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Advantages of home renovation

Having hit the lowest point in my online diary regarding the home renovation (it can only go up when you're down), I also have a burning need to figure out the benefits of our situation...slanting floors and all.

And it's tax week, too.

#1 Change. We don't feel at ALL guilty creating massive chaos to get the house to be exactly how we want it. It is ALREADY so bad, we have unlimited choices on how to fix it.

#2 Motivation. We feel motivated to work on the house. Having no walls or a missing ceiling will do that to you. "Mañana" (tomorrow) is normally not appealing.

#3 Our location. We could have never afforded a house in this neighborhood and on this amazing street (so close to family!) without having bought this way.

#4 Learning new skills and gaining confidence...eventually. Once we've done this, there will be very little we will feel that we cannot do.

#5 Homestead for friends and family. Once completed, or even most of the way along, this size and layout of house will allow us provide a gathering place for friends and family that wouldn't have been possible in the condo.

#6 Long-term Investment. This neighborhood and this house is a much better investment than the condo and we have much more control over our investment.

#7 Financial benefits of owning. At today's interest rates, and calculating in the tax savings on mortgage interest and property taxes, we are spending just a little bit more than renting would cost. That includes the yearly maintenance costs and money invested in restoration. We are aggressive budgeters because, well, we have to be. Don't like credit cards and we're saving for retirement on the side. Reuse, repair, take care of what you have. That's the motto. "How does this contribute to our life?" That's the burning question which we constantly measure our life values against if we are interested in spending money.

#8 History. This neighborhood, this community and this house is so very rich in history. As are its contents! And besides, did we ever think we would own our very own blowgun, like, ever?

#9 Memories and Personal Growth. Will I ever think of Aaron charging in to gut the bathroom without extreme admiration for his abilities? Or his creative use of the grill when the kitchen was too hard to cook in? Nope :) He has my admiration forever.

Posted by jeanne on April 15, 2004 at 10:48 PM

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