[Tinabell]

What is an average cost of monthly utility bills for a house that's no larger than 1700 sq ft?? What about termite proofing a home? Whats the cost to do that and how often do you termite proof? Any info would help!!

Tinabell

[riveree]

Termite Bond:

If the home comes with a termite bond, then your yearly fee should fall in the $200-$300 range (1x/yr).

If it is a new construction home it will come with a termite bond that you need to keep up/don't let expire.

If it is an older home, it might have a termite bond that can be transferred to you and you just continue on with it.

If it is an older home without a termite bond, 1) you may not need one (can check with the professionals), 2) you can purchase one - this can be expensive (I can't remember now what my quote was on an older home I considered putting a bond on....the initial treatment was somewhere between $500-$1000?).

Utilities:

There are so many factors.....what city you'd be in, the age of the home and AC unit, how much direct sun the homes gets (is it shaded by trees?), how much electric you use, etc.

Some factors that help me keep my bill low:

*Energy Star appliances
*Good window treatments (plantation shutters help control the light & heat)
*Few southern exposure windows/maximize northern light
*Being aware of usage (turning off lights not in use, etc.)
*Landscaping for energy savings (plant trees to the South and West to filter some of the strongest rays/heat)

[ddlove01]

Good info riveree....

Our home is 1400 sq ft, CBS construction, 7 years old and our June bill came in @ 150.00. Our highest bill in 7 years was one August @ 192.00. It was really, really hot and we ran our AC constantly. For a 1600-1700 sq ft, maybe $10 more a month? Brand new home you could probably get away with <150.00 per month. Regarding the termite treatment, depending on where you live and what type of house you live in, the yearly treatment isn't really that necessary. If you live near woods, then I would definitely recommend it on an annual basis. CBS homes don't usually have the same problems with termites than frame homes do...they like the wood : )

Our second year of owning our home, the original company who did our termite treat quoted us 150.00, not too bad, but since I worked for a pest control company, they checked out the property and didn't need to do any kind of treatment. Hope this helps!

[Tinabell]

Thanks for the info guys !!!!

Tinabell

[HGONZ001]

My home is 1700 sq ft. It costs me around $100 a month in the TWO winter months to keep it cool, and at least $150 during the TEN summer months to keep it at around 75 degrees.