We are a primarily a home remodeling company; but we do feel this topic is an important issue to consider.
Some jobs can give a nasty surprise to both us and a homeowner. Knocking down a non-load bearing wall, or something as simple as replacing a front door, can reveal a situation that the homeowner was not aware of.
Unfortunately, some homeowners can underestimate the importance of home maintenance. For example, buying a home that has just been built and everything is perfect and new, can easily give a false sense of security. These homebuyers get settled in, and perhaps start and/or build their family and careers. Before you know it, the years have passed and you start to notice little things, even within the first year! It can be a small water spot or line on the ceiling or stepping out the back door you start to feel the threshold getting softer because the wood is possibly beginning to rot underneath.
Always remember: Deferred maintenance will always cost more than preventative maintenance. Even if you purchase an existing home built many years ago, be sure to develop a home maintenance checklist and stick to it! If you fail to do this, it becomes more and more costly as the days and years pass by. Protect the condition of your investment! Having a maintenance plan in place will mitigate risks and keep costs down. Consider the famous saying..."Life happens as you are making other plans."
Various repairs are a necessary expense and cost of owning a home that can quickly add up, especially when you're dealing with larger problems that affect the whole home. Here are just a few of many expensive home repairs if not properly maintained, that we can help you with:
-Foundation repair
Structural damage to a foundation can be caused by various factors, such as natural disasters, soil instability, or poor construction. A damaged foundation cost can be significant. The cost can range widely, from $5,000 to $60,000, depending on the problem. The extent and location of the damage, type of foundation, and materials used, can all have an impact on the cost.
-Window repair or replace
Replacing old or damaged windows with energy-efficient ones is a smart choice. Although it may be a significant investment, the return on this investment can be substantial. This cost depends on the number of windows, their size, and the materials. Remember, the framing around the window(s) as well, depending on the material and installation date, can rot quickly if rain is coming often and gutters are too full.
-Mold remediation
Mold can be your worst nightmare, and it can pose significant health risks. Its presence often indicates underlying moisture issues, which can be costly. Many homeowners or renters don't even know it is there. The extent of the mold problem, and the size of the affected area are the primary cost factors. Addressing any mold situation as soon as possible is critical to prevent spreading, as well as potential health hazards.
-Termite damage
Termites feed on the wooden components of your home and cause extensive structural damage that many homeowners don’t notice until it’s too late. The expense will vary depending on the extent of the damage, but it can add up quickly, ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Perform regular inspections to catch infestations early on, to prevent them from causing damage to your house and strain to your finances.
FAQs regarding home maintenance:
Are these repairs covered by homeowner’s insurance?
This depends on the policy and the damage. Generally, standard homeowner’s insurance policies may cover sudden and accidental damage, such as storm-related damage. However, normal wear and tear or neglect-related damage may not be covered. Make sure to review your policy to better understand your coverage.
Are there any preventive measures to avoid these costly repairs?
Yes! Budget, budget, budget! Save money for unexpected repairs. Stick to a checklist for maintenance. Try to identify issues early and address them before they get worse. Taking proactive measures such as performing routine gutter cleaning and maintaining proper drainage can help prevent water damage and related repair costs.
If you are not in that position due to life's daily demands and costs, give us a call. We are budget minded and will give you as many options as we can. We do offer financing as well. We'll also give you the best option(s) possible so that you can have peace of mind once everything is done. We'll give all of our customers all the information you'll need to make an informed decision.
Northern Star Construction will help you navigate through any unexpected emergencies that come up as quickly as possible, before the situation gets out of hand.