New House, fixing things...

[BigBear]

Ok you bunch of hooligans,
I'm starting a thread that will be updated within the next few weeks/months on questions/projects I have about a recent house purchase (yay me, no more apartment!). I know we have some electricians, plumbers, HVAC, carpenters, etc on here and I would like to pick your brain about fixing things around the house and what I can do myself to save money (I am a poor public educator...), what I should hire a pro for, etc... So please if you have a trade or vocational training, please keep your eyes on this thread for a few months.

First up are some gaps in the fireplace on the outside wall (stucco). Is that something I can just fill in with stucco/caulk? Or do I need to get a chimney sweep to come in and make sure the flu/lining is all correct before I start? Anything else I may be missing or need to look at?

Thanks folks... If anyone wants to help with the moving party, send me a PM. I don't have a lot but I do have a few heavy pieces and my broken body will need a little help as my poor wife is all of 10lbs soaking wet wearing a weight belt and combat boots. HA!

[jerrymrc]

What part of town? The fireplace thing I would be looking at a wood of pellet stove insert. If it is a true fireplace wood would be the way to go but a pellet is simple.

Depending on when I may be able to help with the move.

[Irving]

If you have a sprinkler system, make sure the realtor didn't leave it to come on 7 days a week for 30 minutes a zone to keep the grass green while it was on the market. No one likes a $300 water bill right as they move in.

[driver]

Congratulations BigBear. I am putting an offer on a house tomorrow. Subscribed!

[BigBear]

What part of town? The fireplace thing I would be looking at a wood of pellet stove insert. If it is a true fireplace wood would be the way to go but a pellet is simple.

Depending on when I may be able to help with the move.

It is a wood ireplace already.. just not sure if the flue (sp?) inside lining is damaged or if the gap is something I should even worry about. I do have a bit of cleanliness/OCD temperaments.

If you have a sprinkler system, make sure the realtor didn't leave it to come on 7 days a week for 30 minutes a zone to keep the grass green while it was on the market. No one likes a $300 water bill right as they move in.

Rgr, that was one of the first things I did ask when I noticed the front lawn was a nice green. Nope, it's been all the rain. The back yard will need some major work and forming though... Might even need a bobcat, yuck.

[rockhound]

pics of your fireplace issue would be helpful

[BigBear]

pics of your fireplace issue would be helpful

Rgr, will be posted once we actually close and move in (about three weeks).

Thanks, stay tuned.

[rbeau30]

If you have a sprinkler system, make sure the realtor didn't leave it to come on 7 days a week for 30 minutes a zone to keep the grass green while it was on the market. No one likes a $300 water bill right as they move in.

Just the opposite in my house. The time from contract to closing was a couple months because I was renting at the t8ime, and they completely turned off the water. It is amazing that the grass came back this year I was worried.

[Wulf202]

Always have a chimney sweep on a wood fireplace.

Need pics of gap.

[BigBear]

Ok, first issue is plumbing related: The diverter in the bath tub faucet seems to leak. A lot of it seems to be due to hardwater lime buildup. I tried soaking it in some CLP... still leaks (not all water is going to shower head when turned on).

Any suggestions? I'm not sure how to actually take off the faucet....