Great Mark! Like the idea and the execution. I can think of more things that feel "down the drain" to me: replacing old appliances, the heater goes out, (I'd say huge vet bills 'cause we have 'em but not really because we love our kitty), replacing cozy perfectly good clothes because fashions change (we don't do that), to name a few.
MJ, This is very, very good....not because I am approaching poverty because of my home repair, but because it is...smart...and technically perfectly executed. You've got a vote. Best Wishes, Traveller