Do you find it difficult to afford house repairs? Some properties, usually older ones, can require a significant amount of maintenance, which can be prohibitively expensive. Here, we look at some tips to help you keep the costs down when it comes to home repairs.
Compare and barter
Obtaining multiple bids for plumbers, electricians, appliance repair companies and other handymen can save you a significant amount of money when it comes to employing them. You can then use these quotes as a negotiation weapon — for example, if one company is giving a lower rate than another, you can request a price match from the other company. When choosing handymen, there are a number of other factors to consider, such as their web reputation. Positive ratings and testimonials are usually a solid indication of a reputable maintenance company – you do not want to employ a cheap maintenance person just to have them do a shoddy job for a low price. Also keep an eye out for guarantees, which may allow you to seek a refund if the repair is not up to par.
Do it yourself where you can
Despite the fact that there are numerous manuals and tutorials available online in the form of how-to blog posts and YouTube videos, fewer individuals are putting their DIY abilities to the test when it comes to house repairs these days. Most electrical and plumbing jobs should be left to the professionals, but there are a variety of other repair chores that you may complete yourself, such as replacing damaged roofing tiles, repairing broken flooring, and attending to minor leaks. This is generally significantly less expensive than employing professionals, albeit it does necessitate more effort on your part. Alternatively, see if you have any handy friends, neighbors, or family members who might be willing to come and help out.
Find your own materials
Even if you are not confident in your ability to perform house repairs on your own, you can save money by obtaining your own materials. When ordering supplies, whether it is a new worktop or a new window, many tradespeople make a significant profit. By sourcing your own materials, you have the freedom to browse around for the best price and haggle.
Examine your homeowner’s insurance policy
Perhaps your homeowner’s insurance company will be able to reimburse you for some of the costs of the repairs. Storm damage and crime are the most obvious types of damage covered by property insurance, however, some insurers may go above and above to cover a variety of costs associated with wear and tear, such as replacement costs. Additionally, there may be other insurance policies that you forget you had taken out, such as appliance warranties. If you have kept hold of the papers, you may be able to make inexpensive repairs in the future.
Home repairs are always going to cost money – it is an inevitable part of homeownership. However, there are things that you can do to bring the cost down.
