KAREN WIGHT -- No Place Like Home

Rain gutters have never been very high on my

sexy-ways-to-spend-money-on-the-house list. Usually other priorities

have nudged rain gutters to the end of the line. Furniture, moldings, new

tile in the bathrooms: Now those are projects I can sink my teeth into.

The reality of being a homeowner is that there is always a project.

Always. Sometimes expenditures are planned, such as new carpet. Sometimes

disasters occur and require instant action and lots of cash.

Other projects fall into the “I’d rather go on vacation” category.

Rain gutters are definitely one of these projects. But as the rain has

fallen this winter, my tolerance level for the washed-out planters,

flooded back door and spotted windows has worn thin. Rain gutters are

climbing up to a priority position.

I did a little homework, but I had no idea how complicated rain

gutters can be. Aluminum, steel, extruded, jointed, ratio of linear feet

to downspouts, width of downspouts -- this project is complex.

Just put the trickling water where I want it, instead of where I don’t

want it. Just show me something simple and functional.

I never wanted to fall in love with the top-of-the-line product.

Never. But it happened. And when that savvy salesman brought those

samples of weathered copper rain gutters to my attention, it was all

over.

I’m still a little mad at him. I was having trouble enough with my

“analysis paralysis” without a premium product in the mix.This smart man

even nailed up samples for me to live with. That was the kiss of death.

Of course I’m going to like the best-looking stuff. Who wouldn’t?

Beautiful material with brackets to match. It looks great with the new

roof, breaks up all the white I have in the front of the house. Agony.

The price was as premium as the product. Of course. I’ve sung this

song a hundred times, and I usually have to come to terms with the two

words I loathe -- “delayed gratification.”

So the planters will continue to wash out for one more season. The

windows will get spotted at the smallest amount of roof runoff. The back

door will need repainting (again) this spring. But I’m saving for those

rain gutters.

Those handsome, copper rain gutters.

And next winter, when the rain comes down, we’ll be home (and not on

vacation) to appreciate them.

* KAREN WIGHT is a Newport Beach resident. Her column runs Sundays.