You are already fully aware that there are certain bills that you need to pay, but if you’re on a budget and something needs an emergency repair, it can hurt your wallet. Today, we’re going to talk about common household problems so you inspect your home for signs of trouble and plan for possible repairs in the future.
Buying a house is not cheap.
The down payment on a new home alone is typically 20%. Then there’s the mortgage, moving and renovation costs, as well as closing fees.
So, when common household problems arise, it can catch new homeowners – and their wallets – by surprise.
If you’re a new homeowner, don’t let surprise home repair expenses throw you off. In this article, we’ll cover the most common problems that can arise in any home. That way, you’re prepared for the costs and can notice the early signs of trouble.
Let’s begin!
New Locks
You probably don’t need to worry about the former owners of your new home showing up by surprise. But there is the possibility that copies of the current keys are somewhere out there.
By changing the locks on your new home, you can decrease the chances of break-ins. To be thorough, you can also upgrade the lock hardware to something more advanced.
Changing the locks isn’t one of the more costly surprise home repair expenses. But if your home has multiple entry doors, the costs can certainly add up to a few hundred dollars.
Surprise Mold
It’s common practice for new home buyers to hire inspectors before they close on a house. Their job is to inspect the foundation and systems within a house and make sure everything is in order.
Your inspector should’ve been able to detect mold, mildew, and weird odors before you closed on your new home. They should’ve also checked for damp basements and crawl spaces that can lead to mold growth. Here are some of the signs of mold and mildew growth:
- Seeing and smelling mold
- Water leaks
- Condensation in the home
- Wall and floor discoloration
You may be able to remove surprise mold and mildew yourself if it’s in places like the shower or window sills. But when mold covers between 10 and 100 square feet, you’ll need professional removal.
You should learn more about when to call a mold remediation service before buying a home. Potential buyers can demand mold removal before making a final offer. Removal can cost home sellers thousands of dollars, and it’s certainly not a cost that you want on your hands as a buyer.
Roof & Siding Repairs
Are you moving to an area that experiences a lot of precipitation and wind? If so, roof damage is among the most common household problems.
It’s unlikely that your new roof will need instant repairs. The home appraiser should’ve taken the roof into account when assessing the house’s worth. But that doesn’t spare you of potential problems in the near future.
Depending on where you’re moving to, bad weather can damage even the most sturdy of roofs. Start putting a few hundred dollars aside every year for when a very rainy day wrecks havoc on yours. Here are some signs that roof may need repairing:
- Roof age of 20+ years
- Missing shingles
- Curling or buckling shingles
- Shingle granules in the gutters
- Spongy traction while walking on the roof
The same goes for the siding of your house. The siding is necessary for protecting and insulating your home. So, when wear and tear take its toll, you’ll need to repair or replace it altogether.
In addition to saving up for repairs, you may want to consider replacing the material of the siding. Wood, metal, vinyl, and brick are among the most sturdy materials you can use for siding.
Appliance Repairs
Broken appliances are among some of the most common household problems.
Repairing broken appliances is inevitable. After all, you need to be able to wash your clothes and keep your food refrigerated.
Unless you or your spouse are handy, you’ll likely hire a repairman if your appliances break. The costs of repair services will depend on the problem.
You can usually tell when an appliance breaks. But here are some signs that indicate that something could go wrong in the future:
- Poor performance (dishes aren’t clean, warm and spoiled food, etc.)
- Odd sounds (buzzing, humming, etc.)
- Power flickers or surges only while operating the appliance
- The appliance sparks when you turn it on
Small repairs usually aren’t that costly. But you could wind up spending hundreds – even thousands – of dollars on big repairs. You may even find yourself having to replace a broken appliance altogether.
Even new appliances are subject to breaking if the models are of poorer quality. Consider hiring a repairman to come to inspect your appliances when you first move in. That way, you can nip any potential problems in the bud.
Floor Repairs & Refurbishing
You’ll get a pretty good idea of the state of a floor when you go to look at a house. But depending on the floor’s material, you could run into some surprising home repair expenses.
Some floors are more durable than others. Tile, for example, is resistant to heat, stains, and scratches.
But as nice as it looks, hardwood flooring is prone to scratching. If your new home has hardwood flooring, floor refurbishing is inevitable.
Material and durability are not the only factors you should take into consideration.
The previous owners may have done a poor job installing the floors. There may even be some warping with your floors, or they may even squeak. Chipped tiles could lead to more problems down the line.
Having to replace or refurbish floors are common problems that can arise. These kinds of problems can occur in the first couple years of new home ownership.
Preparing for Common Household Problems
New homeownership is an exciting time full of possibilities. The last thing any new home buyer wants to deal with is common household problems.
You can spare yourself from future frustration by knowing the warning signs. You can also save more money in the long run by putting money aside for repair costs.
And by doing so, you can save more money for exciting renovations and redecoration. For more ideas on how to make your dream home, visit our blog today!