Funny how an old banker never losses his fear of writing cheques! Yesterday was the eco-energy visit where they come and do an audit/assessment of how much energy is being kept in or going out of the house. This is a government subsidized program (thanks to all our "have provinces" for contributions to the plan) where, if you upgrade insulation/windows/energy efficient heating etc, the 2 governments will grant you some funds back after work is completed. So, needless to say our house failed miserably and the list is forth coming. Off the "top of his head" he suggested: a) 15 inches of insulation in the attic (there is currently 1 inch), b) insulation blown into the walls (there is currently none), c) insulation in a number of places in the foundation, d) fixing the multiple broken widows (duh!), glazing and sealing windows...and well, I'm sure you all get the picture of the length of this list!Then came the Irving boys back to assess our heating needs. We asked their opinion on electric heat v.s. oil as that is the route the Ontario government is encouraging home owners to go. Funny enough says they...the NB government is encouraging the opposite - convert from electric to oil...did I mention that Irving is the patron saint of NB? But, because there are no vents from furnace to the 2nd floor, they did concede to having electric on the 2nd floor, oil on the first floor and in future we will install a woodstove to supplement the first floor. We figure that covers most bases as to varying heating costs! They'll get back to us with a quote.
Then, later, while enjoying a glass of wine on our back "deck" (it was actually a warm spot in the day) our neighbour, Dougie Dean (everyone has an ie on the end of their name regardless of age!) dropped in to assess our roofing needs. Yep, gonna need a new one...2 layers of shingles to remove first and looks like some rotten trusses, not to mention the probability of needing all new sheathing. And dormers? Naw...too much money so now skylights are being considered. He's getting back to us with a quote...and oh yeah...we'll need another dumpster for the shingles and anything else that may be ripped off!
Back to the wine, and a list of the potential costs - before even considering what will happen INSIDE the house! The banker now wants to go for supper - something to soothe his nightmare!
So over to the caves for a bite to eat...and as soon as we drive through the covered bridge, round the corner of the harbour and the high tide and sea caves come into view...the stress of the day dissipates and we're happy to be just where we are!
(Click on the picture for a mini video of the Bay of Fundy!)
No comments:
Post a Comment