On the Money: Home Improvement

[apl68]

I have a pallet of pavers and other materials being delivered Friday to put in a patio-- a bit over $900 plus my own labor to build it (which I'm looking forward to-- becoming a homeowner seems to have activated strong latent liking to have a hands-on project traits in me). Will it enhance the resale value of the house? In theory a bit a suppose. Will it enhance the value of the house *to me*? Most definitely-- I expect to be spending a lot of time out there and using it for socializing, and it will be the future home of a small hot tub which I've long wanted.

I successfully installed the patio over two weekends. I just have a little to finish this weekend pouring some concrete to fill in where it meets the irregular edges of the fieldstone foundation and bulkhead.

It was moderately challenging and good exercise-- overall a satisfying project. My neighbor who is a retired mason came over to inspect several times and approved of my work so I guess I didn't do too badly! I have a lot of pavers left over, some of which I'll use for a garden path, and I guess I'll save the rest in the garage in case of later breakage or other uses.

I now await the arrival of the patio set and need to do research on exactly what hot tub I want.

Approval from a retired mason on a job like that means something.  It drives them crazy when they see badly-done work.  They can't unsee it. 

[Faith786]

I had squirrels trying to nest in my soffits/fascia.  Called an exterminator, sealed the openings...squirrels seen roaming around on my roof for a week trying to find a way in. They finally gave up and left. Now for the darn groundhog...

[FishProf]

Mothballs and talk radio wherever their burrow is.  Unlike some humans, rodents can't stand either.