How To Make Home Repairs With Minimal Cost

Kyl Roelofs • September 14, 2024

Don’t Break the Bank: Surprising Home Repairs

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Owning a home is like having a pet—fun, and rewarding, but occasionally, an expensive disaster. On average, in the US homeowners shell out about $7,000 annually on repairs. While some costs are predictable (hello, roof leaks!), others have a way of blindsiding your budget like a plot twist in your favorite drama. Let’s take a look at some of the sneakiest and priciest home repairs that might just leave you saying, “Wait, how much?!”
1. Water and Sewer Shenanigans
Your water and sewer lines connect your home to the public system, and if they go kaput, it’s all on you. Here’s what you’re looking at:

  • Cost of repairs: $1,000 to $4,500 for a typical fix.
  • Trench drama: Digging up the line? That’ll run $150-$550 per foot.
  • Total system replacement: A whopping $8,000 to $30,000.

Pro tip: Pay attention to funky odors, slow drains, and soggy patches in your yard. Early intervention can save your wallet.

2. Copper Pipes: Out with the Old
Got an older home? Then you’ve got older pipes, which might mean lead (yikes!) or polybutylene (uh-oh) plumbing that needs replacing.
  • Why it matters: Lead pipes can leak into drinking water, while polybutylene pipes are prone to breaking.
  • Cost: Swapping out those pipes can cost $4,000 to $10,000 for a 1,500 sq. ft. house.
  • Bonus cost: Opening walls and floors to access pipes adds to labor fees.
Fun fact: A new plumbing system for a brand-new home costs around $8,000 to $12,000—and you’ll probably still find a leak someday.

3. Deck Dreams (and Nightmares)
Ah, the backyard deck—perfect for BBQs, stargazing, and…falling apart after a few seasons.

  • Cost of replacement: $7,000 to $10,000 on average.
  • Factors: Wood type, backyard slope, and existing landscaping all affect the final bill.

Hot tip: Regularly sealing and staining your deck can delay the need for replacement. Plus, it gives you an excuse to sip lemonade while pretending to be handy.

4. Landscaping: Nature’s Budget Buster
Sure, a lush yard is lovely, but have you ever paid to remove a tree stump? It’s not cheap.
  • Tree stump removal: Around $300 each.
  • Average landscaping cost: $3,200.
  • Big-ticket backyard extras:
  • Custom patio covers: $5,000 to $20,000.
  • Built-in gas fire pits: $5,000 to $15,000.
  • Landscape lighting: $2,500 to $10,000.
DIY landscaping can help…unless you accidentally destroy your sprinkler system in the process.

5. Painting: A Pricey Facelift
Want to refresh your home’s look? Paint is the way to go. Just don’t be surprised when the bill climbs higher than your ladder.
  • Exterior painting: $4,000 to $12,500 for a 2-story, 2,500 sq. ft. home.
  • Interior painting: $2,500 to $19,000, depending on size and scope.
  • Factors: Rush jobs, prep work (like mold removal), and premium paints can add to the cost.

Pro tip: Get multiple quotes from painters. Or, embrace the DIY spirit and let your living room sport a slightly imperfect but very personal touch.

6. Radon Mitigation: The Invisible Villain
Radon gas is like the villain in a spy movie—invisible, silent, and dangerous.
  • Why it matters: It’s a leading cause of lung cancer.
  • Cost: Installing a mitigation system typically costs $800 to $1,500.

Don’t skip testing your home for radon. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

The Bottom Line
Home repairs are like unexpected plot twists—they’re rarely fun and almost always expensive. Labor costs and material prices can eat into your budget faster than a termite in a wood pile. That’s why it’s important to hire reliable and quality contractors for your next home improvement project. Our expert concrete crews know how to ensure you get the best quality and durable concrete finish for your home.
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