As much peace as it is to own a home, it comes with a cost. It is only natural for damages to occur. However, some home repairs arise because small issues weren’t addressed on time. Many homeowners don’t realize that addressing these minor issues immediately can save them a lot of time and money in the long run.
Home repairs are inevitable, but with vigilance, you can delay total replacements and avoid significant property losses with regular maintenance. Early detection can help you avoid spending thousands of dough and ensure the safety, of you and your family, from potentially dangerous hazards. Take a look at the following eight common and sometimes pricey home repairs and how to prevent them from breaking the bank.
1. Foundation Cracks
A strong foundation is an integral part of your entire home. It is there to make your house remain structurally sound. If it becomes damaged, your entire home becomes compromised.
One such foundation problem is settling. Gradually, and over time, the foundation settles. However, if there are drastic changes in the soil moisture levels, it will place pressure on the foundation, which will eventually lead to cracks.
So how can you tell whether your foundation is starting to settle? The most common signs are cracks on your home’s outside or inside walls. Other signs include jammed doors, uneven floors, and stuck windows. If not addressed immediately, these cracks will grow longer and wider over time, placing your and your family’s life at stake.
If you detect these foundation issues early, you can repair them within an approximate of $500 for minor cracks. That means you’ll be able to save a major foundation repair cost of around $4,488 or a replacement cost of $10,000.
2. Heating and Cooling System (HVAC) Replacements
HVAC systems keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year round. It has a typical life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. With regular maintenance, you’ll be able to extend its life by a few years.
HVAC systems have earned the reputation of being among the most expensive items to repair or replace in a house. The AC compressor converts power to energy and circulates the refrigerant, which is essential for the heat exchange process. Faulty AC compressors mean no cold air.
Nobody wants an expensive HVAC problem, so becoming aware of how to tell if your AC’s compressor is going out is important. Warning signs include:
- Not heating or cooling your home properly,
- Strange smells,
- Rattling or grinding noise when turned on,
- Water Leaks
With early detection and regular maintenance, you can save repair costs of up to an average of $7,000 and more than $10k on replacements.
So, what should you do to extend the life of your HVAC system? For starters, you can clean filters every 90 days or change them every six months to keep your air conditioning unit working at an optimum level.
You can also ensure that your thermostat is working correctly by checking it periodically. If your unit is having trouble turning on and off and your house is not regulated at a comfortable temperature, have it serviced.
Apart from all the essential check-ups, it is a good rule of thumb to have your air conditioning unit serviced once a year by professionals. That way, you’ll be able to save not only expensive repair costs but also hefty utility bills.
3. Damaged Roof
Apart from the foundation, the roof is another essential part of the house. It provides shelter from outside elements like wind, heat, and water. It is also the weakest part of your home that requires your constant attention.
Typically, standard asphalt roofs have a shelf life of more than 30 years. So, if one day you discover torn or curling shingles, stains on wall intersections, leaks, and water in the attic or the room, that goes to show there is a problem with your roof.
Repairing the roof can cost in the region of $700. Replacing it costs even more (about $6K), not to mention the amount of time it’ll take to break the existing roof down and install a new one. It also means you and your family have to live somewhere else temporarily. A huge inconvenience!
4. Water Damage Home Repairs
This is one of the most common and preventable occurrences that costs a lot of money to repair. If left unchecked, water leaks can damage drywall, create mould, and eventually will weaken major structural elements like joists and beams.
Water damage can happen due to a burst pipe, blocked drains, broken fixtures like basins or bathtubs, etc. Apart from the damaged flooring, you can notice signs of water damage in your home, such as:
- Bubbling and peeling wallpapers.
- Water stains or marks on your walls or wooden furniture.
- Strange plumbing sounds.
- High water utility bills.
- Uneven flooring in case of hardwood floors due to temperature change.
You can also check pipes for leaks, calcium build-up, and mould growth. Excessive moisture and damp areas will create mould around your windows or doors, especially during winter.
Once you discover your property is being damaged due to water intrusion, take immediate steps to eradicate the problem before it becomes a major one that’ll probably cost you around $5k for repairs. Steps that you can take are:
- Don’t pour down oil or grease down your kitchen sink.
- Check your drain pipes periodically for leaks.
- Repair damaged siding immediately.
- Install a sump pump: sump pumps sense water, activates it, and sends moisture through a discharge pipe, preventing your basement from flooding.
5. Termite Infestation
These wood-infesting pests can be inconvenient when damaging your wooden floors and furniture. If their activity is not detected early, it can cost an average of $3,000 to mitigate them from your home.
The common signs of termite damage are:
- When you see the swarm of termites gathered in a corner
- Mud tubes forming on a corner or on the side of your home’s foundation
- Mouldy smell
- Crumbling wood or wood that makes a hollow sound
Detecting a termite infestation requires a trained eye which is why it is essential to call in professionals. However, there are also a few things you can do to prevent an infestation:
- Don’t let moisture accumulate next to the foundation.
- Water leaks from pipes, drains or from HVAC units should be repaired to avoid the formation of moisture.
- Vents and vapor barriers should be placed
- Do not store firewood or wood debris inside crawl spaces or place them against the wall of your house.
6. Faulty Electrical Wires Home Repairs
If left unchecked, faulty wiring can cost you your home. Most home fires are caused due to unrepaired faulty wiring that could have been preventable. If you’re unsure about it, call in a professional once a year to have your house checked for them. However, you can also spot signs of faulty and dangerous old wiring yourself:
- Your circuit breakers trip regularly
- Appliances or light fixtures shock you
- Burning smell
- Sparks when you put in chargers
Since the electrical wires are inside the walls, it’s not safe for homeowners to fix or repair it themselves. Call an electrician to help you when you discover the signs.
7. Electrical Gadget Issues
Do not use faulty gadgets or even attempt to use them. Repair the devices immediately, even if it is a minor issue, such as the tea kettle not turning on, or broken oven timers.
Make sure all your gadgets work properly to avoid replacing them. Though some of them may not be expensive to replace, using them unrepaired can harm you, others around you, and eventually your home. So why take the risk? Fix your electrical gadgets immediately.
8. Septic System Home Repairs
A septic system transfers solid and liquid household wastes, through the house’s sewer lines, to a holding septic tank that’s been buried nearby your area. The liquids are dispersed in separate systems, whereas the solids need to be pumped every 3 to 6 years depending on the capacity of the tank and people in the household.
If this system is damaged, it can become a messy problem at home and outside when:
- Your toilets won’t flush
- Drains working slowly
- There are smells from the yard
The only way to prevent this from happening is to call in the professionals every three years or so to have it inspected and pumped.
Final Thoughts
It is a joy to become a homeowner, but just like pets, we must take good care of it. Fix cracks, wiring, pipes, and gadgets so you don’t have to replace it all and end up breaking the bank with expensive home repairs. Watch out for tell-tale signs of your house crying out for help. A good rule of thumb is to have a separate budget for these issues, so you don’t have to take out your savings. And remember, vigilance is better than costly repairs.
Featured image credit: Photo by Megan Andrews on Unsplash
0
Leave a Reply