Hey all. Yeah, I'm taking the plunge and was hoping to get some feedback from anyone else who has already done the same.

I have assumed and prepared for some unexpected costs, but I was hoping to hear some general heads up responses on things I should be getting ready for.

Like I heard from somebody that there is a big initial fee to turn on electric; but I haven't checked to see if that's true yet.

Anyways, anything you might find usefull probably will be.

Here from ya later

-Bad

Hi, Depending on your credit you can get your utilities turned on with no deposit, or they usually ask for a $100.00 deposit you'll get back after a year of on time payments.

I have owned my own home for eight years now. I hope your a good handy man or have a network of close friends to help you.

I have become a Handy man/woman and love it, it's rewarding.

A plumber wanted about $900.00 to fix a leak in my kitchen and the faucets in my shower, I did it my self with parts from Home Depot for a total of $50.00.

I was told that I needed a new water heater ($700.00) when the pilot light wouldn't stay lit, I looked it up on the internet and replaced my thermal coupler my self for a total of $4.50.

Hope this helps!
DI

Under the toilet...

I just like saying that...seriously though.

From the wall under/behind the toilet there is
a valve, from the valve is a braided steel line that goes to a PLASTIC FITTING.

In one of my bathrooms, this plastic fitting broke 4 weeks ago, while I was at work.

I can not express the...emotions of coming home to a flooded house...the +$20K in damages...all from a little 50 cent piece of plastic.

Sure inside of the entire house was repainted and the new tile will be complete Friday but...

I'd still have a professional plumber check those little 50 cent pieces of plastic...before...

Also, hoses on the back of the washer, steel braided and replace every 5 or so years.

Hope this saves everyone the "joy" I have found in this little adventure.

Have a great day,
Trent

Thanks for the replies, those were both good pieces of advice; especially the not needing a deposit. The utilities companies didn't tell me about it, I had to ask. My credit was great; so I got those waived just fine. As far as repairs go, I shouldn't have too much I can't handle. I was raised by a custom home builder and have been doing or helping with home repair/remodel since I was like eight.