For many new homeowners, the thought of owning their own property gives them a sense of pride. If you’re a homeowner, you’re likely well aware of the ever-present threat of having unexpected home repair costs. However, you might be more focused on all the positives of owning a home.
But unfortunately, as time wears on, things will break and you’ll often have to come out of your own pockets for repairs. And unfortunately, some homeowners don’t budget for these repairs, which means they’re often not prepared to foot the bill.
While the cost of different home improvements can vary by several variables, American Family Insurance follows a good rule of thumb that says “Homeowners should budget at least $1 per square foot of their home’s livable space for annual maintenance and home repairs.”
By discussing some of the most common home repair costs, we hope to help you prepare for various out-of-pocket expenses.
Potential Costs of the Most Common Home Repairs
You can do everything you can to keep potential home repair costs down, from maintaining your gutters to fixing a faucet drip right away.
So, addressing small problems before they become big ones can make a huge difference in keeping home maintenance costs down. But what if something unexpected happens like a tree falling on your roof or a power surge that damage’s your home’s electrical wiring?
Whether you’re doing everything right or things happen that are out of your control, damage, as well as wear and tear, are bound to happen.
Below are the most common issues many homeowners face when it comes to repairs.
1. Foundation Repair
Unfortunately, water or any type of moisture is a foundation killer. Water exerts what’s called hydrostatic pressure on your home’s foundation, which causes foundation walls to crack and bow, resulting in foundation leaks.
Also, if you live in an area where the soil contracts during the dry season and swells during the rainy season, this can damage your foundation as well.
The cost of foundation repair varies, but usually ranges between $500 and $10,000. So, the actual cost often depends on the extent of the damage and where you live. But on average, expect to pay around $4,000 to $5,000 if the damage isn’t too severe.
2. Electrical Issues
If you’re moving into a new home, it’s important to assess the security of the property as soon as possible.
Your home’s electrical system is another common issue you may have to worry about in the future. Whether you’re dealing with faulty outlets or problems with the wiring of your home, it’s best to seek help from an electrician. And unfortunately, due to the potential dangers and complexity of the job, electrical work can be expensive.
The average cost to repair minor electrical issues (i.e. light switches, outlets, etc.) ranges between $141 to $419. For larger jobs, the cost typically goes from $2,000 to $6,000 and up.
3. Roof Repair
Your home’s roof is susceptible to a range of problems, from rot to leaks. And this can lead to even bigger problems. This is why it’s so important to get your roof repaired right away if you suspect damage.
Less severe damage like spot leaks and missing shingles could cost between $300 to $2,000. For a full roof replacement, you could be looking at up to $11,000 in repairs.
4. Water Damage
Water damage is one of the most devastating issues many homeowners deal with. It can lead to mold and mildew, damage the structural elements of your home, and cause pest infestations. So, beyond posing a risk to your health, water damage can also hurt your finances, leading to a range of costly repairs.
The average amount homeowners pay for water damage is $3,046, with costs ranging between $1,181 and $4,938.
5. Replacing a Water Heater
Like most other systems and appliances in your home, your water heater has a limited lifespan of about 8 to 12 years. Of course, depending on certain factors, it can go out way before that.
Compared to other issues within your home, water heater repairs and replacements are often less expensive, costing an average of $579 to repair and up to $1,300 to replace.
6. Septic System Repair
Your septic system requires more care and maintenance than you might think. For example, something as simple as flushing the wrong chemical down the drain can put your entire septic system out of whack. A damaged septic tank is often a messy problem that isn’t cheap to fix. Expect to pay around $17,00 to $19,500, depending on the extent of the damage.
7. HVAC Repair & Replacement
From improperly using your thermostat to not changing your air filter regularly, you could be wreaking havoc on your HVAC system. And your HVAC system is one of those repairs you just can’t put off.
On average, HVAC repairs cost between $150 and $450. But if your unit requires total replacement, the cost will likely be between $4,850 and $9,400.
8. Mold Removal
Mold can have so many damaging effects on not only your home, but also on your family’s health. Whether it’s affecting your home’s walls, ceiling, roof, or foundation, it’s important to get on top of it right away—before it gets worse. The longer you wait, the more extensive the damage will be.
The average cost of mold remediation is around $2,200, but could be more if the damage is really severe.
9. Termite Damage
It’s hard to imagine how something so small could cause severe damage to your home. Yet, termites could end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. And unfortunately, standard home insurance policies don’t cover such repairs.
The average cost to repair termite damage is $565. But to repair extensive termite damage, the average cost is around $8,000.
Conclusion
No matter how new you are to homeownership, home maintenance is inevitable. So, taking proper care of your home and paying for necessary repair and maintenance costs are key to keeping one of your biggest investments in tip-top shape. With proper home repair budgeting, you can ensure your home is always in good condition. We aim to help you succeed in every phase of your homeownership journey. Sign up for FREE to get more homeowner tips, rewards, discounts and more!
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