Replaced our disposal a few months ago... replaced a major component of our A/C unit a few weeks ago... now we have to replace the water heater. JOY. MERRY CHRISTMAS! Santa's bringing a new water heater! Woot! - Fa La La La Lindsay

Phil's mom is going through this now. Every year she has to spend $15k to fix things. Houses are expensive. :( - Andrizzle Gizzle

That's so frustrating. I can relate. I have spent so much money on plumbers and bathroom repairs in the past 6 months and this morning, we discovered a link under the sink. Old houses are quaint and nice to look at, but there's always something to fix. There are times when I miss apartment living when you can just call the front office when something breaks. - Trish R

It just saddens me that a 9 year old house isn't still considered "new". #dontbuildemliketheyuseta - SAM

Yeah, I was just thinking the other day I would probably rather have like an 80 year old house than an 8 year old one. - Andrizzle Gizzle

Maybe they just don't build houses very well over that side of the pond. My house is 105 years old and still in pretty good nick. - Mark H

@Mark - you are probably right (about the building quality) but it's also not the house that's breaking down, just the "moving parts" of it, if you know what I mean. I'm sure your house doesn't have the same appliances it came with (if any) 105 years ago either. :) - Fa La La La Lindsay

Mark... there's some truth to that for sure. But there are plenty of 105 year old houses here that are standing strong as well. Since the 50's, the gradual comodification (made up word?) of housing has lead to building practices that leave a bit to be desired. - SAM

The structures will stand a long time... but they have a ton of replaceable parts that will need to be switched out now. - SAM

Our house was built in 1927 and we are only the 3rd owners. I have to say I think an old house is better. You just go on the assumption that EVERYTHING has to be replaced or repaired at some time and then your not surprised. - suzanne

@Suzanne - this is our first house so everything is still a surprise! - Fa La La La Lindsay

Yeah, my house is 30 years old and we need to replace the rear deck and the furnace...Still beats renting though. - Alex Scoble

any house old or new always needs something.............. - VAL D. Zone

There are surprises and then there are surprises. Finding out some of your internal water lines are not pipe but old garden hose and an outlet is really an extension cord hardwired into the wall. That was a surprise. Still wondering how those got past the inspector. - suzanne

:: counts her blessings :: I've had to do all of those repairs, but my house is 30 years old. Now I just have the plumber on speed dial. - Miss Elle