The Piano Diary

AgathaSquirrel

Aargh - I hate random, unplanned expenses.

We don’t have an alarm, although there is an old one so it perhaps looks like we do. We’ve talked about it but our neighbours’ alarm goes off randomly all the time and it feels like it’s more bother than it’s worth. I think if there were ever a spate of break ins in the area I would think differently but for the moment it’s one of the many things on our to do list that we haven’t reached yet.

glass_half_full

AgathaSquirrel said:

Aargh - I hate random, unplanned expenses.

We don’t have an alarm, although there is an old one so it perhaps looks like we do. We’ve talked about it but our neighbours’ alarm goes off randomly all the time and it feels like it’s more bother than it’s worth. I think if there were ever a spate of break ins in the area I would think differently but for the moment it’s one of the many things on our to do list that we haven’t reached yet.

Yes, its a real pain! Although I suppose I could have anticipated it since it was playing up the last time I had it serviced a while ago. I notice that on my insurance policy it says "Basic DIY alarm" so perhaps if I contact them after it has been upgraded I might get a small reduction. I think I only really kept it going because it was already in the house when we moved in. 

savingholmes

I think a lot of people go down the camera doorbell and camera security sys route rather than an alarm. AM's Eufy brand doesn't require a contract. 

AgathaSquirrel

That’s a good point. We do have a camera doorbell (I hate it but I concede that’s a benefit). We also have some solar powered lights at the side and back that get triggered by movement and could be a deterrent.

glass_half_full

Ouch! Total cost came to £960. For that I got a complete system upgrade plus annual contract etc. It is quite good that I can now control it remotely with an app. Will get to test it this weekend as we are away and DS will return. But all in all it is a necessary evil. We have got external lights. If I didn't have a system already I would definitely consider the camera route. Just about able to pay it without using CC but savings now depleted and will need rebuilding.

AgathaSquirrel

My neighbour now has an app and that has really helped. Before that we had to phone one of the daughters to come round and reset if it went off when they’re away.

savingholmes

Ouch. But sounds like it gives you peace of mind

glass_half_full

Dear diary and all,

So just after we had left the house in a taxi I go to set my new remote alarm using the app. Discover that system has gone off line 5 mins before we left the house. I think to myself that perhaps the electricity has gone off and thus taken down the router. This is because we have an RCD fuse in the garage which intermittently operates for no clear reason and takes out some downstairs sockets. I can't return to the house as we have a train to catch. I call FIL later who lives locally and he goes up to the house but he is a bit confused when I speak to him on the phone about whether the RCD switch should be up or down. Anyway on our return to the house it turns out that the electricity had gone off and unfortunately we lost the contents of the fridge and freezer whilst away. I have an electrician coming out on Friday to look at the RCD box. OH had a conversation with a neighbour and they have had the same thing, in the end needed to replace the fuse box. It seems checking on line this would be £450-£800. On the positive side, we had a wonderful couple of days away and it was so restful.

DS has returned from his travels. He seems to have had a fantastic time away and met lots of people. His car is overdue its MOT so will need booking in for that. Fingers crossed that there are no major problems.

savingholmes

Can you claim back the freezer contents on your insurance?

glass_half_full

savingholmes said:

Can you claim back the freezer contents on your insurance?

Yes, I probably could. I have to be honest I have a built in reluctance to claiming on insurances of all kinds since I think that they just bump up your premiums to claw back whatever you claim.

Electrician came out to investigate the tripping of the RCD. He recommended a replacement of the fuse box as expected and the quote was £1000. I have managed to get a lower quote (£860) from a local electrician who seems to be rated very well, so I have booked him. He is also going to inspect the EV charger which is due an inspection as part of the work which is good. I wanted to find a good local electrician so if this all goes ok that will be helpful as there always seems to be the odd electrical job that needs doing.

DS’s car failed its MOT and unfortunately repairs were estimated at £1000 for a car worth only £3000 at most. We then had a very difficult week where we put him on the insurance for our car and were juggling who would drive it, who would get Ubers and walk, or use public transport etc. I decided to bite the bullet and have bought a second car which is a ‘family car’ where he is named as the main driver. I wanted something economical and reliable so ended up buying a second hand electric car from a dealer for £12K. Side benefit will be a drop in fuel costs. Cars are nothing but a pain. I would happily live car free myself, but needs must for the moment. Interestingly my step count went up significantly in the week we only had one car between the three of us!

Against my principles I have had to extend the loan I took out for the home improvements both in size and duration to cover this. When I thought about it though, when I step away from work in 18 months time, I will be able to pay this off, so in effect its not really a big deal. I was stressing too much over trying to remain debt free completely.

DS has been invited to a couple of auditions in the next week or two which may lead to performing work so that is good.