How to Save Money on Home Repairs

| September 27, 2012
English: Austell, GA, November 2, 2009 -- A ho...

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Larry Smith works for Roof.net and he likes being able to save people money when he can.

Remodeling your home can be an excellent way to improve its value and be more satisfied as a homeowner. Home repairs can be very costly though and most homeowners aren’t keen to spending thousands of dollars in renovation costs. If you’re trying to crunch the budget and save money on home repairs, you’ve got to think innovatively. DIY home repairs can be physically draining and it can soak up a lot of your spare time, but there is significant savings involved. Financially, it’s a smart move and most home projects are fairly simple and inexpensive to do yourself.

Remodel Vs Replace.

It’s important that you utilize pre-existing material in your home. Home renovations are a remodeling process, not everything has to be replaced. A good example of this can be represented through kitchen cupboards. Often times, homeowners are eager to purchase a new set of kitchen cupboards. It’s a quick and easy solution to drastically improving your kitchen but it’s a budget nightmare. Kitchen cupboards are costly, so why not renovate your old cupboards by sanding them down and then staining or painting them. Chances are, it will look just as good as the cupboards you just purchased and it will be a fraction of the cost. Remodeling and not replacing takes time and effort, but the payoff is in your wallet.

Choose a Qualified Contractor

Contractors in the home repair business are not all good people. If you’re going to outsource, it’s important that you hire a qualified contractor that is going to do the job correctly the first time around. Research and do some comparison shopping so that you can choose the best contractor for the job. If you don’t, it could sacrifice your budget and even put the stability of your home in jeopardy.

Comparison Shop for Building Materials

If you are renovating your home yourself, your main expenses are going to be the building materials. By comparison shopping and doing your homework, you will save money and feel better about the expense. Online websites should even be considered for building materials. You can often find laminate, hardwood, tile, drywall, carpet and all sorts of other materials for cheaper prices on the Internet. There are wholesale companies online that you can’t find in your local neighborhood.

Check for Manufacturer Rebates

With the latest efforts to “go green” and invest in energy friendly appliances, many manufacturers are offering rebates and special discounts to homeowners that are willing to take the plunge. Buying Energy Star rated appliances might cost a bit more upfront, but there are long-term savings to be considered as well. Coupled with a manufacturer rebate, it’s an all-around good expense.

Beware of What’s Costly

When it comes to home repairs, there are going to be costly projects. These expenses may seem minimal in the beginning, but once diving into a project, there are often hidden blemishes. If you are determined to renovate and restore, just beware of what’s around the corner. Projects like roof repair, plumbing, or electrical work can get costly.

Take Care of Your Roof

The roof is the most important asset to your home. It protects your family from the harsh weather conditions outside. Unfortunately, many homeowners take their roof for granted. Be sure to regularly check the condition of your roof and pay a contractor for roof repair services if need be. Consistent upkeep, cleaning, and repairs when necessary are important to ensure a long lasting roof. Don’t be afraid to shell out a little cash when it comes to roof repair, it’s a necessary expense if you care about your home.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Category: Family Finances, Saving Money

About the Author ()