As Dink’s (Double Income No Kids), your nest egg has successfully transported you from an upscale city loft to a 3 BR, 2 ½ Bath suburban anchor. You now have a white picket-fenced yard for your dog and enough square footage to justify commencing with a college fund. The home ticked many boxes, the inspection report was reasonably clean, the mortgage was event-free, and you received the keys. Walking through your front door, the next step in adulthood, suddenly takes on a new homeowner perspective.

The list of ‘Wants’ and ‘Needs’ can expand exponentially. No longer can you call the management company for a leaky toilet or a door that won’t close. You are now the management company. Most home purchases are of older homes with no warranty, and your window of due diligence expires upon closing. Although furnishings will be a high priority, new and older homes will have issues at some point. It is not if issues will arise but when there is typically a cost. Some will have a lower impact as they are cosmetic. Others are discretionary and potentially bigger ticket items resulting from your desire to change/personalize the home. The last and possibly most problematic to deal with are issues that do not manifest until the house is put through its paces. There is no guarantee surprises will not be hiding in your walls, attic, under the floors, and behind appliance housings, while Mother Nature and acts of god are a gust of wind away from putting their dent in your limited resources.

As a new homeowner, it is safe to say You Do Not Know What You Do Not Know. This nuance of home ownership can quickly empty your piggy bank. When you want to make changes or notice some oddity in the function of your house, the next step is to call the appropriate service provider. Do not be surprised when the visit turns left, as the original scope develops a domino effect; what you perceive as a simple request may require upgrades and significant changes to accomplish. Unless your house is burning down, and the solution is coming from a firefighter, never commit to anything without time to process and gain additional input.

You are introduced to new concepts, procedures, and a language they never taught in college. You have your dream, and anyone with a degree of pride will want to avoid being perceived as ignorant or naïve. It is easy to succumb to pressure and, with minimal reflection, proceed to book the contractor and agree to the extra work. It is possible the vendor is trying to take advantage, so you must trust your gut feeling regarding their sales job. More than likely, they are solely focused on doing what they do. Time is money, so many service providers will only provide enough information or education to move you toward a contract and schedule your work. Options are a concept rarely factored into the equation as many contractors view every work request as a nail, and they are the hammer to drive it home. If it doesn’t feel right, you need more information. Even if it makes sense, you need more information by examining alternate solutions first. Do not be afraid to ask about those options, including rethinking your plan. Throwing money at an issue does not guarantee anything except your wallet will be lighter. The leaking gutter doesn’t mean your roof needs to be replaced; a failed capacitor does not justify a new HVAC system; an additional outlet shouldn’t require a service upgrade.

Do not hesitate to reach out to get the advice you need.