MousePotato

My stepdaughter is 15 now and she has not been cared for very well. I'm afraid her mother became unstable quite some time ago, but my husband was not in a position to fight for custody until recently. I hope her mother will recover and get her life together, but I know we need to remove my stepdaughter now!

My husband found some "crack pipes" in the home and the mother has a history of abusive boyfriends taking up residence there. I have no doubt that we are doing the right thing by taking my stepdaughter away from this influence!

MissMTS

Oh my goodness! She is so lucky to have you guys. I am sure that she will be much happier with you guys. Your husband must be thrilled to have her coming to live with you

MousePotato

Thanks, MissMTS. Yes, my husband is thrilled, but we may have a long road ahead of us. My ex-wife in-law got released yesterday, believe it or not. We need to move quickly and I'm not sure we are ready for this battle right now.

We got the inspection report on the house tonight. Does anyone know CPR? Honestly, it would be quicker to list what does NOT need work! I love the house, but we are not wealthy people. This will take some consideration...

Lucy

I'm just catching up on this thread.

Your step-daughter is lucky to have a caring person like you that she can count on.

We'll keep you in our prayers. Things will work out for you, hang in there.

MousePotato

Thanks, Lucy. This is all just so stressful.

Now I need Rick and Mags to pay a visit to Texas! Bribes, anyone...? Um... I make a killer lasagna... Homemade pierogi from my Babcia's recipe...?

jdhef

Being 75% Italian and 25% Ukrainian...count me in!

MousePotato

<laugh> Thanks, John. My half-Polish, half-Irish self appreciates the offer!

Unfortunately, the deal has fallen through. "Mr. Coot," as we've come to think of him, refuses to consider reducing the price or extending the option period so we can get some bids on repairs or even a mold inspection. It seemed like a steal at 130k (yes, everything is less expensive down here!), but it needs a lot of work! A quick rundown:

New roof, including removing two layers of shingles
Foundation repair
Replace water heater that is in danger of exploding
Run plumbing so two bathrooms no longer drain to underneath the house, but rather to septic system
Bring wiring up to code (serious fire hazard)
Repair external wood rot
Replace all window and external door frames
Replace rafters that have water damage and no longer even meet
Fix dryer vent to vent to OUTSIDE the house
Replace heater
Replace two A/C units
Additions are not properly attached to house
Multiple leaks from roof and throughout house
Improperly installed sinks and tubs
No safety glass
Replace fireplace
Replace improper duct work

The list goes on and on. This is all in addition to the stuff we knew about - needs a paint job, smoke detectors, light fixtures, doorknobs, etc.. I wish I could upload the inspection report to the "humor" forum! In pristine condition, the property would be worth about 170k. It needs way more than 40k in repairs! Did I mention it comes with NO appliances? The kitchen would have to be gutted to even install an oven.

Well, since we aren't getting it, I guess I can show a picture of the exterior. My heart still skips a beat when I look at it, but we can't afford to take on a deathtrap/Money Pit.

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Lucy

I'm so sorry it fell through. It's a beautiful house but tht list of repairs is huge!

You'll find something else you'll fall in love with I'm sure.

jdhef

Sorry it didn't work out. It sounds like you are making a good decision though, considering all the work/money you would need to pour into it. The repairs could exceed the purchase price of the house.

So does this mean no lasagna and pirogies?

capekate

wow, that sure is a long list of repairs that need to be made. I do understand that older homes usually have a list of repairs, up to code wiring, new roof etc etc. But you are right that is a lot of big money repairs that are needed there and heck... if you keep looking I am sure you will find something else that really calls out to you.
Its a great looking house for sure, I love the balconies and porches all over.
Im sorry its not going to work out for you, I am sure you had your heart set on it, and if you are like me, you have probably already thought about how you would decorate it before you got in the door!
But a wise decision was made.. and happy hunting for another great place!

MousePotato

Thanks, Lucy. We're going to get over it, but it's a huge disappointment.

Thanks, John. I was also thinking "what if this is only the beginning?" Seriously, after I read the report, I went to Blockbuster, rented "The Money Pit," and opened a bottle of wine.

The lasagna and pierogi (it's already plural - pierog is singular </end PolishLesson>) will have to wait, but it could still happen. There are lots of decrepit properties in east Texas. Keep your fingers crossed and maybe we'll get conned in to buying one!

Thanks, Kate. You already know me too well - I have been antique shopping in my mind since I first saw the listing, late one night on a job in Muskogee! I even took it a step further and came up with two possible plans for remodeling to add storage space. Heck, I'm STILL coming up with ideas when I let my mind wander!

Speaking of mind-wandering... My company is going through an acquisition at the moment and I put in over 40 hours in 3 days at drill pipe manufacturing facilities on the other side of town. I've been getting home around 10 and getting up at 5 and trying to take care of the house, animals and everything else in the 7 hours in between.

Oh, I'm sorry. I interrupted you, didn't I? Yes, Alex, I'll take sleep deprived aquarists for $500...

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