October 10 Behr Update

I'm happy to report that things are looking up!

I've been concerned with the condition of my home's roof and when I was offered the chance for a free inspection/estimate I jumped at the opportunity. I won't lie: the guy who did the inspection was drop dead hot. Bearded, tatted, but more otter than bear. AND NICE. He was completely understanding of my financial situation but he didn't hold back; basically the entire roof needs to come off and be replaced. I'm not surprised, to be honest. He gave me a week or so to think about whether I wanted to move on to the actual estimate. When he came back he gave me a presentation that explained exactly what the new roof would consist of, how they approach the job, the warranties, etc. Oh and the cost. YIKES! But I bit the bullet and signed on the dotted line and the tear-off of the existing roof begins Monday.

And for those of you who are wondering, yes I had other companies look at the roof and promise an estimate. Unfortunately, no one followed-up or submitted a written estimate. Besides, the company I am having do the work have a 50-year, transferable warranty. 

I obviously am having to finance the job. SO that plus the financing for the foundation retrofit I had done in August means I will be a lot more in debt, something that drives me bonkers. The mortgage itself is a necessary evil but I dislike having other obligations. I'm the type who pays off the credit cards every month. So taking on this extra debt - especially with my unemployment - is frightening. My reason for going ahead with the work is that a) I really need to be better about taking care of this home; b) there's talk we here in SoCal will be having El Nino next year. That last part may not happen but I don't want to take my chances. 

And that brings me to this announcement: I've been offered a job! The company called yesterday to officially make me an offer (I'll get the offer letter today via email, hopefully). I am so excited. I don't want to share too much prematurely but since I've already shared with my folks (and will share with my sister later today) I had to spill the news. I hope to start Oct 20. 

That's my news and update for now; I'll post more next week while the work is going on and am more comfortable sharing about the job. Things really are looking up! 

BEHR HUGS

Another Curve Ball

So this thing called "Life" never ceases to disappoint. As you may recall, I was laid off back in mid-June. I'm collecting unemployment and a severance so financially I'm doing okay. The mortgage is getting paid, there's food in the fridge and cupboard, and I'm able to basically live my life normally except I don't have to go to work.

I have been working on my resume and completing some online assessments in order to better "sell" myself, so I haven't been a total slack.

Unfortunately I've just inherited a huge debt. I did the unthinkable yesterday - I answered the phone and agreed to a "free no-obligation" inspection of my house's foundation. It wasn't good news. In fact, had the guy not shown me pictures I probably wouldn't have panicked. Here's the pic of one of the wood supports that rests on a cement pier (that holds up the floor):

Yes it's about 2 inches off where it is supposed to be. There are gaps in the beams and in some places, rather than there being a bolt there are two nails holding beams together. Needless to say, this is something that I must take care of before the next seismic event. If I don't, and the house moves again it's possible that the floor will crash to the earth and possibly the rest of the house with it. So I signed on the dotted line and work begins this Thursday. It's costing me $11000.

Yet here's some good news: the guy who did the inspection and signed me up is a project manager not a salesman. He gave me a senior citizen discount (20%) even though I am 12 years too young. AND he got me a better financing deal than if I put it on a credit card or depleted my savings. I got the paperwork today from the funding company and I'm not happy about the rate or the amount of interest that I will end up paying but beggars cannot be choosy. 

This project manager was VERY nice...straight, married, a new father...but an incredible man. Beautiful smile, a really good spirit. I feel I'm a good judge of character and I believe him to be a good man. How many straight businessmen do you know who are so thankful that their customer got approved for financing that they want to hug you? Yep....he asked if he could hug me. That is not the sign of a deceitful person.

So although it is an expense I do not need it is - in the long run - something that I cannot live without. If I were to sell the house this would be a major setback. So better now than later. And may I suggest for anyone who has a raised foundation and many cracks in the ceiling/walls...have your foundation checked out. It's better to do it proactively than when it's too late.

And here's hoping the work crew will be gorgeous even if they will be working under the house!

So that's my latest news. When it rains!!

BEHR HUGS