Solar update

I emailed the company for solar again, and exchanged several email, and talked on the phone to two people. There are a couple issues that will effect the end results. Ist of all is a tree. It is a large tree in our backyard, that provides some shade to the room. That will have to be significantly trimmed. Okay, trimmed is an understatement. There are some major branches that will need to be terminated. Then, if we will be supplying solar for my wife's parents and ourselves, we will need 2 arrays, with double of the supporting equipment. The 3rd is there is a strong likely hood the size (and flatness) of the roof may limit the number of panels we have on it, thereby not producing enough energy to get some of NYCs financial benefits. This also means, it is likely to be too small a system to do a lease.
Now, leases are good for immediate financial benefits. This just means it will need to be an investment instead. I will be receiving an estimate soon, and then we can look at the numbers and see if it will work out for us.
Yes, a home equity loan could be a simple solution, however,  my wife's parents are slower into accepting new technology.  Case and point, my wife got her mom a cell phone (It didn't really cost much to add her to our plan) and it took her a year before she started using it  regularly. She is still not making the best use of it, but getting better. And we've been talking to them about switching from standard (overpriced) telephone to unlimited to save them money. And that has resulted in their current, extra over priced plan they are in now, not heeding our advice.  But the cell phone proves you can teach 'an old dog new tricks', so does the different phone plan. But it takes more time to help them do it right.
If you did want to help us, in a way that is <a href="http://1bog.org/r/mccsl/">Click here.</a> so we can get some money for the system, and you, if you decide to go solar yourself, will have $500 towards your very own system. And there is also a lot of information about Solar there too, and the programs (some ending soon) that will help you make the switch.

Utilities, basement, water, solar and more

We were at the house this afternoon again. Wait, back up. My wife called ConEd (electric company) and Cablevision (cable internet, tv and phone) to get things set up for when arrive. We got a call from Cablevision to verify things and confirm date and time. My wife had some other thoughts. Before the call, was to get extra boxes so her parents could have cable (instead of unreliable antenna tv) and afterwards, to add the Spanish package for them (They are from Puerto Rico and Spanish is their native tongue) and, get an extra phone line for them as well. We've been telling them about different phone options which would save them a bundle from traditional, particularly because of calls to PR. They had signed up for program with ATT, and the price is outrageous.  (almost as much as the triple play package from cablevision) Adding them as part of our package really isn't much additonal, and will save them on phone, plus give them great TV reception and with the spanish package, more options than just the standard Telemundo and Univision.  We still need to find out if they can cancel their phone package, but either way, they will have the TV with the extra channels.

I also took a look at the basement. Noticed some of the plumbing was not well supported, and also the likely place water. It wouldn't take much to add some support to those pipes. And I'll have to figure out the best way to plug the holes. Let me explain the holes. There is a seperate room (only room) that contains the hardware for the boiler in the basement, and in that room is an alcove. At the top of that alcove it is to the place between the house and next door, and I can see light coming in. I did not investigate it in detail, but will.
I do know that water does come in when it rains, but have not seen it when it happens. 

Now, in regards to going solar. I need to make an appointment to get them to look at the roof, and find out what they can do, and assess if renting/leasing or what we would be able to afford to get started. Possibly even (if possible) partial buy/lease.

I also noticed under the mystery space it's all bricked in at the basement level. Now I am really wondering what is there. There is a 'window' that has been sealed and painted over on the top floor (parents). On the bottom level, I've not taken note of that part of the floor. But have yet to but get a peek a couple times at the living room but that was limited to the bay window area at most because of the swing of the door.

My wife is hoping they are out before the last day of the month, so we can see inside, and move things in. As for now, we will be taking some non-essentials there and putting them in the basement. Things that will not get ruined if they got wet, or very well protected from water and moisture.

Fast Forward

If you are a fan, or have watched Amazing Race, you know about the covetted fast forward. Well, we have a fast forward of our own.  As with the race, they skip tasks and move to the end of the leg. We have something similar. The renters have found a new place, and are moving out the end of the month. So our time table has shortened. Means a busy 3 weeks now.