Many of my clients ask me, ” What steps can I take now in order to avoid costly surprise repairs??” The best thing to do is to get in the habit to yearly check major things in your house to evaluate it’s condition. Things like the roof, plumbing, foundation, windows etc should all be checked out. Things that are in need of repair should be fixed as soon as possible. Proactively checking on these things and fixing them along the way will avoid surprises. Do a little research or consult someone to find out the possible lifespan of items such as the HVAC, water heater, etc. As these items get older, you can budget in possible replacement costs and repairs. You can also get warranties/service contracts on things like your furnace so that some of the parts and things may be covered.
It is a great idea to set aside about 1% of your purchase price for home repairs Differed maintenance is sometimes an issue with older homes, and it is good to budget this 1% in for normal annual things like cleaning gutters and caulking windows. Do not forget to take annual repairs seriously!
The value of your home may be affected if there is differed maintenance issues. Also, remember, being proactive may save you money!! For example, cleaning your gutters may take a couple hundred bucks, but fixing a flooded basement because of water drainage issues may cost thousands!
When it comes time to make the repairs, improvements, and or replacements, be an educated consumer. This is of course assuming that you can not do it all your self. If you need to outsource the home improvement / repair item and you do not know who to turn to, ask a reliable source for a referral. For an example, Most Realtors pride themselves on knowing great local contractors and other service professionals. Now, it can still be a good idea to compare the proposal to make sure your are getting a reasonable bid. This does not necessarily mean the cheapest, which may be Inexpensive, and shoddy work which may only cost you more money in the long run. Another great resource, are review sites and directories such as Yelp or Angies list. Particularly for those large cost improvements its a really good idea to check to make sure the company is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and if licensed professional still in good standing with the state they are doing business in.
Want to find out more about home improvement , then visit Brendan Spear’s Great Maryland Living’s Website on Real Estate tips andnews for all your MD Real Estate needs. Brendan Spear-New Focus Realty 410-721-7625 – Equal Housing Opportunity.
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