This was the year my wife and I decided to put out some money to replace systems in the house that were getting old.

Sure.  They were still working but eventually everything needs to be replaced and I’ve seen so many homes that have been neglected for so long that I realize it’s better to do some stuff sooner rather than later.

So, this year we replaced our heat pump/furnace system and we got a new roof. Both items were pretty darned expensive.

The HVAC System

I can’t count the number of times I’ve been through home inspections with buyer clients when the home inspector would say something like, “This furnace is at the end of it’s useful life.” or something similar.  What they were saying was that the HVAC system (the system that keeps you cool in the summer and toasty warm in the winter) is on it’s last legs.

Some inspectors might recommend to the buyer that they will need to budget for its replacement – sooner rather than later.  Others may come right out and say it should be replaced. The bottom line is that either the seller or the buyer will be coming out-of-pocket with a nice chunk of change to get a system that works properly.

Of course, as long as the HVAC system actually works the seller can legitimately tell the buyer that they’ll just have to deal with it later on.  The issue is that the HVAC system is probably inefficient.  It might do what it needs to do but it’ll drive up the old electric bill.

For me, I didn’t want to get to the point where I was in the process of selling my house and then having to put out a ton of money to replace the HVAC system. Plus, I wanted to enjoy the benefits of a lower electricity bill and a quieter (much quieter) system that will work for me for the next 15-20 years.

The Roof

The roof is also something we replaced recently (short video below).

Expensive?  You betcha.  But it sure beats having water come in and a) create the short term wet mess and b) the long term moisture/wetness issue that can lead to mold.

Our roof was about 12 years old but there was some water making its way through the venting system in the roof.  We had it caulked a few times to ward off the inevitable.  But, after the recent hurricane and attendant week or two of steady rain, we decided to bite the bullet and replace the roof.

Again, this is something that should last us for the next 25 years (at least, that’s how long the warranty lasts).

I Want The 60″ Flat Screen

Instead of spending thousands on a roof and HVAC system, I would have much rather gotten a 60″ flat screen or maybe a little trip to the Virgin Islands or something. Trust me on this one. Yet, I knew in my heart of hearts and from my many years of seeing hundreds and hundreds of houses (literally) that things like a roof and an HVAC system are more important and, truth be told, last longer.

They’re not sexy.  They don’t get me all giddy like a new iPad might but at least I don’t have to worry about them anymore and it will help the resale value of my house.