When you sign up for all the benefits of homeownership, you also sign up for the home repairs!
Good home maintenance can help you avoid all kinds of problems and save tons of money in the long run. But, you can’t prevent everything.
Here are rough price tags on some of the most common home repairs. While it’s hard to generalize, you’ll get a sense of what you might need to save.
Some of these repairs might happen sort of on schedule, just because things wear out. Others could surprise you. A HomeAdvisor survey found that 1 in 3 homeowners did an emergency project in the course of a year.
These numbers are based on actual project costs reported to HomeAdvisor by thousands of homeowners nationwide. A shout-out to all those homeowners for sharing.
1. Appliances
Refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, etc. all work hard. Especially when you have a family. No wonder appliance repairs are common.
Average repair: $170
Typical range: $100-$240
Mechanical problems are often pretty easy to fix. The electronics that make many newer appliances work so well can be expensive to replace, though.
Repairs to older appliances can be steep if the parts are scarce. Solution: look into used parts.
TIP: Check your warranty
Warranties usually last one to three years. Some are limited to certain parts and types of problems. If you bought an extended warranty through the retailer, call them first.
2. Heating and cooling equipment
Heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems tend to break down when you need them most: At the height of winter and summer, when they’re working overtime. Yet another reason to schedule a professional check-up every year.
Average gas furnace repair: $785
Typical range: $375-$1,200
Less for electric furnaces
Average gas boiler repair: $250
Typical range: $100-$400
More for oil and electric boilers
Average AC repair: $350
Typical range: $165-$560
You might pay more if your technician has to save you after hours or during a snowstorm.
3. Hot water heater
The standard tank-style heater in most homes lasts 10 or 15 years. Water heaters tend to quit with little warning, so if yours is getting up there, consider replacing it. If it’s leaking, act soon: the tank is probably rusting through.
Average tank-style replacement: $1,100
Typical range: $800-$1,500
The price depends in part on the size of the tank. They usually run from 30 to 80 gallons. Converting to a different energy source costs extra.
Because water heating is second only to heating and cooling for energy use, it’s worth considering the most efficient unit you can afford. Tankless heaters, also called “on-demand” heaters, and heat pumps are two potential upgrades.
Average tankless replacement: $2,000
Typical range: $1,000-$3,000
Average heat-pump replacement: $2,350
Typical range: $1,200-$3,500
4. Windows
Are your windows old and drafty? New ones can protect your home from the elements, keep you more comfortable, and lower your utility bills. Old, lead-painted windows might be a safety issue, especially If you have young kids (learn more at EPA.gov/lead).
Average: $650 each
Typical range: $200-$1,800 each
The range is huge because windows come in so many styles, sizes, and materials. Vinyl is the least expensive, yet it’s durable. Wood frames tend to cost the most.
TIP: Skilled installation is key
A poorly installed high-tech window can be draftier than a basic, well-installed one. It can even damage your home if it lets in moisture.
5. Roof
Keeping your roof in top shape is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home. A small leak might cost a few hundred dollars to fix. Make sure you know your roof’s approximate “expiration date,” so you can plan for replacing it.
Average repair: $875
Typical range: $350-$1,400
Average for a new roof: $8,000
Typical range: $5,300-$10,700
When replacing the whole roof, size and complexity increase the cost. Two simple slopes are a lot easier to shingle than a roof full of chimneys and dormers.
Asphalt shingles are the least expensive material. Slate, metal, and tile are more expensive and longer lasting.
6. Plumbing problems
Simple things like clogged drains, leaky faucets, and running toilets are among the most common plumbing problems. Less common are serious problems like hidden leaks and burst pipes, which can damage walls, ceilings, and floors.
Average basic repair: $315
Typical range: $175-$450
Major leak or burst: $1,000-$4,000 or more
Holiday, weekend, and after-hours emergencies usually cost extra.
TIP: Watch for hidden leaks
Rust or white deposits on pipes can be a sign that a leak is starting. Low water pressure might mean an active leak. If your water pressure drops with no explanation, call a plumber right away.
