Home Repairs That Will Give You a High Return on Investment

Do you want to make your home more valuable? If so, then it is worth looking into some of the different things you can do on the inside and outside of your home to increase its value. 

Some projects might not be as expensive as you think but will provide a high return on investment. This article talks about some common home repairs that are likely to give you a high ROI!

Vinyl Window Replacement

Everyday wear and tear can take a toll on your home, including the windows. If you have old drafty windows in your house, then you might consider replacing them with new energy-efficient ones that will save you money over time. 

Vinyl window replacement is relatively inexpensive, but it can increase the value of your home by up to 80%. This is because vinyl windows are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and low maintenance.

Kitchen Remodelling

Kitchens are another thing that potential buyers want to look at when purchasing a home. If you are thinking about selling your house, then consider looking into kitchen remodeling. 

This can include anything from minor cosmetic updates to more extensive renovations that will give you a brand new look. It has been estimated that kitchen remodels projects can increase the value of your home by up to 90%.

Having New Siding Installed

The siding on your house is another thing that people consider whether to buy your home. If your siding is old, chipped, or just unattractive, then it might be time to have it replaced with new siding to increase the value of your home. 

Homeowners should remember that not all siding is created equal, so it is important to make sure that you choose the right one for your home. It has been estimated that siding replacement projects increase the value of your home by up to 80%.

Wood Deck Addition

If you are looking for something that is fun to do at home but can also increase the value of your house, then consider adding a deck. 

Decks are trendy additions to homes because they are aesthetically pleasing and can entertain guests or just relax outside on cool summer days. It has been estimated that wood deck addition projects can increase the value of your home by up to 75%.

Porch Replacement

If you are thinking about selling your home and buyers don't like what they see when they visit, consider looking into porch replacement. 

The front porch area of a house is important because it sets the tone for everything else about the exterior of your house. Many people look at the porch when they are trying to determine whether or not they want to buy a home, so you must stay ahead of the game and keep your home in good shape. 

It has been estimated that porch replacement projects can increase the value of your home by up to 70%.

Roof Replacement

Your roof will likely need to be replaced about every 20 years. If you fail to replace your roof when it is due for an upgrade, you can decrease the value of your home. To make sure you are keeping your home in excellent condition, get a roof replacement when needed. You can upgrade to other roofing materials to add even more value as well.

As you can see, there are several things that you can do to increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell. You will have to decide which project is right for you based on your financial situation, but these projects are typically inexpensive but have a high ROI.

4 Crucial Home Repairs to Make Before Retiring

One of the most crucial parts of retirement planning is ensuring that any expensive repairs to your home are made before you stop working. By doing this, you can minimize your living expenses and make the money you've saved during your working years go further. Here are four crucial home repairs you should make before you retire.

Roof Replacement

If your roof is getting older, it's a good idea to completely replace it before you retire. A new roof put on at retirement will almost certainly last for the remainder of your time in the house. 

This step is especially important if some of the wood underneath the shingles needs to be replaced, as this can add quite a bit to the cost of a new roof.

Bathroom Updates

Updating your bathroom is a good way to add value and functionality to a home you've lived in for a long time. By updating your bathroom before you retire, you can fund the project with your regular income, rather than dipping into your savings for it. 

Having your bathroom updated shortly before you retire also gives you an opportunity to install handlebars and other safety features that you may need in the years to come.

Foundation Repair

A settling or bowing foundation can cause thousands of dollars in damage and undermine the structural integrity of your home. While foundation repair can be an intricate project, it's also very necessary if you're starting to see cracks or other signs of foundation damage. 

If you repair your foundation before retirement, you won't be stuck with even larger costs down the line.

Electrical Upgrades

If you're living in an older home, you may want to consider having it rewired before you retire. Older electrical systems aren't always capable of keeping up with the high power demands modern homeowners put on them. 

A new electrical system can also reduce the likelihood of electrical fires and damage, potentially saving you thousands of dollars down the road.

By making these repairs to your home before you retire, you can minimize the work you'll have to do after you stop receiving income from your job. 

While there will still be some upkeep costs for your home in retirement, getting the largest items taken care of now can give you a financial head start. Making repairs now will also benefit you when you eventually sell your home by increasing its market value.

Got Foundation Problems? 5 Reasons to Call a Professional Repair Service

The foundation of your house is what supports your entire home. A foundation is what allows the walls and roof to be built so it can be livable for you and your family. 

It's the base of everything else, and without a strong one, your home could be in some serious trouble that can cost you a fortune to fix or replace. 

If you notice cracks or other problems with your foundation, it's important to call a professional repair service as soon as possible. Let’s dive into the five reasons why you should call a professional service.

It Could Cause Serious Structural Damage

If you don't catch foundation problems soon enough, it could cause serious damage to your home, which can be costly depending on the repairs needed. It's the support system for the entire structure, and without a strong one, things begin to deteriorate quickly. 

You might start noticing cracks in other parts of your house, like in the walls and even ceilings. This is because they're all connected to each other and if one is damaged, then there's a high possibility that the other parts of the house are being affected by it. 

If there are any potential problems arising, a professional repair service will let you know of them and guide you in the right direction to take proper action so there are no further damages.

Costly Repairs

Foundation problems can also cause serious damage to other parts of your home, which means you're looking at costly repairs you may not have been prepared for. 

If the problem is left untreated for too long and causes even more issues with the structure of your house, then things will start getting extremely expensive. You might find yourself wanting to replace walls or floors because of how extensive the damage is. 

Even if you're able to repair everything back to normal, it can still be very expensive and cause a huge setback for you or your family's financial situation.

Can Cause Health Problems

Foundation problems can also cause serious health issues that you might not think about or notice at first. If water is seeping into your home due to cracks in the foundation, it could offer a good home for mold or other contaminants that are hazardous for humans. 

Mold will start growing and creating spores inside your walls, which causes respiratory issues like allergies or asthma.

Need Proper Repairs

Foundation problems are not something that you want to try to repair yourself. If the problem is too extensive or a structural issue causes it with your home, then you're going to need professional help getting everything fixed back up again. 

Foundation cracks can be repaired, but there might also be a need for foundation replacement if they've gotten large enough.

Save Yourself Time & Money

Foundation problems can be serious and even cause damage to other parts of your home if left untreated for too long. Foundation repairs will take some time, so it's best to work with a professional who will get the job done efficiently while also saving you money along the way. You'll find that these services are usually very affordable and worth every penny.

In conclusion, foundation problems can be a serious problem for homeowners. If the issue is left untreated, it could cause damage to other parts of your home, which means costly repairs in most cases. 

It's best to call a professional service when you notice these problems and get everything taken care of quickly, so you don't have to worry about further issues down the road.

Repairs in Your Home That Are Worth the Initial Investment

When planning to sell your home, you want to get a higher bidder. However, this may not be easy if you do not upgrade your home. No buyer wants to invest in a home with many issues that may lead to costly repairs. 

This is why you should renovate your home to look valuable and enable you to get back your initial investment or even more. Here are various upgrades.

Improve Curb Appeal

Your home exterior is the first point of contact for buyers coming to inspect your home. It should be eye-catchy to attract the buyer’s attention quickly. 

This is why you need to improve the curb appeal by changing or upgrading a few things in your home exterior. You can mow and level your lawn, change the furniture in your patio, add color to your painters, and pressure-wash the exterior of your house. 

Such changes will make your home attractive, thus increasing its value.

Repair the Roof

Most buyers pay close attention to the roof when buying a home. No one wants to risk buying a house with roof issues that could lead to costly repairs or replacement. 

Your roof should be durable, attractive, and strong to increase the value of your property. Inspect the roof thoroughly and determine where you need to repair it. 

You may want to seek help from a contractor to help you inspect the roof before repairs. If you notice leaks on your roof, you can use a local company, like Everest Systems, to seal the leaks and make your roof more efficient and valuable.

Update the Kitchen

Everyone wants a neat, well-organized, and modern-looking kitchen. This is what most buyers will use to rate the overall look and feel of your home. So, ensure it looks attractive, modern, and neat. 

You can replace the appliances with modern fixtures that are energy–efficient. Changing sinks, faucets, and cabinets is another excellent upgrade that will increase the value of your home.

Replace the HVAC

If you have an old HVAC unit, it is time to upgrade it. Today, there are multiple units with different features that can increase the value of your home dramatically. Go for an energy-efficient system that the new homeowner won’t incur high energy bills. 

With advanced technology today, you will get programmable thermostats that you can control easily to avoid spending more energy and incurring higher power bills.

Upgrading your home may seem a challenging, time-consuming, and costly project, but it is worth it. You’re sure of the increased value of your property that will influence the final cost of selling your home.

4 Household Repairs and Replacements That Will Save You Money Over Time

Part of the responsibility of a homeowner is performing home repairs and replacements from time to time. Performing such projects, of course, requires spending money. However, what if a specific project could actually help you save money over time? In certain cases, the project may eventually pay for itself. Below are just a few examples that can do just that.

Replace Your Thermostat

One thing that will certainly save you money, in the long run, is replacing your thermostat. If you have to get up and walk to your thermostat to change the temperature in your home, you are probably losing a lot of money. 

Instead, invest in a smart thermostat that can be operated remotely and easily programmed via a smartphone app. You’ll save money year-round by only running your heat and air conditioning when it’s actually needed.

Upgrade Your Water Heater

Another home improvement project that could pay dividends for you and your family is upgrading your water heater. A new water heater installation could actually pay for itself over a period of years. 

The reason why is because newer designs for water heaters are far better at retaining heat and require less energy to do so. You could see your utility bills drop significantly as a result.

Switch to LED Light Bulbs

One of the easiest and cheapest replacements you can perform in your home is changing light bulbs. Switching from traditional incandescent light bulbs to LED bulbs can also have significant benefits for your electricity bills over the course of the year. 

LED bulbs use 25 to 80 percent less electricity due to the fact they require less heat to operate. Increasing your savings, even more, they also last a lot longer and will need to be replaced less frequently.

Seal Leaks Around Windows and Doors

Running a home’s heating and air conditioning can result in expensive utility bills. However, those bills don’t actually need to be that high for many homeowners. What they may not be aware of is that there could be significant air leaks around the edges of windows and doors in their home. 

These leaks will force the furnace to work harder during the winter and the air conditioner to work harder during the summer. Sealing such leaks actually isn’t that difficult. In most cases, all that is needed is a tube of calk.

Owning a home is a big responsibility. Part of that responsibility is maintaining the home by performing repairs and replacements when necessary. When the need for such a project arises, consider ways you can use that opportunity to lower costs through energy savings, increased efficiency, and more.

Large Repairs on Old Homes to Remember in your Budget Next Year

Repairs are essential when it comes to old homes. It is because most houses are either damaged, worn out, or rusted. They require urgent repair to get durable and quality products.

Old homes have different areas requiring repairs including foundations, roofs, drainage systems, and windows. Therefore, this article explains the key areas that need repair in your old home.

Foundation Repairs

In case the floor is uneven to a place you feel on your feet, the foundation requires urgent repair. Windows and doors that stick can be a result of foundation problems. Through conducting a proper external inspection, you can look out for bulges in foundation walls. 

Later, assess the foundation for flaking and chipping. A screwdriver is utilized to ascertain the hardness of the concrete. Foundation costs vary from as low as $1000, thus economical.

Roofing Repairs

Roofing is the utmost detail to check for repairs. It is because of the bad weather that may have resulted in wearing out. Water intrusion is the cause of roofing repairs in old homes. The sound of the roof is vital to the condition of the vintage home. 

Leaks from plumbing can lead to stains making it hard to get off. Spots of water on the wall are an indication of flashing problems on the roof. The cost to repair a roof depends on whether you got it from a contractor. 

Additional issues include outdated electronic systems and plumbing. They are hard to relocate without the assistance of qualified personnel. Residential roofing plays a massive role in roofing repairs.

Drainage Repairs

In case your home is over five decades, the surroundings and the underfloor drainage is not per the modern standard. Most old houses are built without underfloor drainage. It is costly to install a new drainage system as well as waterproofing. The drainage system will take a long duration to complete.

Windows Repair

Vintage windows and doors can be the main reason behind water intrusion. It results in dry rot and mold problems. When wrongfully flashed, windows could leak for a short period. The solution to repairing this problem is to reframe the wall. Old houses have signs of molding, straining, and getting damaged quickly.

Repairs and maintenance of old homes are essential as they give durability to its existence. Residential roofing is necessary when repairing the roof to have an aesthetic look. The above repairs are the important ones to look out for in an old home.

How to Minimize Costs When Replacing Shingles

Your roof is something that you don't want to take risks with. After all, your roof prevents moisture from getting into your home, which ultimately protects the structural integrity of your home. At the same time, taking care of your roof can be costly and may be out of your current budget. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep roof costs low and still achieve satisfactory results.

Understand the Damage

When you're having problems with your shingles, it's important to understand what type of damage is causing the issue. If it's something simple like a roofing nail poking through a shingle, then your road to recovery is much easier than if your entire roof has been decimated by a hailstorm. 

By having your roof inspected to help better understand the damage, you will be able to target any repair or replacement efforts to help you save money.

Get Multiple Quotes

Roofing, like other home improvement projects, is something that you want to get multiple bids for before letting the work proceed. Reputable roof repair companies are happy to provide free estimates so that you can pick the best company for your needs. 

When collecting quotes, be sure to read reviews on the company and check outside resources such as Angie's List and the Better Business Bureau to ensure you choose a reputable company.

Look Into Alternative Funding

It's always nice when you can have help paying for a major expense, such as a roof repair. Fortunately, there are many options available should you need work done on your roof. Your homeowner's insurance is one of the most obvious, as most plans will help cover the cost of a new roof if your current roof was damaged due to a natural event. 

Even if the damage was simply caused by age, though, you may find that you can get rebates on a roof replacement if you opt to use energy-efficient materials.

Have Multiple Layers Installed

If your entire roof needs to be re-shingled, you can save some money by having your roofer install the new shingles on top of the old shingles. Doing things this way eliminates the cost of disposing of the old shingles, which is a major part of your bill. 

Do know, though, that this approach may lead to extra wear and tear on your new shingles, which could cause early replacement for the shingles you've paid to have installed. When it comes to roofing repair, it's important to know some basic roofing terminology before you start getting bids for your repair project. 

This will prevent you from being taken advantage of by a dishonest roofer who wants to do more than needs to be done. If you know your roof and some of the basic terminologies behind it, though, you'll be able to separate the honest roofers from the frauds so that you don't pay a cent more than you should.

Let’s understand some of the reasons why it’s a prudent decision to stay miles away from loan sharks!

If you’re in financial distress, have a poor credit score, or can’t get loans via traditional routes, approaching loan sharks may seem like the solitary option. But even when you need cash desperately and fast, getting swayed by loan sharks’ promises of cheap loans with instant approval or no credit check are pitfalls that you should stay away from. 

4 Home Window Repairs You Don't Need to Pay a Contractor For

Without windows, your home would be a dark and lonely building. Having windows in your home, though, can present some unique challenges when your windows have problems of one type or another. Although repairing a window yourself can seem daunting, the truth is that most window repairs are fairly easy to do on your own.

Broken Glass

Although caution should be used, broken glass is a problem that you can fix yourself. Depending on the type of windows that are installed in your home, disassembling the window to remove the broken pane of glass is fairly straightforward. 

By using a sharp knife to cut through the adhesive, you can have the old glass out and the new glass installed in no time. Just be sure to ask for some help to ensure you don't drop the new pane of glass.

Inadequate Sun Protection

If you find that your windows allow in too much sunlight, the good news is that you have plenty of do-it-yourself options to correct this problem. One option for reducing sunlight intrusion is window tinting. 

Since the tinting comes in pre-cut sections, all you have to do is smooth it over your window. Of course, you can also opt to install ziptrak awnings to provide extra shade and prevent the sun from invading your home.

Leaky Seals

One of the most common entry points for unconditioned outside air is through the seals around windows and doors. Fortunately, repairing the seals around your windows is an easy fix. 

All you have to do is remove the old, cracked caulk surrounding the windows on the inside and outside. Once the area is clean, apply new caulk, smooth it out, then allow it to dry. Before you know it, you'll have an airtight seal that can help to lower your energy costs.

Trouble Raising and Lowering

Opening your windows on a nice day is a great way to keep your home smelling fresh. Unfortunately, different problems with windows can make them difficult to raise and lower. In many cases, though, this problem can be fixed by simply lubricating the various moving points in the window until they begin to slide as easily as they're supposed to. 

In other cases, you may need to work with the counterweight to ensure it's properly attached to the sash. Ultimately, though, these repairs are simple and can help restore the proper operation of your window.

Performing your own window repairs can be a great way to avoid the costs of contractors and avoid having to buy new windows. While performing window repairs, though, it's important to keep safety at the forefront. 

Windows are quite heavy, and if one of them falls on you without being slowed down, it can cause a serious injury. Therefore, work smart, making sure to support the window when you're working on its components. Then, when you're done, you can sit back and appreciate your handiwork.

How Much to Save for Various Roofing Services

Getting hit with an unexpected bill is not something that anyone wants to deal with. However, if you plan ahead and save in advance when emergencies do crop up, you will have the money saved to pay for them. Roofing services and repairs can cost a lot, so it is important to know in advance how much you should have set aside for them. 

Here are some of the most common services that a roofer can provide you with and what the average cost will be per service.

Minor Roof Repairs

From time to time your roof may undergo some minor damage. An asphalt shingle or two may fly off in the wind. Your gutter may have undergone some damage due to a branch and need to be repaired. Your soffit may even need a vent. These are all considered minor roof repairs and run a couple of hundred dollars.

Moderate Roof Repairs

If you’ve noticed that there are water spots on your ceiling, then it’s likely you have a roof leak. This is what is considered a moderate roof repair. A couple of other examples of moderate roof repairs include fixing large patches of shingles on the roof and replacing flashing around vent pipes and chimneys. Moderate roof repairs will run you anywhere between $500 to $1,000.

Major Roof Repairs

Many companies, like Handyman Roofing, focus primarily on major roof repairs. These tend to be the most unexpected expenses and can cost a good bit of money to have fixed. Problems that fall into this category are roof damage from fallen trees, valleys in your roof, and algae damage. 



These require a lot more materials than minor and moderate roof repairs. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 for major roof repairs to be performed on your home.

Roof Replacement

Roofs don’t last forever and financially planning ahead of time can go a long way in preventing financial stress when it comes time to have your roof replaced. The life expectancy of your roofing materials is going to depend on the materials used. 

Asphalt shingles typically last 20 to 30 years. You can upgrade to 50-year asphalt shingles for more money. On the other hand, you can utilize tin as your roofing material. With annual upkeep, these metal roofs will last you up to 70 years. 

The price for roof replacement will obviously vary depending on the materials you buy, the size of your roof, and its layout. The average price for a full roof replacement runs from a low of $5,000 to a high of $15,000.

As a homeowner, you’re going to need a good roofer from time to time to keep your roof in good condition. Understanding the various services that they can provide you with and their costs can help you to prepare for instances in the future. Remember that by preparing, you can ease financial stress when repairs need to be completed.

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan

Avoid Higher Costs in Winter by Fixing These 4 Things in Your Home Now

Right now, it’s hard to think about frost on the windows and snow on the ground. However, if you take care of your winterizing during the summer months, you’ll be ready to go by the time fall rolls around. 

If you’ve been thinking about prepping your home for the coming cold season, here are four things you can do right now. They’ll make your home better able to retain heat and save you money on energy bills in the process.

Change Your Fans’ Direction

Most people don’t think about using their fans during the cooler months. However, if you change the direction of your fan so that it goes in a clockwise motion the hot air that naturally rises to the ceiling gets pushed back down into the room, allowing you to keep more warmth in a room. This saves you money in the long run.

Get the Furnace Looked At

You’ll run your furnace a lot once the fall and winter months roll around. In light of the fact that this unit will have sat around idle for months, you’ll want to contact a competent furnace repair contractor. 

This professional should check and change the filters, look at the pilot light, give it a cleaning and do a general checkup of the unit. Doing this keeps your furnace in good working order and keeps your home safer, too.

Have the Fireplace Cleaned

Your fireplace makes your home feel warm and toasty during the winter. However, an uncleaned fireplace is a fire hazard. During the year, debris and soot built up in the fireplace’s chimney system. 

Have a professional look at your fireplace before lighting up to make sure everything is clean and ready to go. A clean fireplace also works better, allowing you to keep your home warmer for less money.

Add Weatherstrip Tape to Windows

Weatherstrip tape keeps the cool air from seeping into the cracks of your windows. It’s also inexpensive and easy to install. However, despite its simplicity, it’s an effective way to save on your energy bills, so don’t skip this step. Just add strips of this tape to the seals of your window before the cold sets in.

If you’re like most people, you probably aren’t too keen on doing a winterizing project while the sun is shining hot. However, taking care of your winterizing projects before the cold season arrives means you’ll begin the season in tip-top shape. Finally, because you’re having these repairs done during the off-season, it’s likely that you’ll save money when you hire service professionals, like your furnace repair or chimney cleaner, too.

How Much Money Are You Losing to Faulty Home Plumbing?

Plumbing problems will quickly bring your life to a grinding halt and cause a tremendous amount of damage before you know it. Luckily, many of the most common plumbing issues can easily be fixed as long as you address them right away.

The True Cost of Leaky and Clogged Pipes

A minor leak or slow drain might not seem like a big deal, but those issues can result in some major damage later on. Slow leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water per year and potentially let pathogens into your water supply.

Clogged pipes are dangerous as well because the excess pressure might eventually result in a completely burst pipe that dumps water into your home. This can cost you thousands in water damage remediation, pipe replacement, and of course replacing any damaged furniture. 

While plumbing repair costs range between $45 - $150 an hour, a pipe burst can cost between $400 - $1,500 for the pipe repair itself, plus an additional $1,000 - $2,000 dollars for the water damage remediation.

Signs of Plumbing Problems

One of the easiest ways to avoid major plumbing catastrophes is to keep an eye out for any early warning signs that you might have some minor issues. If there is a clog deeper in your sewage line, then you will probably notice that all of your sinks and showers tend to drain slowly. Leaks and clogs can also result in unpleasant smells throughout your home or out in your yard.

Fixing the Damage

As long as these issues are caught early on, they are usually very easy to fix. For a single slow drain, you might be able to take care of the issue with nothing more than an inexpensive auger. 



When multiple drains are clogged, however, you will need to call in a professional plumber. That type of clog usually requires special tools that can break apart debris that is deep in a sewage line. Your plumber will also be able to take care of slow leaks so that you don’t waste any more water.

Avoiding Future Issues

The most effective way to avoid plumbing issues is to make sure that you never flush or rinse away any debris that could potentially clog the system. That includes items such as personal hygiene products, animal fats, oil, and food scraps. You might also want to have a plumber thoroughly inspect your entire plumbing system at least once every year or two.

If you feel as if you are constantly dealing with leaks and clogs, then it might be time to consider replacing your pipes entirely. Switching over to modern pipes can be a major investment, but spending that money early on could save you quite a bit down the road.

4 Unexpected Home Mishaps You Need to Be Financially Prepared For

If there’s one thing that’s true about owning a home, it’s that you can be sure that unexpected events will occur at some point that will negatively impact your home. While most of these events are fairly minor and are fairly easy to recover from, there are plenty of major home mishaps that can cause major damage and are quite expensive to fix.

The best thing you can do to prepare for these mishaps, beyond knowing what they are, is to have the financial means to recover from them should they occur. To help you prepare your budget and your mind for the future, here are four unexpected home mishaps you need to be financially prepared for.

Broken HVAC System

Though it hums along largely unnoticed, your HVAC system is one of the single-most expensive items in your home. Therefore, if your system fails, you’ve got a major expense on your hands. Typically, to purchase a new HVAC system and have it installed will cost you several thousands of dollars, an amount which most people don’t have just hidden in their couch cushions.

The biggest problem with a faulty HVAC system, of course, is that it can quickly lead to an uncomfortable home. To ensure your long-term comfort, then, it’s best to save up to be able to replace your HVAC system if it fails.

Flooded Basement

Leaks in your basement, both large and small, are no laughing matter. Even small leaks can lead to the growth of mold and mildew that can cause serious respiratory issues for your family.



Even worse is if a large backup occurs due to a broken sump pump or a major flood. This type of sudden damage can require the replacement of just about everything in your basement. To help protect against this issue, heavy-duty basement waterproofing is a great investment to make.

Damaged Roof

In many cases, a roof replacement will be something you’re able to prepare for slowly, allowing you to save money over time. However, if there is a major storm in your area, you could find yourself with an urgent need to replace your roof due to storm damage.

In some cases, your homeowner’s insurance will cover the cost of a new roof. If it doesn’t provide coverage for some reason, though, you’ll be on the hook for several thousands of dollars in repairs.

Electrical Fire

If your home has faulty wiring, you’re constantly putting yourself at risk of an electrical fire. Though many electrical fires can be caught in time to put them out, they certainly have the potential to get out of control and cause significant damage to your home.

Even small fires can cause expensive damage depending on where they occur. That’s why it’s crucial to have an electrician inspect your home’s wiring to ensure it is safe and up-to-code.

Saving doesn’t seem that important until you’re in need of a sudden cash infusion. When those times come, you can only wish that you had had the wisdom to save money when you had the chance.

That’s why it’s important to make saving a part of your lifestyle, challenging yourself to find as many ways as possible to save money while still maintaining your desired quality of life. While it’s a tough balance to strike, it’s worth it when you face an unexpected home mishap.

5 Ways to Save Money on Home Repairs

If you own a home, you know that repairs are going to be required periodically. While it is a good idea to build savings for these costs, sometimes we get caught by surprise. Whether prepared or not, everyone wants to save money on home repairs, and here are a few tips for doing that.

Do It Yourself

If you have the skill and experience, you may be able to handle basic home repairs on your own. With the help of a few youtube videos, you can probably paint the living room or replace the aging toilet with a new one. Be sure you know how to do the job before getting started, or you could end up with a bigger job for someone else to do.

Shop for Discounted Materials

If you are able to handle the job and save the cost of hiring a professional, buy discounted products, equipment, and materials whenever possible. Compare prices online and check with local building supply or home repair product stores. You can often find discounts and rebates that will keep your overall repair costs low.

Call an Expert

Several kinds of home repairs require professional assistance. Roofing, electric, plumbing, and heating problems should be handled by licensed contractors because they have the training and certifications to do the job right. 

If problems develop, you can have the company come back out to address them. The work is usually done promptly and correctly and is worth the cost you will have to pay. 



For example, a roof repair involves climbing up on the roof, maintaining balance, knowing how to fix the problem, and ensuring there are no leaks or weaknesses in the underlying structure. An expert can handle the job efficiently and safely, which can save time and money. Ask about special rates or sale prices that may apply.

Trade Services

If you know someone who is able to do the needed repair, especially if he or she is licensed and certified, you may be able to exchange services instead of monetary payment. For example, an electrician friend may be able to install a ground wire in your home in exchange for your landscaping skill in laying mulch in his yard.

Ask for Recommendations

Friends and coworkers may be able to suggest someone who can do the job more cheaply because of the referral. Ask around to see if someone knows an expert who will charge less than market value for the repair work.

Take a proactive approach to getting repairs done correctly and efficiently. The time and stress you save will be worth as much as the reduced cost.

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan

Feeling Frugal? 4 Tips to Save Money on Home Repairs

Being a homeowner certainly has its benefits, but one downside of owning compared to renting is that you’ll be responsible for any repairs your home needs. That’s why financial experts recommend that homeowners leave room in their budgets for repair costs each year. 

Still, it’s natural to want the best deal on home repairs, especially when you have several repairs to do. Here are four helpful tips on how you can save some cash on home repairs.

See What You Can Do Yourself

The best way to cut your home repair costs is to do everything you can yourself. Now, whether this is worthwhile for you will depend on how handy you are and how much time it takes you to do the repairs. 

You don’t want to spend days on a simple repair or end up making your problem worse. But with all the tutorial videos out there, you can absolutely learn how to do some basic repairs online.

Find Deals on Materials

Even if you hire contractors for repairs, that doesn’t mean you need them buying the materials. You’re typically better off doing this yourself, because then you can shop for deals. 



Try visiting home improvement stores during their sales or looking for salvage materials. With a little luck and a good eye, you can get materials for much less than they’d usually cost.

Shop around for Contractors

When you know what you need done, it’s easy to call around and get estimates from different contractors like AAA Garage Door, Inc. and similar companies. Then you can compare them all to see who’s offering the best price. 

Just make sure that you look at their reviews, as well. You don’t want to go with the cheapest contractor if they have a bad reputation.

Look up What Labor Should Cost

It’s good to have an idea of how much labor would typically cost on the repair jobs you have, even if you looked around to get the best price on a contractor. 

You want to be knowledgeable of repair costs in case your contractor tells you that it’s actually going to cost more or if they determine that more work needs to be done. 

Understanding what everything should cost helps you avoid getting hustled. It’s smart to anticipate potential home repair costs by setting some money aside whenever you can. But when you do need repairs done, you should also do what you can to get the best bargain.

4 Ways Families Can Save Cash on Regular Home Repairs

Home repairs can become costly very quickly, which is why making a plan and scouting out ways to save money ahead of time is a good idea. Check out this list to learn some ways to save money on your next home repair.

Make a Budget and a Plan

Most people groan at the idea of making a budget, but having a clearly laid out plan at the start of a renovation project can help you prioritize spending and anticipate all the costs. 

While it wouldn’t seem like it, making a plan does save money. Unexpected purchases can eat into finances heavily. Anticipating potential costs allows homeowners time to shop around for deals, consider all their options, and set aside the needed funds for the upcoming repair project.

Don’t Forget Upkeep

Minor repairs are much more affordable than major renovations. Taking time to make minor repairs as needed can save thousands of dollars in the long haul. 

For example, make sure bathroom fixtures are properly sealed with caulk so that water doesn’t seep into cracks and cause major mold and rot which is costly to repair. Other small repairs that can save you money include doing plumbing repairs, such as taking care of leaky faucets to avoid high utility bills. 

Other things, like inspecting and possibly replacing your sump pump so your home doesn’t flood in the next big storm are also good ideas. Make sure to also regularly replace HVAC filters so your system doesn’t suffer damage.

Shop Around

Don’t be afraid to ask multiple contractors for quotes or check out the pricing of supplies from multiple vendors. The first price you come across might not be the best price. 

Also make sure that if you are hiring a contractor the prices you are comparing include labor, parts, and potential warranties. A great quote won’t pay off if it leaves out a long list of hidden costs.

Look for Tax Cuts

You may find that the IRS will offer tax cuts for home repairs. Talk with an accountant and track your spending to see what home repair costs you can claim on your taxes. This is especially true for energy efficient updates. 

If you can anticipate potential rebates ahead of time this will help you to budget and make repair choices that give you the most bang for your buck.

Home ownership can be costly, but thinking creatively and planning ahead can lessen those costs and make owning a home an affordable and enjoyable experience. 

These tips are a starting point to thinking outside the box to save costs. Making repairs can be stressful, but are also a great opportunity to increase the value and efficiency of your home.