Condo to Single Family Home... what would I need?

[Ceashels]

This topic came up in chat with Lady V and it got me thinking about what expenses would be needed for just such a move.

I'm thinking outdoor tools:

rake
lawn mower
leaf bags each fall
edger or weed wacker

garbage cans
recycle bins (if curbside is available)

Tools for do it yourself jobs


What would the average person need to make the transition smoother?

[Lady_V]

Thank you for starting this Cea! My biggest worry aside from being able to pay in 'real people money' and not 'bank says you can afford this money' is going from "condo fees cover everything but my electricity" to "I have to pay for WHAT?"

Knowing what else I would need BEFORE it springs up on me will really help me plan our money better

[mek42]

When we moved from an apartment to our home maintenance was indeed the rude awakening. I'm a hobbyist woodworker, so I already had many DIY tools. A big one that I did not have was a ladder. I highly recommend one of those Gorilla ladders - they are the cheaper version of the Little Giant.

We have the one that is 6 or 7' tall folded up. Sometimes I wonder if it would have been better to get the 3 or 4' tall when folded smaller one for easier use.

I'm a big guy - most of the "cheap" ladders out there are not rated for my naked weight, much less carrying paint or roofing tar.

The Gorilla style can be used as a step ladder, straight ladder or as a varying height step ladder to use on stairs.

[krbshappy71]

Did you already have a washer & dryer in the condo or was it one of those units that has community washer & dryer locations?

Washer & Dryer

Curtains or money set aside for curtains/blinds.

I think it would help to know what they already had to have at the condo.

If condo fees cover everything does that mean Cable, Internet, too? If so, add cable and/or internet to your list.

I have an HOA, will you have that fee?

Umm. Oh, do you have pets? If so, figure out fencing or tethering cost for the pet if no fenced in yard.

I am frequently borrowing a shovel from my friend. Landscaping flowers to make it feel like home would be nice.

Once I owned my own home instead of renting I was so excited to paint that I spent a ton of money on painting every room. Maybe budget in some fun-paint money.

[TigerGirl1226]

a garden hose...even if you don't have plants, just for cleaning and such

[Lady_V]

I think it would help to know what they already had to have at the condo.

Heat, hot water, water, sewer, landscaping, general maintenance (non-unit specific) repairs, snow removal, trash removal and recycling is included in the condo fee.

We pay for electricity, and cable.

Washer & Dryer is common area - I would like to line-dry if available, but thinking I will need a stackable unit.

[monkeywrangler71]

You really can't get away without the snow shovel, leaf rake and lawn mower, but buy any other gardening/landscaping tools as needed.

I only buy tools when a job comes up that requires something I don't have. Eventually you acquire quite a collection, but spreading it out on an as needed basis is easier on the budget and also prevents buying things that never get used.

[TigerGirl1226]

something else to think about...not just what you need, but when to buy it. we often buy off season. for instance, decide you want to make a garden for next year so you can start to look for garden tools discounted in the fall.

[ladykemma2]

refrigerator

[ml2620]

I don't have specific item recommendations, but keep your eye out for estate sales or yard sales involving house clean outs. We have found our best, long lasting tools at estate sales. They just don't make things like they used to, and the tools are usually just a couple dollars each.

[Lora88]

After the winter we had this year a snow blower I too am going from a townhouse with an association to a single family house The association did all the gardening snow removal We did have shovels. We also invested in a good powerwasher. Leaf Blower weed wacker and ride on mower We now have 3 acres quite the change from our small yards. The only thing I will miss is the 4 community pools we have here they are seldom used and kept immaculate . Still debating wheter or not to invest in a pool ourselves

[TheRootedNomad]

I know some of these have been mentioned but it helps my train of thought to just run them out.

I wouldn't want to be without:
~ lawnmower
~ garden hose
~ shovel
My prefrence is a spade as I've found the need to dig is more prevelent than just moving things. (plumbing lines, tree roots, turning over the garden, burrying dog poop, ect.)
~ some type of saw
(I am guessing you have a basic toolkit with screwdrivers, hammer, wrench, duct tape, yada yada. If not this is a must)

To seriously consider:
~ decent size/quality snake
~ weed wacker
~ snow shovel
~ upgrade the above from some type of saw to a chain saw
~ rake

Services:
~ Garbage
Will you need to pay?
Are there competitors?
Are there seperate fees for yard waste?
Does the area have free drop off days?
Do you have to supply your own cans or do you have to rent them?

~ Water
Figure out the average water bill for the area?
Are you on sewers?
If not, find out what you have. ( septic tank, laterall lines and so forth) Once you know what you have look into fees associated with it.
Also, if you aren't on sewers you may want to find out if your area will be put on them anytime soon. Some places requier everyone in the section they're adding sewers to, to hook in, in a certain time frame and that can run some serious cash.

~ Heat
Are you oil burner, gas (from the gas and electric co.), propane, or electric?
Check into how old the equipment is and search into fees and maintanence.
(We had an oil burner growing up on L.I. and when the prices spiked the SPIKED and when the thing backed up one time we cleaned forever as the whole inside of the house got coated in black soot.)

AC
~ Are there window units or central air?
If there are window units you may want to ask if there is already duct work in the house that a cental air unit can be hooked to. If you go to add cental air and there isn't any you've just added a LOT of additional cost.


I'll keep thinking but that's a start.

[Libby]

Everyone's listed outside stuff - what about the inside?

From a condo to a house - wouldn't you need more furniture pieces? Also window coverings, carpeting/rugs.

Just a thought

[monkeywrangler71]

Everyone's listed outside stuff - what about the inside?

From a condo to a house - wouldn't you need more furniture pieces? Also window coverings, carpeting/rugs.

Just a thought

Depends on the size of the condo and the house. We are looking to go the other way, from a house to an apartment, and the apartment we are looking at is actually bigger than our house.

[mek42]

You'll need a plumbing fund. Also periodic roof replacement (think 20 - 30 years, it is a good thing if the roof is 5 years old or less at purchase).

I may have more specific advise on how much the plumbing fund should be later this week.