[under55]

We have just purchased our lot and picked out our new house. We will close on September 17th.
I would like to put together a list of must haves after taking over the house and what they will cost.
Can you give me some ideas? Garage Door Screens? Concrete edging stuff like that.

[Lucko]

Costs vary greatly and so does quality -- American kwick-kerb does landscape first class, good palms with big root balls are about $270 planted, fancy curbing $3 or $4 per foot with a landscape job; painted patio and drive go around $1600 for good work (Amy Newsum); garage doors go for about $800 for sliders (clackety clack over the tracks) and $2000 for those that raise -- quality varies from some that tear easily and to others that almost repair themselves; also allow for lawn mowing $40 monthly; termite annual $150, house wash twice a year @ $45, lawn treatment $40 every month or two, plus weeding and trimming shrubs, garage/attic vents are a few hundred bucks; sky lite tubes are also a few hundred each; get the free wind inspection Florida offers and save on house insurance; Our total out of pocket expenses are about $500 plus payment and taxes on an Austin ranch in Duval -- I hope this helps, just remember that you are buying into a way of life and I feel that it is worth it !!! Ask locals for info on companies before you hire work done !!!!!

[under55]

Yes that is all the type of information we are trying to compile. I think the concrete edging will be first on the list. Any other suggestions from others?

[graciegirl]

I am laughing because everyone looks at "must haves" for a new house in a different way.

Mine were draperies (I have been sewing like mad) furniture, paintings and wall art.

I dream about painting the walls and add ladders to the list of things we are needing on our visit next month to our brand new house.

[under55]

LOL I am sure your must haves are probably going on along the lines of Kathy's. There are must haves for the males and probably a whole different list for the females. Paint??????? I hate to paint we will just live with the color it has for a few years. We ordered thewindow blind package with the house but I am sure we will need some other widow coverings on down the road. We will not be moving full time to the house for 3 years.

[kd-dp2000]

Hi, you will want a yard service (fertilizing, pest control,etc.) Massey is probably the best. It will run you between $600-700/year plus $125 or so for annual termite inspection. Well worth every penny. Ask for Grady. 352-259-6991
Evergreen Landscaping does a great job. Ask for James. He is the owner. 352-205-5827
If you want gutters put on, A-Action Seamless Gutters do a nice job and reasonable. Ask for Pete Cali. 352-753-3879
These are services that were recommended to us and we have been pleased.

[thegreenerside]

We added an additional $25000 the first year in the extras such as driveway, lawncare, pest control I/O, golf cart, and just basic essentials. Then the following year the landscaping added an additional $17000. Of course everyone has their priorities and some items are necessary while others are not, but I bet you can figure and additional cost of the house to be close to $30000 spread over a two to three year period.

[under55]

I am sure you are very close in your figure.