Troubleshooting the Homestead Repair Process the Economical Way
There are many different things that can go wrong with your home at any time. No home was built to last, and you’re sure to be reminded of that every time you see water spots, hear dripping noises, and walk over your squeaking floors. As a homeowner, it’s up to you to keep your home safe and functioning properly, but no one wants to go broke in the process.
Here are some great ways you can save money while still ensuring that your home’s problems are repaired.
Five Tips for Finding Cost-Effective Solutions to Home Problems
1: Try Some DIY Magic
This may seem easier said than done, but it’s important to realize that a lot of the jobs we initially think are too tough to handle end up being rather simple with a little know-how and a lot of patience. Take drywall/sheet-rock replacement as a prime example. Water and fire damage, dings and dents, and even redesign are all reasons why you may need to replace your home’s drywall. This job initially seems really tough, and there are expensive experts out there more than willing to come handle things for you. But take a few hours to check out some YouTube videos and online tutorials. You may learn it’s as easy as cutting a straight line and scraping the putty evenly.
Know-how and patience – that’s often all you need. This also extends to minor plumbing jobs, some electrical jobs, flooded basements, landscaping, etc. As long as you’re not talking about a major overhaul or something you’ll need permits for, DIY might be the way to go.
2: Hire Your Kids
Your kids are great little helpers when you’re going at it alone. The same goes for your spouse, friends, neighbors, etc. Of course, this is assuming that you have found the problem, know how to fix it, and simply want to save on labor. It’s not a good idea to take your youngsters with you on a scavenger hunt trying to locate leaks and the source of that strange crackling sound when you cut the washer on. However, if you’re putting in a new toilet or sink, throwing up some drywall, laying tile, and other jobs that are safe and controllable, you can speed the process along and also teach valuable lessons by having your kids help you. No kids? Well, there’s probably someone out there who owes you a favor.
3: Find Great Recommendations
Unfortunately, some problems are just too big and too complex for DIY fixes. Homes are relatively fragile, particularly when Mother Nature decides she wants her say. So when the problems are too big to handle and are serious, contracting an expert is the way to go. Finding a company that handles these things on your own is rather easy. Just search terms like: professional damage restoration, quality home repair, the best repair service, etc. But also make sure to ask around. Ask your family, friends and neighbors if they know of any company. Read up on different user reviews, blog and forum posts, and even look at social media. Don’t settle for just any company. Do your homework and make sure they’re reputable.
4: Start a Bidding War
Another great tip here when trying to save money is to always make a list of three or more reputable companies and see if you can receive a quote from them. Let it be known when talking with company B that you have also spoken with company A. Let company C know about A and B. See where this is going? You want to get competitive bids out of companies. There are no set prices on home repair. Each job is different, and each company is different. So use competition to your advantage and try to make that price drop.
5: Repair for the Right Reasons
Remember, this particular article is about being economically-sound in your home repairs and replacements.
If your home is in dire need of repairs, or if you need to remodel to boost your home’s equity or value before selling, then these tips may not appeal to you. But if you’re the average homeowner out there who needs to fix the damage but doesn’t have a lot of money to spend, then economic restraint is something you can get on board with. To that end, always make sure that you’re repairing for the right reasons. Wanting to fix something and needing to fix it are two different things. Any type of water damage, fire damage, faulty electrical, mold, broken windows, leaking roofs, etc., should be repaired. Spending big on outdated décor and ripping up the entire home’s baseboards due to a loose section? Easy, tiger! Save the want for another time; fix only what needs fixing.
Doing things yourself, finding deals within the industry and working due to necessity and not because of desire are all great ways to save money on your home repairs. It’s still a tough economy out there. Don’t fall into that old homeowners’ trap of thinking that every pound of flesh given for the home’s sake will return three. Be smart and fiscally responsible where you can be, and you’ll eventually have the capital available for your vanity projects.
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