"Windfall" of Home Depot gift cards

[SavingMon(k)ey]

We moved into our first house last weekend and between a very generous friend and the real estate broker were given three gift cards to Home Depot totaling $1200 ($500 for me, $500 for my partner, and $200 for us together). What would be your suggestion on how to spend these in a most mustachian way? Of course, I really only have total say over $500, but I would like to hear your suggestions.

[etselec]

Have you had an energy audit done on your home? There may be improvements that would quickly pay for themselves (and then reduce your ongoing utility costs) through increased energy efficiency.

[Left Bank]

We moved into our first house last weekend and between a very generous friend and the real estate broker were given three gift cards to Home Depot totaling $1200 ($500 for me, $500 for my partner, and $200 for us together). What would be your suggestion on how to spend these in a most mustachian way? Of course, I really only have total say over $500, but I would like to hear your suggestions.

Craigslist, Ebay or other gift card purchasing site.

[snshijuptr]

I second the energy audit.

You might also want to make a home maintenance list with all the major appliances in the house and their relative ages. Look up how long the average life expectancy is on all of these items. You might want to stash the gift cards away to make future home repairs/maintenance.

Next, sit down with your partner and make a wish list of all home improvements you would like to do to the house. It may be new, but it might not be perfect. There will be walls to paint, light fixtures to update, sockets/switchplates to change, etc.

Finally, hold onto them for a little while. As you settle in, you will probably find little improvements or fixes that you might want to make. These things tend to crop up.

So basically in my opinion, the best use of gift cards is to use on purchases you would otherwise make. Don't treat them like free money. Treat them like money.

[nawhite]

Third vote for the energy audit. Though I'll already tell you what 90% of the advice will be in no particular order:

- Weatherstripping on windows and doors
- Turn your furnace down and your AC up
- Insulate your hot water pipes
- Insulate your attic better
- Use windows and curtains more efficiently
- Get thermal curtains

[frugaldrummer]

Buy some decent quality tools for house repairs and gardening - will save you money in the long run.

Also - fruit trees if your climate allows.

[Mega]

Depends on the current state of the house new or used.

A definite buy regardless are CFL or LED bulbs if they are currently incandescents.


Assuming used:
Were there any critical observations in the home inspection, if you had one? Address those first.
Paint every room before you move in if needed.
Is there anything missing in the house, like a dishwasher?

Assuming new:
Nothing really comes to mind. It is a new house after all.

[SavingMon(k)ey]

This is a used house, and was remodeled and updated just 2 years ago. Electrical wiring, windows, kitchen, baths, hardwood floor etc. are all pretty new. Kitchen appliances are new. Water heater and furnace have a few years left according to inspection.

I like the idea of getting LED bulbs, as there are some incandescents still. I have a whole lot of CFLs I can use in some places, so don't need to get those. I also think tools, fruit trees (mmmmm...), and other energy saving things may be great ideas. I think I will not sell these back on eBay, as I already feel some trips to HD coming up (kitchen sink has a slow drain...) so I think I will use most of it on things we will need anyway.

[Mega]

I have used a plunger to great effect on slow drains, try that first.

[Hamster]

maybe a $1200 riding mower? ;-)

[smedleyb]

We moved into our first house last weekend and between a very generous friend and the real estate broker were given three gift cards to Home Depot totaling $1200 ($500 for me, $500 for my partner, and $200 for us together). What would be your suggestion on how to spend these in a most mustachian way? Of course, I really only have total say over $500, but I would like to hear your suggestions.

If you have no pressing needs, spend them slowly on house essentials like good tools and necessary repairs/parts.  I did that with a Lowes card.  Took me many months to burn through a $500 balance.

[SavingMon(k)ey]

maybe a $1200 riding mower? ;-)

Lol! Hamster, that would be fantastic for the approximately 150 sq ft of lawn that are there (the front is xeriscaped, the back is mostly veggie garden). I could really, really mow that in comfort and so efficiently... The most anti-mustachian thing to do with my gift cards?

[Hamster]

maybe a $1200 riding mower? ;-)

Lol! Hamster, that would be fantastic for the approximately 150 sq ft of lawn that are there (the front is xeriscaped, the back is mostly veggie garden). I could really, really mow that in comfort and so efficiently... The most anti-mustachian thing to do with my gift cards?

As long as it's a high efficiency riding mower, it's ok. You deserve it. You worked hard for it.

[unpolloloco]

30x of these: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Toad-Hollow-21-in-Rumple-Gnome-Garden-Statue-36106/100625018#.Uh9zvn_5adE

[Dee18]

Use them for any gifts you need to give this year. Or sell them on ebay for 90% of the value.