Utilities for 2006:

Electric: Connexus Energy.  Highest bill: $ 59; yearly cost: $ 558; average bill: $ 47 (without the surcharge: $36).

(Note: these electricity costs do not include air conditioning.  They include a surcharge of $9.90 per month for wind energy.)

Gas: Xcel Energy (for heating only).  Highest bill: $ 233; yearly cost: $ 998; average bill: $ 83.

 

New septic system installed in 1992 (currently compliant)

New roof (asphalt shingles) in 1998 (30-year warranty)

Exterior painted in 2002 (Sherwin-Williams Duration)

Well pump replaced in 2005

Water pressure tank replaced in 2006

 

Inclusions (if desired; we can remove whatever is not wanted):

All appliances

Window hangings

Wall mirrors

Closet hangers and shelves

Shelving

Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers

Chimney cleaner and fireplace tools

Roof scraper for snow removal

Canoe and paraphernalia

Garden hoses and ladders

Christmas wreath frame

 

No particular exclusions.

 

Disclosures:

Radon: 2006 long-term test in lower level south bedroom: 3.8 (within acceptable range)

Asbestos: None that we are aware of

Lead paint: None that we are aware of

Underground tanks: Oil tank removed in 1995, soil tested OK

Hazardous waste: None that we are aware of

Methane production: None that we are aware of

Needs redoing: we were told that the deck railing is not up to current code

 

Recurring costs:

Sherwood Shores Association fees (optional): $60 per year (for 2007)

Channel weed treatment (in coordination with other owners on the channel): $160 (for 2007)

 

History of damage to the house:

1) Small, intermittent roof leak around chimney (flashing); fixed with new roof; no problems since.  Ceiling stains primed and repainted.

2) One-time overflow from old washer in 1995; no further incidents (washer replaced in 1998).

3) Pipe connection failure under the kitchen sink in 1997; repaired; no further incidents.  Ceiling stains in south bedroom primed and repainted; carpet stain remains.

4) Water tank leak in 2006; water tank replaced; no further problems.  Damaged west wall drywall replaced in downstairs south bedroom; carpet stains remain.  (The carpet has not yet been completely reinstalled.)

5) Carpet stains in the corner of the downstairs hallway, from furniture (perhaps a metal cabinet?) the previous owner had placed there.

 

History of other repairs and refurbishing (other than the general interior work and repainting):

1) Ceiling discoloring over downstairs bathroom shower primed and painted.

2) Front door cracks filled and stained; door stained and treated with linseed oil.  (The cracks have not been permanently fixed; further work must be done).

 

Recently discovered problems (untreated):

1) Damaged siding section under the deck, and at west end of the north wall of the downstairs family room (where the earth was allowed to cover the end of the siding).

2) Water present in a stud and the plate at the base of the south wall in the garage, toward the west corner (origin unknown; perhaps from water in the hose that was stored there).

3) The siding along the patio wall is very close to the concrete; the seam appears to have been sealed, which perhaps trapped moisture in the siding.  This section needs to be reworked.

 

Miscellaneous notes:

1) The lawn has been mowed regularly only in the front and in the small area outside the downstairs patio, as well as along the channel.  The rest of the yard has been left to grow wild.

2) There is an old birdhouse on a pole at the south end of the backyard that we have never lowered to repair.

3) The mailbox post has been damaged (vandalism).

4) The downstairs is cool in the summer, and therefore can easily collect moisture.  If you do not use the air conditioner (as we did not), it must be kept well ventilated.  We often used a dehumidifier in the north bedroom.

5) The electronic air filter is missing one of its filaments.

6) We removed a section of kitchen cabinets that was installed over the island counter.  It could be reinstalled.

7) The refrigerator is a high-efficiency model that does not have a freezer compartment.

8) The air vents under the eaves are not flush with the siding, and allow the entry of bugs under the roof.  We are in the process of sealing them.