5 Ways to Save Money on Home Repairs

If you own a home, you know that repairs are going to be required periodically. While it is a good idea to build savings for these costs, sometimes we get caught by surprise. Whether prepared or not, everyone wants to save money on home repairs, and here are a few tips for doing that.

Do It Yourself

If you have the skill and experience, you may be able to handle basic home repairs on your own. With the help of a few youtube videos, you can probably paint the living room or replace the aging toilet with a new one. Be sure you know how to do the job before getting started, or you could end up with a bigger job for someone else to do.

Shop for Discounted Materials

If you are able to handle the job and save the cost of hiring a professional, buy discounted products, equipment, and materials whenever possible. Compare prices online and check with local building supply or home repair product stores. You can often find discounts and rebates that will keep your overall repair costs low.

Call an Expert

Several kinds of home repairs require professional assistance. Roofing, electric, plumbing, and heating problems should be handled by licensed contractors because they have the training and certifications to do the job right. 

If problems develop, you can have the company come back out to address them. The work is usually done promptly and correctly and is worth the cost you will have to pay. 



For example, a roof repair involves climbing up on the roof, maintaining balance, knowing how to fix the problem, and ensuring there are no leaks or weaknesses in the underlying structure. An expert can handle the job efficiently and safely, which can save time and money. Ask about special rates or sale prices that may apply.

Trade Services

If you know someone who is able to do the needed repair, especially if he or she is licensed and certified, you may be able to exchange services instead of monetary payment. For example, an electrician friend may be able to install a ground wire in your home in exchange for your landscaping skill in laying mulch in his yard.

Ask for Recommendations

Friends and coworkers may be able to suggest someone who can do the job more cheaply because of the referral. Ask around to see if someone knows an expert who will charge less than market value for the repair work.

Take a proactive approach to getting repairs done correctly and efficiently. The time and stress you save will be worth as much as the reduced cost.

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan