One of the biggest dreams people have is to own their own home, but with homeownership, it does come with its own set of steep costs. Things like the downpayment, monthly mortgage payments, closing costs, inspections, and property taxes all add up and will drain anyone’s wallet. However, one of the biggest areas of costs of homeownership comes in the form of repairs, and most people tend to forget about that in the hustle and bustle of buying a home.
Home repairs are inevitable, so once you buy your home, you definitely want to go on and start saving because repairs will pop up eventually. Now, lots of homeowners will try to stay on top of repairs with preventive maintenance but there are just some things that preventive maintenance won’t always work for.
True enough, there are certain home repairs that you can definitely fix on your own and save yourself lots of money in materials and labor costs. However, depending on the repair needing to be done, taking it on yourself can cost you lots of money and comes with lots of safety risks. Howstuffworks.com has a list of the top five home repairs you should never do on your own.
While the home repairs on that list are ones you should never attempt on your own, they are definitely ones you should prepare to hire a contractor for because your home may not need those repairs right now, but you will eventually need them; In order for your home to stand the tests of time, you’re going to have to take care of it.
Take a look at some of the home repairs all homes will need at some point or another.
Essential Repairs Your Home Can’t Go Without
Roof Repair
The roof of your home is one of the most important parts of your home because it protects you from all the outdoor elements. However, your roof is also one of the most fragile parts of your house because it’s so susceptible to damage from the outdoor elements. Things like rotting, leaks, harsh weather, and pests all put your roof at risk for immediate repairs.
Why do you have to act with a sense of urgency when it comes to roofing repairs? Well, depending on the type of damage done and the time of year it is, things like cold weather and rain can make your home uninhabitable. Leaks and missing shingles can be on the lesser expensive side, but substantial damage may require the installation of an entirely new roof… And that’s just one of the many joys of homeownership!
Siding Repair
With siding, an easy way to think of it is to think of it like it’s the skin of your home. It also protects your home from the outdoor elements but gives your home an aesthetically pleasing appeal. But because siding is also a protector of your home’s interiors, it too endures a significant amount of wear and tear on a daily basis like your roof, so it will need replacing at some point.
The important thing to take notice of when looking for a siding replacement contractor is the brands and materials the siding company uses. Siding replacement is quite an expensive repair, so when you do reach the moment when your home needs it, you want to make sure you go with a contractor that installs James Hardie siding because it’s weather and fire-resistant, woodpecker and pest resistant, and extremely durable.
When it comes time for your home to have siding replacement, just know that this time, your siding will last decades!
Electrical Repair
Electrical issues can happen at any point in time and from several causes, leaving your entire home without power or just certain parts. When you have damage to your home’s electrical systems you might experience flickering lights, getting shocked when flipping a light switch, or circuit breakers tripping.
These are common electrical problems that lots of homeowners deal with but these issues definitely require the expertise of a certified or licensed professional. Not taking care of electrical issues with due diligence can potentially lead to house fires and prolonged power outages, so as soon as you notice any type of electrical disruptions or abnormalities, call your local electrician immediately.
There is beauty in homeownership but it does come with financial responsibilities. Before making the decision to buy a house, really sit down and think about if you can afford everything that comes with it, especially unexpected repairs.
