Well, got a call from my contractor today. Heard back from the City. We applied back in April, now July and...they said no. But we are going appeal. They had issues with the suite entrance stairs being in the backyard, and that my lot size is fairly tiny, and the height being apparently 6" too high. I was reassured that it shouldn't be that big of a deal. Just more time to be taken.
That actually works out for me, now that I know more about the renewal of the Cornerstone's Secondary Suite grants. New applications will be accepted in 2013. They haven't finalized the requirements yet, nor the applications. This will give me time to deal with the City, and save some more funds or at least spread out the spending. The estimated cost was a shocker. Turns out in Old Strathcona, the services are accessible out of the front of the property, not the back. So they have to dig a trench in my backyard and break concrete in my basement to connect services. That added an extra $10 000. Right now power is run overhead from my house to the garage, but that's not allowed anymore. It has to be buried. Which is better actually, as the neighbour's mature trees have been known to touch the wires. Paid to get that cut back last year when I was doing the front yard's grade and landscaping. I'm still waiting on getting a fence between myself and the apartment building next door done, so that I can get a sidewalk done, but the dirt is settling which I need before I put something in permanent. At least the water is not running back towards the foundation anymore.
I haven't even broken ground on this plan, when I started thinking about the possibility of finishing the attic into a master bedroom and bathroom, and having to run stairs from main level up. This means a skylight would be needed, on the side that doesn't face the apartment building as I have enough windows looking my way. I'm crazy excited about this idea, but it all depends on the structure up there. Especially the type of trusses. But I want it! Of course, garage apartment first, likely backyard landscaping second, finishing basement and new basement bathroom and laundry room third, and then tackle the attic. All I know is that I will be house poor forever, and always have a project to work on, and I will love it all.
I haven't gotten any word on rebates I'm due from the provincial and municipal government for the energy efficient retrofit I did. I did get rebates from the feds and my mortgage insurer. I'll need to dig in a bit and check on this. Things are going, slowly, but it seems everything is happening for a reason.
The IKEA kitchen sale is back on until August 6th. I have to purchase the other half of my kitchen that wasn't available in February. Pay with my IKEA Credit Card and its deferred for 12 months. I have to start paying for all the work Great Canadian did last spring. That was deferred for a year. Come September I have to start paying back $33 000.
It is true what they say, the more money you make, the more money you spend. I've never been in debt in my life, and I guess here I am, but I think it's a responsible debt. My home. Mine. My Love.
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