Home Repairs For Professionals Only
Many people dream of owning a home. When considering the costs, most individuals focus on the initial down payment. And when some wonder “should I refinance my home?” they go that route in order to stay put and use money made with this option to renovate or make upgrades.
However, maintaining a home requires a steady investment, and updating your home can even raise its value. Some homeowners may try to save money by doing renovations themselves. This can often backfire, resulting in even more costly expenses. If you are facing any of the following situations, outlined here by Oak & Stone, enlist the help of a professional for the best results.
Crown Molding
Adding decorative crowning between your walls and ceiling will elevate any room, but you’ll need to bring in an experienced professional to do the job properly. And you’ll need to work with a designer to choose the best type of crowning to work with your existing trim throughout home.
Major Landscaping
Errors made during landscaping can have disastrous results. For example, if you are re-paving a patio and fail to ensure proper drainage, you might find your home flooded. Worse, over-aggressive landscaping work can result in broken pipes or even a cracked foundation. As such, leave these jobs to a professional.
For projects that involve concrete, you should get ready-mixed concrete delivered for maximum efficiency. Check out concrete companies and compare prices online. Most jobs using concrete are measured in cubic yards, with the average cost being $250 per cubic yard (materials and labor) according to Oak & Stones general contractor, Jonathan Fishbeck. Of course, costs will vary depending on the strength of the concrete, we recommend 4000 psi with fiber poured 5” thick to ensure a lifetime integrity. Additionally, you also need to think about project details such as size, delivery amount, and delivery date and time. For larger projects, always use a pro.
Furnace Replacement
The furnace is an integral part of your home's heating system. Service Champions explains the device receives a signal from the thermostat that tells it to turn on. It then activates, creating heat and transferring it into the air through a heat exchanger. This hot air is then pumped throughout the home, distributed via ducts and vents.
The entire setup is complex, and installing a furnace incorrectly will throw off your entire heating system. For this reason, plus the fact that the furnace itself is a pricey device, you should leave furnace installation to an expert. A new furnace ranges from $1,795 to $6,290, depending on the type (for instance electric versus gas), make, and model. The average cost of installation is approximately $4,200.
Roof and Gutter Repairs
If your roof is leaking, it’s essential to get it fixed as soon as possible. Allowing water to get into your home can damage other components, such as the insulation or electrical circuits, and leave you with even more damage to repair. That said, if you only need to make some smaller repairs to your roof, you’ll have to spend far less. Signs that your roof has sprung a leak include water stains on the walls or ceiling, mold growth, missing shingles, and a spike in energy costs.
Damage to gutters and downspouts are easier to notice, but not necessarily easier to fix. Bordering the roof, gutters in disrepair or in need of cleaning can cause rainwater to back up and encroach the edges of the roof, leading to further issues. If you notice any of these symptoms, call a pro as soon as possible for help. These specialists are easy to find – simply Google “gutter cleaner near me” and read up on customer reviews. Expect to pay $106 to $197 on average for cleaning services.
Septic Tank Maintenance
A septic system safely manages wastewater from parts of your home that can’t be hooked up to a primary sewer line. If you notice a bad odor, backed-up drains, or a slow-flushing toilet, your septic tank may need to be repaired. Indications outside of the home include spongy lush grass and pooling water around the drain field. Septic systems are complicated, and managing the wastewater — which has environmental and health hazards — requires the knowledge and tools of a skilled workman. We recommend pumping your tanks every 2-years and using a food disposal with an enzyme drip to help breakdown solid waste.
Sometimes, you need to hire an expert. You may have to put some money down, but you are preserving your property by ensuring repairs are done efficiently and correctly. In the long run, this will help maintain the integrity of the structure and the property value of the house. What’s more, you will spare yourself the stress of undertaking difficult maintenance projects and avoid potentially dangerous scenarios by entrusting the job to an experienced pro.
When you’re looking for full-service design-build professionals, Oak & Stone streamlines the entire process for your total satisfaction. Contact us today for more info! (434) 282-5385
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Article compliments of Clara Beaufort
