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Planning for Home Repairs and Getting Them Done Right

Oct 24, 2020 | Home Improvement

Are you planning for home repairs? Owning a home has been and remains a sound investment as long as you put in the work, time, and money to maintain or improve it. As a homeowner, you can expect that small and large repairs will come along. But every now and then, some can take you by surprise or be a bigger hit to your bank account. Below are some ideas on how to prepare for home repairs and ensure you get quality work done.

Expected Home Repairs 

The need for repairs, big and small, will arise. So if you’re a homeowner or preparing to become one, plan for the inevitable. Small repairs can range from chipped grout in the tile floor to cracks or holes in the walls to appliances breaking down due to age or a rough season. 

Repainting the home can be a minor fix as well, but that depends on the square footage. Regardless of the project’s size, it’s best to hire a painting contractor to do the work for you. Contact Robinson Painting LLC of Colorado so that you receive quality paint services at a competitive price.

A larger repair that will occur several times over a home’s life is a roof replacement. You should hire a quality contractor to replace your roof. A typical roof will last around 20 years, and if you wait too long to replace it, possible consequences are rot, mold, and water damage. 

A less common albeit severe issue is foundation damage, which can be caused by extreme seasons, improperly planted soil, poor drainage, a leak in the plumbing, tree roots growing too close to your home, or natural disasters. The national average cost of foundation repair is $4,033.

Removing Trees

Tree removal is a project that you should never DIY due to potential hazards. Hiring a tree removal company is your best bet to ensure your safety and the efficiency of the job. Professionally removing a tree can average between $400 and $2,000, so you’ll want to budget accordingly. 

Before hiring a tree removal company, contact your homeowner’s insurance company to see if they cover the removal of a tree (if it has already fallen down), and make sure to ask the tree removal company about references and credentials.

Revolting Rodents 

Mice or rat infestations can cause damage for years before you realize it, not to mention the health hazards associated with rodent droppings. Mice are known to chew through electrical wiring and can significantly damage wood surfaces and even attic insulation. 

The CDC also notes that mice and rats are prone to carrying Hantavirus, Salmonella, and even Bubonic Plague. If you see evidence of a rodent infestation, you’ll need to act quickly. In this situation, it’s best to hire a professional for an inspection and treatment the moment you suspect those tiny unwelcome houseguests. The right service will be able to assess and resolve the infestation quickly. Leaving your home untreated could result in irreparable damage.

Covering Home Repair Your Costs

Many people don’t realize what their home insurance covers and excludes. You’ve invested a lot into your property and pay for the coverage, so it’s worth taking the time to understand your policy. The typical policy will not cover flood damage (consider purchasing flood insurance), infestations, typical wear and tear, mold associated with long-term leaks, or natural ground movements. Surprisingly, your insurance policy likely will only cover storms, fire, sudden damages, or theft.  

While it’s optimal to prepare for a rainy day by saving enough money every year to collect a nest egg that would cover 1 percent of the cost of the purchase of your home, many people are unable to do so. In a situation where you have a big repair that needs to be dealt with right away, you can either take out a loan or use the equity in your home to cover the costs.

Finding the Right Contractor for Home Repairs

Just as important as making timely repairs is finding a contractor who will diligently and professionally produce quality work. 

  • Ask people you trust for referrals.
  • Ask to see some of their work.
  • Get several estimates.
  • Check for licensing. 
  • Make sure candidates have the proper permits required. 
  • Make sure they have liability insurance.
  • Ask for details on their subcontractors, independent contractors, or employees. 

A costly repair that is poorly done can lead to more damage and higher costs. Doing your homework on the front end can save you trouble later on.

Homeownership is a blessing and reward, but it takes work, time, and money to keep your home maintained. Some repairs are common, recurring, and to be expected. Less common repairs should be planned for in case the worst-case scenario occurs. In addition to normal wear and tear, natural disasters, and defects, plan for the possibility of significant repair needs. Think ahead by planning how you would cover your costs in an incident and how you would select a contractor.

Photo by Quintin Gellar from Pexels.

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