My latest discovery - Thermostats have batteries that need to be checked - when you don't do it, they oxidize and corrode, then, like me, you end up replacing the thermostat(s). I guess it took almost 5 years of being alone to discover this one!! Where's my list of to do's for next year? Gloria

Uff...!!!

As a single man I did learn one thing, having a home it's a never ending commitment. nothing wrong with that, there are people who loves doing home maintenance chores. In the attached link you can find a PDF printable list for all your home needs. http://www.dontbuyituntiliinspectit.com/AdvancedHomeMaintenanceChecklist.pdf

I like renting an apartment better, it is easier, cheaper, safety and for any events just call them to take care of your needs. I do understand ladies like having A HOUSE, well... I hope this check list helps you.

Cheers!

There's all kinds of helpful stuff on-line and in the library about home ownership and maintenance. But like the guy said, it's a never ending project, something like owning an antique car.

FYI YOU CAN PURCHASE thermostats with out batteries....they are mechanical

instead of digital.....just follow the directions that come with them...it is

very rare for them to cause any problems.....

I think her point is she is learning what living alone is all about....even learning about thermostats, yes I have been living alone longer than you...still a learning curve but I never feel lonely at home, more in crowds.

Wait!
There's a downside to living alone?

Living alone can be challenging for some..

When you own/buying your own home, all the repairs are up to you to check.

One of the main things is to make sure your Filters for your A/C are changed once a month.. It will help keep your unit running smoothly...

Whatever you do if you have repairs done refuse to pay until the job is completed.. I have been single for many years and I have never paid for repairs upfront.. To me, if the company can not complete the job first before payment then I refuse to use them.. I have yet to run into an issue with my request.. Ohh and get more then one quote, anytime you need repairs done, get at least 3-4.. Now as far as using a Handyman instead of a company, I have gone with them and paid for the materials to have them brought back to my house then paid them the labor after the job was finished.. Always be safe and use those that friends or family have dealt with..

Learn to enjoy your alone time and when the need hits go out with friends etc..

Many that are alone quit going out to eat due to they don't like to eat by themselves.. I always request to sit at the bar in a Restaurant.. don't have to drink to sit there.. But there are always other singles at the bar and normally always easy to jump into a conversation with others or the bartender.. Makes it easier, for you are not alone..

Learn to embrace living alone.. myself I prefer it..

The "modern" thermostats have stacks of features. Among them the need to be battery powered. The batteries last a long time but as you discovered when batteries go dead and corrode, the entire unit can be ruined and need replacing.
Personally, I got frustrated with trying to do all the settings these electronic marvels incorporate. Menards still has the older style thermostats that don't use battery power. They are inexpensive, simple, and easy to install in the place of an electronic unit. For the winter I set the temperature I want, and when switching to "cool" for summer AC it's simply a flip of the switch.

It is much more difficult to live with another human being
than it is to be alone.

Enjoy the ultimate freedom.

When the time is right and you are happy with yourself, then
you have a look around.

I have discovered cooking !!! Yes, believe it ,or not, being widowed for four years now I have really got into cooking what I consider complex meals. Gone are the days when a peanut butter sandwich was what's for dinner. I have made dishes like chicken marsala, homemade soups and even baked a cake from scratch. I have found out that I enjoy it too.

I own my own home (paid for) and am the least handy man you can find and even I can honestly say I've had only just a few minor problems maintaining my home. Not sure what all the fuss is about. My home was built in the mid 90's and the only issues in the last 15 years have been:

1. Toilets needing a new flapper or the "entire" fill valve replaced. Easy to do after watching a youtube video. $20

2. Garage door: Squeaking and occasionally not going up/down. Solution: Spray for the squeaking and realign the "eyes" so the door goes up/down

3. Garbage disposal motor: Replaced once in 15 years. Easy with youtube. Cheap

4. Hot water heater: Still working after 20 years but I was uncomfortable with it as its inside my house so I purposely replaced it before anything happened. If memory serves me it cost about $300. Easily did it with a friend after watching youtube.

5. Replaced a few miniblinds that finally stopped working. About $20 each

All this in 15 years. Less than $750 and I know nothing about repairs. I paid off my home in about 12 years. Anyone here saying renting is the way to go hasn't a clue financially. House has doubled in value. Sure the a/c will go someday (hasn't yet, will just pay someone and be done with it) but its a no brainer: FINANCIALLY, its a much smarter move than renting. I've found that the very few maintenance issues are nothing like I had feared prior to buying.

I only lived in an apartment once for about a year, otherwise, I've always lived in a house. It's a commitment. I enjoy living alone, and I'll figure out things as I go.

For me, I have the most difficult time at night...for some reason, I look at EVERYTHING in my home and remember my wife...every knick-knack I recall when we bought it, every piece of furniture, I remember when we picked them out...I look at the walls and remember when we painted them...all the pictures and home projects we did...I remember...and smile, often with tears.

I've got a council house so I indeed can call whenever there's something wrong. House gets painted every few years etc. But some things you gotta do yourself of course, like changing a battery in a thermostat or filling the CH. That last one I didn't know at first and I'm not too chuffed about it.
In my current situation I wouldn't want to own a house. Too expensive to maintain or have things repaired and I cannot do it myself.

Since I've been living alone I've cussed a lot, hihi.

First time I had to put the rolling bin out I didn't know which way around it had to be
Of course I had it the wrong way round, but my neighbour sorted it and told me.

Remembering to put the bins out... I put alarms in my phone now for all 3.

Gosh... there's a lot of things and yes, it does take getting used to.

well hi there, here's what you do next..get over the little stuff its called life.. been there done that. why don't you try again I'm here for you ️