Being a new homeowner is 100% an exciting experience but it is not one you want to go into without the necessary knowledge. It is vital that you are ready for what is about to happen. Since you will own a house, you have to prepare for maintenance and repairs.
Every single realtor will recommend a home inspection. This is because, on average, it reveals repairs of around $11,000. Buyers often negotiate based on the results of the inspection so sellers end up responsible for fixes. But, even the most thorough inspections cannot prepare for the unexpected. You thus have to be ready for the following most common house repairs you will most likely end up having to deal with in the future.
Roof Repairs
It is quite obvious why the roof is so important for a house. Without it, you have literally zero protection from what the elements can bring. We are talking about one of the house’s most important parts.
When referring to a new construction, the roof is usually not a problem. Fixes will only be necessary longer down the road. However, if the house is old, major damage could be right around the corner.
Fortunately, when caught early, fixes are simple. Things like lost shingles or leaks will quickly be taken care of without a large financial investment. Unfortunately, if faced with major damage, the only solution is often a complete roof replacement. A home inspector can help you save a lot of money by identifying roof problems early before they become a huge hassle.
The average cost of roof repair is $650. For a full roof replacement, you can end up paying around $10,000.
Water Heater Replacements
If you have a water heater in your house, you should know that its average life span is 8 to 12 years, based on the model. As a result, it is imperative that you are aware of exactly when the heater was installed on your property. If it is old, it always slowly ends up working in an improper way. This leads to wasting money without you even being aware of it.
The most common issues that you can expect with the water heater are:
- Overuse
- Mineral buildup
Both of these common problems are very easy to fix. However, if not repaired in time, they lead to very expensive repairs. If this is the case, the best thing you could do is to fully replace the heater.
The average repair cost for a water heater is $570. If you need to replace the unit, it can set you back up to $1,300.
Exterior Siding Or Painting Problems
High quality exterior siding can last up to forty years. But, when issues appear, you can expect them to be expensive to fix. The most common problems you can definitely expect to have to deal with sooner or later are:
- Water stains
- Surface cracks
- Bubbling
- Exterior paint peeling
- Mold
- Sagging paneling
When the problem is the paint, you will not have to pay too much to solve it. The average exterior paint job cost is $5,150. With the siding, the average repair cost is $710 and complete replacement can put you back anywhere between $5,000 and $15,000.
Foundation Problems
It is very easy to understand why many consider the foundation to be the most important part of the home since it literally holds the entire house up. The big problem is most homeowners only become aware of foundation problems when they are serious and easy to notice with the bare eye.
Home inspections should be carried out every few years so that you can catch problems as soon as they appear. The foundation will be properly assessed. The very common warning signs that the foundation has to be repaired are: settling, upheaval, sagging floors, sticky doors, and cracks.
The average cost for a house foundation repair is $5,850 and it should be done without delay.
HVAC Equipment Failure
The house’s HVAC system is what gives you comfort both during the winter and the summer. Home inspectors do look for HVAC problems but keep in mind that the examination is usually not extensive. Future problems can only be detected with a careful analysis of the equipment.
The best way to determine when you need to analyze every single part of the HVAC equipment is to take into account its age and manufacturer recommendations. If the system is old, there is a much higher possibility that it will break down.
The average repair cost for HVAC is $300 and replacements can go as high as $10,000.
Final Thoughts
As a homeowner, there are several responsibilities you have. In many cases, it is easy to figure out what to do. For instance, if your toilet backs up into the shower, you can just go online and a Google search will highlight results like: https://www.cinchhomeservices.com/faq-library/-/faq/toilet-backing-up-into-shower. But, for serious problems, you have to rely on professional help. Start with a home inspection and seriously consider what the professionals tell you.
