Common Maintenance and Repair Costs New Homeowners Often Overlook
Written By: HomeGuard HomeWarranty on August 29, 2024

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Becoming a new homeowner is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with its own set of challenges—particularly when it comes to budgeting for unexpected maintenance and repairs. While many first-time homeowners focus on mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance, they often overlook the ongoing costs of maintaining and repairing their new home. Without proper planning, these expenses can quickly add up, leading to financial stress. Here are some common maintenance and repair costs that new homeowners often forget to budget for, along with what they can potentially cost.

HVAC System Maintenance and Repairs

Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, but it requires regular maintenance to operate efficiently. Routine tasks like changing filters and scheduling annual inspections might seem minor, but they are crucial for preventing costly breakdowns.

A typical HVAC service visit can cost anywhere from $75 to $200, depending on your location and the complexity of the system. If your system needs more extensive repairs, such as replacing a blower motor or a heat exchanger, costs can range from $500 to $1,500. Without a home protection policy in California that includes HVAC coverage, these expenses can catch you off guard.

Roof Repairs and Maintenance

Roofing issues are another common maintenance concern that new homeowners often overlook. Over time, your roof can suffer from wear and tear due to weather conditions, leading to leaks, missing shingles, or damaged flashing. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent these issues, but they do come at a cost.

The average cost of a roof inspection ranges from $150 to $400, depending on the size and complexity of the roof. If repairs are needed, such as fixing leaks or replacing damaged shingles, you could be looking at costs between $300 and $1,000. For more extensive repairs, like replacing a portion of the roof, costs can soar to $5,000 or more.

Plumbing Repairs and Maintenance

Plumbing issues are another area where new homeowners can find themselves unprepared. Leaky faucets, clogged drains, and running toilets are common problems that require immediate attention. While these might seem like minor annoyances, they can lead to significant water damage if not addressed promptly.

Minor plumbing repairs, such as fixing a leaky faucet or unclogging a drain, typically cost between $100 and $300. However, more serious issues, like a burst pipe or a sewer line repair, can run into the thousands of dollars. A home protection policy in California that includes plumbing coverage can help mitigate these unexpected costs.

Appliance Repairs and Replacement

Your home’s appliances, such as the refrigerator, oven, and washing machine, are essential for daily living, but they are also prone to wear and tear. New homeowners often forget to budget for the cost of repairing or replacing these appliances when they break down.

The cost of appliance repairs can vary widely depending on the type of appliance and the nature of the problem. For example, fixing a refrigerator can cost between $200 and $400, while repairing a washing machine might run between $150 and $300. If an appliance needs to be replaced entirely, you could be looking at costs ranging from $500 to $2,000 or more. Appliance coverage in California can be a lifesaver when these unexpected expenses arise.

Why Choose Homeguard HomeWarranty Home Protection Policy in California

For new homeowners, budgeting for maintenance and repairs is crucial, but even with the best planning, unexpected costs can still arise. That’s where a home warranty comes in. HomeGuard HomeWarranty offers the best home warranty in California, providing comprehensive coverage for a wide range of home systems and appliances. With a home protection policy from HomeGuard HomeWarranty, you can have peace of mind knowing that the costs of covered repairs and replacements won’t derail your budget. Whether it’s HVAC, plumbing, or appliance coverage in California, Homeguard HomeWarranty helps you manage the unexpected, so you can enjoy your new home without the financial stress.

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