All opinions are always 100% honest and my own. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I also participate in: CJ Affiliate; eBay Partner Network; Rakuten Affiliate Network; ShareASale; Walmart Affiliate Program; independent affiliate networks.

The man from Questar dropped by and consulted with us about line and meter location. We'll be placing it in between the laundry room wall and the hall wall in the basement.

The listed appliances with accompanying BTUs:

• 1 boiler: 178,000
• 1 barbecue: 20,000
• 1 dryer: 22,000
• 2 fireplaces: 70,000
• 3 furnaces: 300,000
• 1 range: 60,000
• 1 space heater: 50,000

Total BTU's: 700,000

Unfortunately, the estimate was $1,200 but the actual cost was $1,674. (That's with a $605 allowance, whatever that is.) Ouch. That's another bite out of the contingency.

Update: Brad spoke to the folks at Questar and was able to get our bill down to $1,466.10. That put us only $266.10 over budget instead of $474. Every dollar counts when you're on a tight budget. Good work, Brad!

Alison Moore Smith is a 61-year-old entrepreneur who graduated from BYU in 1987. She has been (very happily) married to Samuel M. Smith for 40 years. They are parents of six incredible children and grandparents to two astounding grandsons. She is the author of The 7 Success Habits of Homeschoolers.