water heater.

I've found it pretty liberating to know how to do some of this stuff. While I won't try to tackle installing a dishwasher (since we don't have existing tie-ins to the plumbing for it), I will try to tackle converting a closet to a pantry, since that to me is pretty basic.

I have to admit--it's a nice feeling knowing that I'm able to handle a lot of this without having to rely on him.

I'm rubbish at most things DIY, but I have found that a sweet smile, a completely puzzled expression and a low cut top ensure that assistants are tripping over themselves to help me at Home Depot!

Seriously tho, I am getting braver about doing some things (like repairing some, ahem, accidental fire damage!) if someone (at Home Depot!) will explain in detail what it is I have to do first. I'm not stupid, just never really done much and am scared of trashing my house. On the other hand, I am willing to build fences, creosote stable blocks, mix cement etc because that is outside and doesn't matter if it looks bad!

I do lots of home repairs, but I never, ever touch plumbing. (well maybe occassionally). My experiences with plumbing is that I create a more expensive problem than I solve. I do fix toilets, though.

I have my own tool box and I love roaming the aisles at Lowe's or Home Depot. I'm always lusting for more tools, the more powerful the better. (And I hate shopping for clothes). Keep at it and good luck.

I do lots of home repairs, but I never, ever touch plumbing. (well maybe occassionally). My experiences with plumbing is that I create a more expensive problem than I solve. I do fix toilets, though.

I have my own tool box and I love roaming the aisles at Lowe's or Home Depot. I'm always lusting for more tools, the more powerful the better. (And I hate shopping for clothes). Keep at it and good luck.
I'm not to the point where I want to go shopping for tools, but I am willing to tackle plumbing. :) I don't tackle toilet repairs though.

I'm not to the point where I want to go shopping for tools, but I am willing to tackle plumbing. :) I don't tackle toilet repairs though.

I am in awe of all of you who can tackle those things. I am embarrassed to say I have my electrician change bulbs in high hanging light fixtures and this evening I was detailing my handyman list. I can negotiate multi-million dollar deals and cook a fabulous 4 course meal for a dinner party but I can (barely) change a light bulb.

I am in awe of all of you who can tackle those things. I am embarrassed to say I have my electrician change bulbs in high hanging light fixtures and this evening I was detailing my handyman list. I can negotiate multi-million dollar deals and cook a fabulous 4 course meal for a dinner party but I can (barely) change a light bulb.
Just about anything I know, I learned by watching and asking questions. I watched and assisted Mr. Kipper in doing a lot of things around the house, and when the plumber was there about the well pump, I watched and asked questions of him. I figured that it's never a bad thing to watch and learn how to perform repairs. Even if I never have to do any of it, I know I can.

If you want to try to learn, Home Depot offers classes and seminars.

I was so lucky my dad forced me to help him do stuff when I was little (and that I had a dad who could fix stuff:p) and that he sent me off to college with a real toolbox - I still have those tools! I've added to my stash since then. These days - between home improvement shows on tv (my husband and I bonded watching This Old House - the theme song played at our wedding:D) the library, and the internet (www.diynetwork.com is great for step by step directions) I can figure out most things. That said - there are still some jobs that are really hard for 1 person to do - and that's frustrating!

First thing my dad ever bought me when I bought my first home was a toolkit with the tools he reckoned he would need to fix stuff. He passed away 2 years ago, but I still have that tool kit and it has been added to. I can do most basic things (light bulbs, mowing, door weathering, kitchen repairs etc) but I dont do plumbing or electrics.

I was so lucky my dad forced me to help him do stuff when I was little (and that I had a dad who could fix stuff:p) and that he sent me off to college with a real toolbox - I still have those tools! I've added to my stash since then. These days - between home improvement shows on tv (my husband and I bonded watching This Old House - the theme song played at our wedding:D) the library, and the internet (www.diynetwork.com is great for step by step directions) I can figure out most things. That said - there are still some jobs that are really hard for 1 person to do - and that's frustrating!
My father is definitely not one of those who can fix things. He takes after his father like that, in that my grandmother, if something broke, would try to hide it from my grandfather until she could get someone there to fix it, because if he tried, he'd make it worse. That's about how it is with my father. Well, that and that he'll start a project and never finish it.
First thing my dad ever bought me when I bought my first home was a toolkit with the tools he reckoned he would need to fix stuff. He passed away 2 years ago, but I still have that tool kit and it has been added to. I can do most basic things (light bulbs, mowing, door weathering, kitchen repairs etc) but I dont do plumbing or electrics.
LOL, my father wouldn't have any idea what tools I might need to do anything in the house. Or, well, he'd forget about half and figure that I could just improvise.

I am very lucky that Mr. Kipper takes after his father, in that he has incredible mechanical ability, and if he doesn't know how to do something, can usually figure it out pretty easily.

My dad was really handy, although a patent engineer by day, and he always dragged me down to his work shop to help fix and tinker. I was made to change my own oil, participate in home repairs etc. growing up. I always HATED it but now I'm thankful. I lived on my own for a while before I married and I liked having projects. As an adult I play the bad cop to my husbands good cop when we get estimates and I think this surprises the contractors.

We usually look our contractors up on Angie's List, ask neighbors for referrals and finally contact the Better Business Bureau. I also require a written guarantee of satisfaction and at least a one year service warranty with larger items (HVAC, water heater etc.). I try to get at least three estimates from different contractors for each job. Then if I prefer one over another I can ask him to come sort of closer to anothers lower estimate. Most are somewhat negotiable. Since I'm only home on Fridays I just schedule them one right after the other.

I love the ideas others have shared about having a basic home repair guide on hand. We women are smart, we can replace a toilet flapper or other basic maintenance items, easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

My dad was really handy, although a patent engineer by day, and he always dragged me down to his work shop to help fix and tinker. I was made to change my own oil, participate in home repairs etc. growing up. I always HATED it but now I'm thankful. I lived on my own for a while before I married and I liked having projects. As an adult I play the bad cop to my husbands good cop when we get estimates and I think this surprises the contractors.

We usually look our contractors up on Angie's List, ask neighbors for referrals and finally contact the Better Business Bureau. I also require a written guarantee of satisfaction and at least a one year service warranty with larger items (HVAC, water heater etc.). I try to get at least three estimates from different contractors for each job. Then if I prefer one over another I can ask him to come sort of closer to anothers lower estimate. Most are somewhat negotiable. Since I'm only home on Fridays I just schedule them one right after the other.

I love the ideas others have shared about having a basic home repair guide on hand. We women are smart, we can replace a toilet flapper or other basic maintenance items, easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

+1 IIRC, the statistic is that 70% of women will live on their own at some point in their lives and knowing basic maintainence both mitigates being taken advantage of and can save money. I learned a lot when I bought my first house and have been able to apply a lot of it recently on a new (to me) investment property that needed some repairs (including replacing a bunch of fence pickets and repairing a rotting sub floor). Not my favorite thing to do but great to be able to when I have to!