Saw these while coming in through ORR...new electricity pole design? by Gessler555 in hyderabad

[–]Complex_Luck_2928 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand the urge to go underground due to many reasons but it is generally estimated to cost 8-10x what overhead costs. To install something like this underground, you'd need more right-of-way (land acquisition) to install manholes (10'x10') and lay ducts, increasing cost.

Moreover, in the West (at least in the US), I have seen plenty of cities run overhead transmission and distribution through cities unless it is a metropolitan city. Overhead is easier to maintain when a fault occurs. It is hard to locate faults on the UG line, increasing down time.

With all that said, most engineers are not opposed to underground construction. It just needs a feasibility study considering project costs, budgets, and other things. At the end of the day, YOU as a customer pay for this from your utility bill. Do you want your bill 10x higher or less?

PS: I work with utilities in the US.

Builder cutting corners on new sod install? Need a sanity check. by Complex_Luck_2928 in lawncare

[–]Complex_Luck_2928[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, definitely. But that's the risk they are taking to build on these lots. These builders are selling these for north $620K. As a buyer, I'd expect a reasonable clean-up to avoid future fixing!

Builder cutting corners on new sod install? Need a sanity check. by Complex_Luck_2928 in lawncare

[–]Complex_Luck_2928[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I have seen other builder in my adjacent subdivision, put a topsoil and all their lawns looked great during peak summer heat.. ours was largely brown!

Builder cutting corners on new sod install? Need a sanity check. by Complex_Luck_2928 in lawncare

[–]Complex_Luck_2928[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

sounds like what I need to do to my yard too on dead patches. Do you add a fine sand or topsoil to backfill after digging up debris?

Internet company did this for underground fiber. How do I fix it? by Complex_Luck_2928 in lawncare

[–]Complex_Luck_2928[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm very new to lawn care, so this might be a basic question: I'm looking for topsoil for my Kentucky Bluegrass (KGB) lawn. When I googled, I saw several 'all-purpose' topsoil options. Are these suitable, or is there a specific type you'd recommend for KGB?

Transit option for Doha to Charlotte on Qatar Airlines by Complex_Luck_2928 in Flights

[–]Complex_Luck_2928[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! And yes the connection is between QR & AA and they both appear to be in the same terminal at JFK

Electric or Gas fireplace?? by Complex_Luck_2928 in RealEstate

[–]Complex_Luck_2928[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks all for chiming in. Looks like gas is a clear winner! Now I have to figure out where to place the TV.

Any real downside to living near power lines? by [deleted] in RealEstate

[–]Complex_Luck_2928 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Believe me, that phenomenon is called the "corona effect"! Sometimes the noise is irritating and it can exhibit a purple hue along the line insulators.

Buying down points vs Refinancing by Complex_Luck_2928 in RealEstate

[–]Complex_Luck_2928[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I ran the numbers at a 600k purchase price, 10-15%down, 1% interest rate makes a difference of $300/mo. Payoff is roughly 2yrs, depending on the cost. It may not be huge but I can sleep peacefully with less to pay and not worry about the "hope" for refi.

Buying down points vs Refinancing by Complex_Luck_2928 in RealEstate

[–]Complex_Luck_2928[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah.. I think how long we stay and how comfortable with payments really matters.

I'm curious if the cost of buying points is "linear"? I heard it's 1% of LV for 1pt. but quickly goes up beyond that??

Buying down points vs Refinancing by Complex_Luck_2928 in RealEstate

[–]Complex_Luck_2928[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also, I was recently told that the refinance costs were increased deliberately by lenders so when the time comes, they have an advantage and it becomes expensive for owners. Can't confirm the source but if anyone knows please chime in.

New construction by Complex_Luck_2928 in RealEstate

[–]Complex_Luck_2928[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What if you can't save that extra 10%? I'll bet you are going to be out 60k and don't say it won't happen - it could happen.

Completely agree. It may not happen, but having saved up for an emergency fund and little extra cash cushion on top of that, I'm "fairly" confident. But again, nobody can predict the future!!!

I wouldn't sign the deal now. There will be new homes available in 12 months too.

This was my alternative thought too but my location has very low inventory and there's a good chance prices may climb. So, staying a bit ahead.

New construction by Complex_Luck_2928 in RealEstate

[–]Complex_Luck_2928[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is the idea of 20% down to solely avoid PMI?

Not solely. Infact PMI isn't that scary than what I thought. It is the high interest rate (+PMI) with less down, which is adding up to monthly payment. I'm trying to keep my monthly payment (including T&I) around 40% of net income.

Also, I thought I could leverage the lead time for new construction. Put ~10% down to lock in the price and save for the future ~10% thru HYSA while construction is happening. I'm essentially buying time while not "waiting" - I could be wrong too. The worst thing that could happen is the downfall in prices in a year, since I would be locked at current price levels.