Thinking of completing a project at your Jersey Shore home? Whether it be heating, cooling, plumbing, or electric, Rostron Premium Home Services is always ready to help, as long as you’re ready to take the first step.
When it comes to any decision that includes a “None of the above” option, especially with home ownership, there is a concept that is generally known as the cost of doing nothing. What exactly does that mean, though?
What is “The Cost of Doing Nothing”?
Well, in a nutshell, it’s exactly what it sounds like. It’s being presented an option that is not a requirement, but opting to let it pass by. We all weigh decisions based on risk, right? Pretend you’re back in your youth, serving up ice cream at one of the boardwalks along the Jersey Shore. It could be Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant, or anywhere in between. You’ve been doing your job well, and you think you deserve a raise. The two choices in front of you are to ask your boss for more money in your paycheck or do nothing: stay quiet and appreciate what you have. There are potential consequences with both. If you ask your boss, you could immediately be shot down. You could be hurt by his words. He might squash any dreams you have of growing old between the cartons of rocky road and cookie dough. If you don’t ask your boss, you’re faced with the cost of doing nothing. It could be money in your
paycheck, or a promotion that he’s been waiting to give to someone who shows initiative. Just remember, the cost of doing nothing doesn’t have to be financial.
How Does “The Cost of Doing Nothing” Apply to Home Ownership?
As a home services company that offers heating, cooling, plumbing, and electric, we come across it all the time. It may be a new homeowner in Tinton Falls or a longtime neighbor in Manasquan, faced with a repair that isn’t the bottom line, bare bones option to get their system back up and running.
In this case, the cost of doing nothing could be comfort, efficiency, time, or money. Let’s take a look at some examples:
Example #1
A gentleman in Spring Lake has a bonus room above his garage that he uses as an art studio. He works days at an unforgiving job, but comes home and wants to pursue his passion of painting. Unfortunately, he finds himself in a tricky situation because this area of his home is always too hot in summer and too cold in winter. He calls his friends at Rostron Premium Home Services, who might recommend adding a mini split unit
to the room. While he doesn’t need the upgrade, he considers his options. The Cost of Doing Nothing: The portion of a monthly mortgage he pays on a room he doesn’t use. He doesn’t pursue his passion. The world never gets to see his art.
Example #2
A family in Neptune has a son with severe eczema, leaving him with very dry skin. There are a number of medications and lotions they use to keep him comfortable, but don’t seem to help fully. His doctor recommends water treatment to help with hardness that can cause dry skin and hair.
Rostron Premium Home Services provides an estimate for a treatment system that will eliminate hardness as well as improve the quality of drinking water.
The Cost of Doing Nothing: The cost of lotion and medication are maintained or increase. Their son is uncomfortable from his sensitive skin and feels self-conscientious.
Example #3
A longtime customer of Rostron Premium Home Services in Howell has a dryer vent that runs under his house. Unfortunately, the builder or the previous homeowner added a 90-degree angle which often gets clogged with lint. Overtime, his dryer takes longer and longer to dry his clothes until he calls us to
provide a dryer vent cleaning. At the last visit, our dryer vent technician provides him with an estimate to rerun the duct, eliminating the tight corner that has been causing him problems. The Cost of Doing Nothing: Gas and electricity bills continue to spike as it clogs up. The cost of repeated
dryer vent cleanings pile up. There is an increased risk of a fire.
Example #4
A couple in Middletown have a split-level home. Their own bedroom is overcooled in the summer and overheated in the winter, while their spare bedroom has the opposite problem. They’d love to invite family to come and stay with them when visiting, but their guests often say they are uncomfortable.
They’ve stopped asking. A Rostron Premium Home Services Project Manager recommends reengineering the ductwork design to
balance out their home’s temperatures. It’s an expensive solution, but they are confident it will fix the problem.
The Cost of Doing Nothing: Sleepless nights continue. The price of a hotel room is required each time their family visits. Family relationships and future memories are compromised.
Example #5
A gentleman in Freehold replaced his water heater nearly 25 years ago. His (now adult) children grew up washing dishes to earn allowance with the hot water it provides. It works fine most of the time, but he can’t run the dishwasher, washing machine, or shower at the same time. Even with the separation, he will sometimes have to run dishes through the machine twice or run out of hot water halfway through
his shower. He calls Rostron Premium Home Services because the pilot light went out. The technician gives him a price to replace the water heater, which is way beyond its lifespan. Cost of Doing Nothing: He continues to deal with the emotional turmoil of running out of hot water mid-shower and has to pay more for water and dish washer detergent for multiple loads. There is a potential risk of the unit bursting, causing water damage to his home.
What is Your “Cost of Doing Nothing”?
Nobody likes to spend money, especially in an age where there are less certainties and more unknowns. It’s important to remember, though, that dollars are not the only currency when it comes to solutions. Take the time to consider both benefits and consequences of taking action or sitting idle. There are rarely inherently wrong answers when it comes to decisions of unnecessary repairs, which makes it even more important to think about all portions of the problem and solution. Are you in Monmouth or Ocean County, New Jersey, working on a heating, cooling, plumbing, or electric project? Rostron Premium Home Services is ready to help! Give us a call at 732-223-8221 or fill out a service request form right here on our website. We look forward to hearing from you!
