One of the most important aspects of owning a home is performing the proper maintenance. Whether you need to make necessary replacements or just clean up your home, it’s important to budget for unexpected costs throughout the year.
For the average homeowner, however, budgeting may seem out of reach. Here are some necessary tips and tricks to budget for your home before you have a disaster on your hands.
Start a separate savings account
Sure, you have a general savings account for emergencies, vacations, and credit card payments, but creating a specific savings account for home repair is a great option for new and old homeowners alike. A good rule of thumb is to tuck away between 1% and 3% of your home’s value annually for major repairs and basic maintenance. The best way to do this is by adding a little bit each month and maybe a little more with your annual bonus or tax return.
Prioritize repairs
Some repairs need to be made before damage puts your home at risk. If you need gutter repair during the rainy spring season, this should take precedence over a leaky sink. A broken window may put your whole house at risk for burglary or worse. The average cost of a replacement vinyl window can crest $11,319 or more so putting this repair at the top of your list is vital.
Think of the age
When you live in an old house, it can seem like everything needs to be prepared. But whether or not you need to repair or replace is up to you. Is this old door worth keeping or should you buy a new one? Is gutter repair needed or do you need a new seamless gutter installation with new materials? If your home’s assets are too old, replacing them may be worth the cost. That way, you don’t have to make countless repairs that stack up in the end.
Whatever you choose to do, when the need for repair strikes you should choose a company you trust to get the job done right. For the best storm windows, gutter repair, siding installation, and roofing services, contact Roofworks today.