Work we did on this house

In conversation with Geoffy, I tried to recall all the work we've done on the house since we bought it in 2000. The amounts are fuzzy, but here we go, in no particular order:

• Replaced all the storm windows over a period of eight years. c. $4500 at an average cost of $180 per
• Converted pantry into half bath, new fridge, rebuild mud room $22,500
• Remodeled upstairs bathroom $21,000
• New siding $30,000
• Work on slate roof including new flashing and external chimneys $12,700
• Rewire $5300
• New basement windows $550
• New bulkhead $2100
• New roof for sun porch $1100
• Rebuild front steps $3400
• New door and assembly for sun porch $1200
• Remove railing from roof of front porch and replace/rebuild rotting wood $2400
• Tarp to protect rotting metal shed roof $15
• Remove rotting metal shed $500
• New shed $2700
• Gazebo $4700
• Replace driveway $5700
• Masonry repair on original steps and garage foundation $625
• Chimney cap $325
• New furnace, hot water heater, and radiator for bathroom $15,000
• Remove old oil tank $360
• New washer and dryer $1200
• Newer dryer $600
• Various electrician visits to install new outlets and convert antiquated ones $600
• Power clean ancient curtains $200 (plus the joy of two sales calls per year)
• Remove child's wallpaper from computer room and paint it $800
• Replaster center hall $475
• New kitchen windows $3400
• Remove fallen and dead trees $950
• New floor for back porch $2400
• Replace locks on front door (original locksmith said it was impossible — this was our first job for Maynard Door and Window) $475
• New fixtures for bathroom ten years before the remodel $300
• Replace plumbing leading to outdoor spigots $660
• Cut off original bathtub from ancient plumbing $375
• Repair garage roof after a falling limb punctured it $0 (Thanks, Steve)
• Spackle $20
• Paint $60
• Rust-o-leum $25
• Sash lock $12
• Window shades $120
• Storage units for pantry, kitchen, dining room $1275

What the future holds

• New roof for house and garage $16,900 (est.)
• New kitchen $arm + $leg

That is around $150,000 in thirteen years. Significantly less than the house has appreciated. Think of it as a lot of running forward to stand still. Then, don't.