Being a homeowner sure isn’t cheap. From the down payment to the monthly mortgage to upgrades and maintenance, sometimes it feels like your house is more like a money pit.
That’s why major fixes are every homeowner’s nightmare. Worst of all, these types of repairs are difficult to budget for, as they’re almost impossible to predict.
After all, you never know when that hot water heater is going to go out, or the roof is going to spring a leak, or the A/C unit is going to kick the bucket, or… you get the picture.
To add to the confusion, home repair prices vary widely from state to state, or even from city to city. Here are six of the most expensive (and unfortunately common) home repairs.
1. Roof Repair
Roof repairs can really break the bank. From leaks to rot, missing shingles to damaged flashing, roof problems must be fixed. After all, the roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. If water gets in through the roof, it can cause extensive damage throughout the rest of your house.
Regular maintenance and prevention are key to avoiding expensive roof fixes, which can run up to $12,000 or more (and that doesn’t even include the cost of removing the old roof materials.)
Look over your roof regularly, watching for signs of trouble such as missing shingles, loose gutters, and damaged flashing. Hire a professional to complete a full check every three to five years.
In most cases, you can’t put off roof repair. Issues may affect the appraisal or inspection when you go to sell your house.
2. Removing Mold
Mold damage is another repair issue you can’t put off until later. You may try to treat mold growth yourself. As a general rule, though, any areas of mold growth with an area more than 10 square feet should be treated by a professional.
Signs of mold include a musty smell and discoloration in the walls or ceilings. Most significantly, mold can also cause human health problems.
For those with mold allergies, respiratory issues can develop when mold is present in the home. The presence of mold can affect your ability to sell a home.
Inspect your home regularly for signs of mold, and treat immediately. Prevent mold growth by eliminating leaks, ventilating damp areas, and preventing moisture buildup.
3. Plumbing Issues
The cost of repairing or reinstalling pipes can strain your budget, due to the labor costs involved. Pipes can be hard to access, as most are undergrounds or hidden in the walls.
Piping issues are especially common in older homes with copper or cast iron lines. Often, tree roots can grow into pipes, shifting soil may cause collapse, or temperature changes cause pipes to freeze and burst.
Left untreated, plumbing problems can cause serious water damage, so it’s best to fix them immediately.
Unfortunately, plumbing issues aren’t usually very DIY-friendly. Signs of plumbing issues may include:
- Knocking noises
- Leaks
- Flaking or discoloration in exposed piping
- “Rusty” water
Prevent problems by insulating pipes during the colder months. Avoid using chemical products to unclog drains.
Every couple of years, hire a professional plumber to clean out your sewer lines.
4. Electrical Issues
Like plumbing problems, electrical issues are hidden within the walls, making them hard to DIY.
Add in the safety factor, and it’s easy to see why electrical problems are best dealt with by a professional. This is another fix you just can’t put off, as electrical problems can cause a fire.
Hire an electrician to do annual checkups of your wiring. In the meantime, keep your eye out for red flags.
These may include flickering lights and circuit breakers that trip frequently. If your appliances or wall sockets give you a shock, it’s time to call in professional help.
5. Repair Septic System
A broken septic system can get messy, fast, making life very unpleasant. Septic tanks take special treatment, so this isn’t exactly one of those do-it-yourself weekend projects.
Preventative maintenance can keep your system running smoothly. Call a professional for an inspection every three years, and have the tank pumped out every three to five years to avoid problems.
Signs of an issue may include:
- Slow drains
- Toilets that don’t want to flush
- Smelly standing water around your home
- Bright green grass above and around the septic tank
6. Fixing the Foundation
Foundation problems can really bust a homeowner’s budget. When foundations crack and settle, they can throw the entire structure out of whack, wreaking havoc on the rest of your home.
Foundation issues can also be safety hazards, so fixing problems quickly is essential. Foundation repair is also extremely costly, easily running into the tens of thousands.
Look for signs of trouble such as:
- Doors and windows that won’t shut properly or are misaligned with their frames
- Cracks more than 1/4-inch around the house
- Sloping floors
- Water gathering around the house or in the basement
- Clogged gutters and downspouts
Prevent damage by keeping water away from the house. Create sloping soil that drains water away from the foundation, and position drain spouts to discharge at least five to 10 feet from the home. Waterproof basements and crawlspaces to prevent leaks.
Don’t Want to Bother with Expensive Home Repairs?
Even if your home needs any or all of the above expensive repairs, HomeGo will take it off your hands. Don’t make any repairs, we buy as-is. Unlike selling your house the old-fashioned way, HomeGo offers no stress, no waiting around, and no fees.
HomeGo buys houses using a straightforward process and will close the deal fast, often in as little as seven days. If you’re interested in what kind of offer you can get for your home, contact HomeGo today.
