It's All About Maintenance

A colleaugue once told me that after turning 50, it was all about maintenance. After 70, it seems to me, it is all about repairs. The same is true about homes.

We love our home. But it is an old one. Perhaps that’s all the more reason to love it. But it means, like ourselves, as we age there is always something that needs fixing. 

The original structure of c. 1844 was fairly simple. But in the late 1800s or very early 1900s, frills were added. These consisted of ornate trim, bay windows and a turret. When one adds onto an existing structure, it may enhance it visually, but it tends to compromise it structurally. So, the relatively simple repairs we had contemplated, have uncovered more complex issues. And the anticipated cost of the work has mounted. 

However, wherever we have lived, we have considered ourselves stewards of our properties. We are there not only to enjoy the place, but also as caretakers of it. The house has stood here for more than 180 years. We would like it to stand proudly here for many more years, and long after we have shuffled off our mortal coils. 

Thankfully, we have a very capable, responsible and engaged contractor to undertake the work. It may mean wieners and beans instead of steak for dinner, but we shall dine in the comfort of a lovely home!