How to Prepare for Major Home Repairs – Today’s guest blog is by Parenting with Kris. The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.
How to Prepare for Major Home Repairs
Major home repairs never come at a good time. Whether it’s a broken-down water heater or a roof that’s caving in, they seem to always sneak up and do their best to wreck your budget. That’s why it’s so important to prepare for the unexpected. Gainesville Restoration Roofing & Remodeling wants to help, so explore these practical ways you can prepare as a homeowner for the inevitable major repairs, from knowing about common repairs to paying for them once they arise.
Common Major Repairs
The first part of preparing is to learn what kind of repairs to expect. Below you’ll find a few of the most common major fixes homeowners often face, though you will also want to learn about additional types of repairs as well:
Roof replacement. The roof is one of the most important structural aspects of your home, and it protects the inside of your home from outdoor elements. Roofs typically last 20 to 30 years, depending on the material of the shingles. The best way to avoid having to do a full-on replacement out of nowhere is to have your roof inspected annually for leaks and wear and tear. Then, repair the roof as needed.
HVAC. Heating and air conditioning units are known to stop working suddenly, and it’s usually during the hottest or coldest days of the year. Regularly change out your air filters, and have your HVAC regularly inspected and maintained if you want to prevent a sizable replacement bill.
Water heater. Like HVACs, hot water heaters tend to quit with no warning. You’re enjoying a relaxing shower, and the next thing you know, you feel like you’ve taken the polar plunge and you can’t breathe. Sometimes, however, there are signs of failure before it happens.
Siding replacement. Siding can last forever, but sometimes it needs replacing after 10 to 30 years — depending on the material. Wood siding will typically last the longest, especially if you treat it (i.e., pressure wash, caulk, paint/stain) every few years. Vinyl is the cheapest of siding options, but it also needs to be replaced more often than other types. If you have vinyl siding, pressure washing it once a year can help it look good for longer.
Saving Up for Repairs
The best way to pay for major home repairs is to do it without acquiring any debt. Consider starting an emergency repair fund, in which you allocate a portion of your income each month to a savings account. A general rule of thumb is to put in 10 percent of your monthly mortgage payment; so, if your mortgage is $850, you would put $85 into your emergency fund each month.
If you need money for a repair before you have your fund built up, consider borrowing from a family member or friend, or applying online for a personal loan. If you have time to prepare for a significant repair, you can always refinance your home and use some of the equity you’ve built up, but this process can take as long as four weeks.
Those who have debt holding them back from assembling necessary funds have opportunities, too. With a debt consolidation loan, settlement, bankruptcy, or other solution, you can get your finances back on track and find breathing room.
Hire the Right Help
Once you have your problem assessed and funds assembled, make sure you connect with a high-quality contractor like Gainesville Restoration Roofing & Remodeling to help put your home back in order. Gainesville Restoration Roofing & Remodeling can assist both commercial projects and homeowners, transforming bathrooms, rebuilding roofs, clearing water damage, and much more. And if you’re looking elsewhere, be sure to get recommendations, assemble a list of interview questions, and review the portfolio of anyone you’re considering for your project.
Big repairs are part of being a homeowner, and it’s important to be prepared when these problems come up. Research what major home repairs can arise and how to avoid/delay them through inspections and maintenance. Be selective when you’re choosing a contractor, and start building your emergency repair fund today. Being prepared even a little can soften the financial blow of an unforeseen major home repair. And if that older home is proving to be too much, a newer home can be the better choice for your family and bank account.
Contact Gainesville Restoration Roofing & Remodeling for more information on how they can help you with your home project!
