Buying your dream home is a huge accomplishment. Your property isn’t a one-time investment, however. To keep it in good shape and maintain its value, you will have to make repairs over the years. The average house costs $1,204 per month to maintain, according to GoBankingRates. You might be tempted to pinch pennies by doing some tasks yourself. While this is possible for certain simpler projects, like power-washing your house’s siding or giving your walls a fresh coat of paint, others are best left to the professionals. Read on to find out which jobs you should always consult an expert on and how much you can anticipate paying for them.
Wooden floor refinishing
Wood flooring is an in-demand asset among homeowners. It’s stylish and durable and adds a sense of rustic warmth to any living space. If your floors are in need of refinishing, expect to spend from $1,074 to $2,400. Consult an expert beforehand, however, to determine whether you need refinishing or if just recoating will do. The latter option simply involves adding a protective layer to existing floors. Refinishing is more intensive, requiring sanding down floors to bare wood before applying a new protective coating.
Roof replacement
Your roof keeps your house cozy and dry, safe from wind, rain, and snow. Signs that your roof is leaking include water spots, dripping, and peeling paint indoors. When your roof fails, you run the risk of water damage—not only to your possessions but also to essential parts of your property’s structure, such as insulation and electrical wiring. It’s imperative to get a roof fixed quickly or you will have to pay even more money to address these related damages as well. Roofing requires specific tools, materials, and safety protocols; this is not something to attempt yourself. You run the risk of seriously injuring yourself if you take a tumble. Instead, hire roofers. Expect to pay $350 to $550 per square for a new roof. Smaller repairs will be less.
Septic tank repairs
A septic system allows you to have modern plumbing in parts of your home that can’t be connected to the central sewer lines. Basements often rely on septic systems, for example. Signs that your septic tank is in need of repair or replacement include a bad odor, backed up sewage coming from the toilet or drains, trouble flushing, slow draining, gurgling pipes, and standing water around the drain field. If you notice any of these signs, call in a septic professional as soon as possible. Exposure to wastewater poses both environmental and health dangers. A pro will have the safety gear and knowledge to handle repairs or replacements safely and efficiently. If you need a replacement, expect to pay $6,000 to $50,000.
Furnace replacement
Replacing a furnace is complicated as the device is just one part of an overall heating and cooling system composed of different aspects, from air filtration to ductwork. You want to make sure a new furnace is correctly installed and linked up to all these elements. According to HVAC.com, installing a new furnace costs $1,795 to $6,290 on average. You don’t want to risk botching this complicated and costly job. Call in an HVAC professional.
Taking a do-it-yourself approach to any of the above projects is likely to backfire. Without the right tools and expertise, you’re bound to make any problems worse and cause more damage—or even hurt yourself. Bringing in a professional after the fact can then cost you even more money, as you’ll have to pay for a more complex fix-it job. Trust a pro and breathe a sigh of relief, knowing your home is in good hands.
Written By Ray Flynn | DiyGuys.net
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