My First Month as a Solo Homeowner

​I’m typing this from my closer-to-empty apartment, eight days away from officially moving.  And the past month has been like “basic training” with respect to repairs, which is par for the course for a homeowner.
 
About a month ago, the light bulb from a fixture in my kitchen went out.  All I needed to do was pull up the building’s app on my phone, fill in the order, and 24 hours later, it was done.  Since I have recessed lights that are meant to last for ten years, that’s probably not an issue.  But, if my refrigerator, for example, happens to go, I can’t just pull up an app.  I have to find someone who repairs them and either: A) pony up the costs for repair; or B) do the research on a new refrigerator, order it, and pay for it and have someone install it (I’m not handy enough to do those things).
 
This past month has been a whirlwind of interviewing contractors, reviewing estimates, having contractors not show up, having contractors promising estimates and not following through with them, that good feeling of finally finding a reliable, effective contractor, and, of course, that back-and-forth between DC and North Bethesda.  That said, I do get my step count up as a result of that 10-minute walk between the Metro stop and my place.
 
First, I found an amazing handyman, Roberto, whom I’ve recommended to two people thus far.  I continue to be surprised that so many others don’t respond; you’d think that they’d want business, but, I’ve learned it’s a “contractor’s market.”  Some jobs are just too small; I just wish people would be more transparent about it.  But it felt great to connect with someone reliable and skilled.
 
Painting was also interesting to watch as it progressed.  I can understand why some people might like to get high off paint fumes; it’s quite the aroma.  And I have a bunch of paint cans in one of my closets; if I ever want to touch it up, it’s there.  All I need are some rollers and/or brushes (I helped somebody paint a yoga studio many years ago, so I’m a bit rusty on the DIY tools needed).
 
I had a short trip to New York, where I had the opportunity to learn from my Mom, home decorator extraordinaire, about what kinds of furniture and decorations would go with my colors. So we took trips to Homegoods, Blinds to Go, and Bob’s.  I learn best kinesthetically, so I needed to actually sit/lay down on the furniture.  She also recommended Wayfair for smaller furniture; I’ve been seeing some good stuff.
 
Christina’s blue wagon is also a G-dsend; I’ve used it to wheel bulkier items from my apartment to my car to my condo.  At this point, my storage space resembles Box Jenga (a phrase from Christina), but it will subside once painting is done and some of the bigger furniture can be moved in.  At that point, I can start arranging.
 
A month in, lots of renovations have happened, and the place is starting to feel like mine.  The next step: decorations and moving.  Some things I’ve learned:
 
1)It’s tough to find a good contractor.  But it’s great when you do.  And treat them well.  They can decide whether or not they want to work with you.  Always have water available; snacks are good, too.  Mine got those Popcorners.
2)Even though I’m not living there yet, I am starting to feel more “connected.”  I say hi to people and smile a bit more at others.  Perhaps that comes when the place is yours?
 
The next piece in this series will come in August, three months into homeownership.