Whether the home you’re in is starting to fall out or you’re trying to get a fixer-upper to increase in value, getting things fixed can sometimes cost a pretty penny. Fixing up a house is one of those expenses that you want to make sure you are on top of to avoid bleeding money over time. We’ve gathered 6 of the most popular tips used to get things fixed around the house without breaking the bank.
Create a List
Almost everything becomes simpler by creating a list, even for the most complicated projects. Whether it’s a new house with tons of stuff you need to fix or an old home that’s been falling apart for a while, you need to write down the things you’re planning on fixing. It’s not uncommon for people to get carried away while they’re creating lists, which isn’t bad but priorities should be set to avoid distracting yourself. If you don’t have a big budget for the fixes or renovation needed, you need to make sure you target the most important fixes that can be done quickly and cheaply.
Compare Prices
Home repair and renovation is a huge industry with billions of dollars in circulation every year. Repair estimates are not the same because every professional sets their own rate, but there is always an average. As mentioned on repairpricer.com/, when you’re trying to get a good price on a home you want to purchase, you want to know how much repairs are going to set you back. It’s always recommended to have an online home inspection and negotiation service to back you up to get the most accurate and cheapest price.
Wait for Discounts
If you’re shopping around for appliances and you have enough time to wait a little bit, then you should keep an eye out for discounts and sales. New appliances should never be based on an impulse but rather a need, so if you’re able to keep using the old appliances until you get new ones, don’t waste money by choosing the wrong timing. It’s generally recommended to wait for the sales that happen between September and October; it’s when most manufacturers introduce new lines and models. Further, Black Friday and Memorial Day are also great holiday sale events that can help you reduce the costs of appliances extensively.
Sell Old Items
If you really don’t want to break the bank, avoid hoarding as much as possible. You do not need a pile of old items that you’ve replaced or bought duplicates of. If you’re the opposite of a hoarder, you should avoid throwing any old items out of your sight. A lot of those old items, appliances, or equipment can be sold to someone who needs them. This will help you offset the value of the renovation or new appliances bought. Selling those items shouldn’t be very hard, thanks to the multitude of available marketplaces, whether it’s on social media or a dedicated marketplace. Even if you’re not expecting to get much for those items, you should not waste such an opportunity.
The DIY Path
Depending on the type of fixes your house needs, the DIY path can either be a breeze or a very exhausting job. Leaving things to professionals is always the recommended way of fixing most stuff, but learning how to fix things yourself is also a valuable skill that will help you save a lot of money in the present and the future. Paying for a professional’s labor is not cheap, so even if you are no expert, try to find simple things to fix that don’t require a professional skill set to avoid paying extra to the person coming to repair. Depending on the time you have to invest in learning DIY skills, you can almost learn to do anything if you have enough dedication and resources. Keep in mind that a lot of critical house fixes require advanced equipment and experience, so it’s always recommended to leave it to professionals. Avoid fixing roofs or plumbing systems because you’ll either void the warranty or make the situation worse, not to mention that there are health risks associated with such repairs.
Save Money
If the repairs your house needs are not urgent and they can wait a little bit, it’s time to save money for them. It’s worth mentioning that some repairs are time-critical and can get worse if you don’t fix them as soon as you get a chance. Electric circuits, plumbing, roof, mold, and similar issues can get monstrous if they are left unchecked. Financing is always an option, but paying with cash is always the most convenient route.
There is no doubt that the fixing is bound to happen one way or another, but determining the expenses that you should pay can be the hard part. Those who are in the business of flipping houses know that some expenses can render the venture significantly weaker than it was supposed to be. Knowing the cost of repairs beforehand is always a great way to plan accordingly.
WRITTEN BY
Daria Brown