Nothing reveals family priorities quite like an inheritance and a slightly out-of-date house left on your lap. One minute you’re co-executor, the next you’re being voluntold to bankroll a full-blown Extreme Makeover: Home Edition fever dream, courtesy of your sibling and a conveniently self-interested aunt with a contractor’s license. 

Instead of just replacing rotting deck boards and carpet that are actually falling apart, suddenly you’re pressured to fund thousands in «urgent» upgrades: new floors to match the walls, a kitchen overhaul, pipes moved, cabinets replaced, and, why not? Knock down two perfectly functional walls for that ever-trendy open space look. 

Because apparently, cosmetic surgery for a house you’ll never live in is what heirloom is all about.