House From Hell

Posted by Joel Nash Nov 9, 2006

I am proof positive that anyone can fall into the character trap. You may wonder what the character trap is; well it’s the ability to fall in love with a home, even though you realize it is a money pit.

Now as I have come to realize, my original intention to put a fixed amount of money into my home, on a two-year renovation project has gone out the window. The roof went over budget; the windows took longer to get installed than I originally planned for. The combination of these separate events caused me to postpone getting necessary electrical repairs completed on time.

Now the colder temperatures have unearthed a more immediate problem. The previous owner illegally patched a hole in the furnace. This means that the furnace has to be replaced immediately. So the last week has, had me scrambling to find the means to replace the furnace so I don’t freeze this winter.

I can easily look back now and hear myself saying, “Look at that beautiful crown moulding.” I was immediately swayed by the grandeur I had in my mind. I just had to have this house no matter what.

Negotiations went swiftly and I found myself to be the proud owner of a money pit. I fell for the time honoured character trap, and I only now can see the price that I have to pay. In time it will be what I had originally envisioned, after many sleepless nights and all my money goes into it for some time to come.