What Are the Most Expensive Home Repairs?

Owning a home in Columbus, OH, comes with its fair share of responsibilities, not the least of which is maintaining the property to ensure its longevity and value. While regular upkeep can prevent many issues, some inevitable repairs can be financially daunting. Understanding the most expensive home repairs can help homeowners prepare and possibly avoid these hefty costs. Here, we delve into these significant repairs and offer a solution for those looking to sell their homes without the burden of costly fixes.

Foundation Repairs

The foundation is, quite literally, the base upon which your home stands. Issues here can lead to severe structural problems that are not only dangerous but also incredibly expensive to repair. Foundation damage can result from several factors, including water damage, soil shifts, and poor initial construction. Repair costs can range significantly, often reaching tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the damage.

Water Damage Repair

Household water damage is often sneaky, and unfortunately, many homeowners don’t know they have it until it becomes extensive (and expensive to fix). 

Depending on its severity, water damage could run you anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000, but those figures may not encompass all of the associated costs. Serious water leaks could prompt mold growth too. And if there’s mold present in the home, it’ll require remediation services that’ll likely run up another $1,500-to-$4,000 bill. 

Roof Replacement

The roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Over time, wear and tear from storms, wind, and rain can lead to leaks and damage that require more than just minor repairs. A full roof replacement can be a major investment, with costs varying widely based on the size of your home and the materials used. High-quality roofing materials and labor can push these costs even higher.

Slate, concrete, and clay tiles can last many, many decades when properly taken care of, and metal roofing can withstand the elements for several decades too. Asphalt shingles and wood shake, both of which are quite popular, won’t last nearly as long and typically make it about 10 to 20 years before requiring replacement. 

So how much will you pay for a roof replacement? Like lifespan, that depends on the type of materials you choose. On the low end (for something like asphalt shingles) you can expect to pay around $4 per square foot, but even that figure can vary based on the quality of the shingles you choose. 

On the high end (for something like tile or metal), you should expect to pay up to $40 per square foot, depending on the quality of the materials you choose.   

HVAC System Replacement

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are essential for comfort in Columbus’s varying climate. However, these systems have a finite lifespan, and replacing them is a significant expense. Modern, energy-efficient systems can reduce utility bills over time, but the upfront cost for a new HVAC system, including installation, can be a financial shock.

Most HVAC components (furnace, air conditioner, and ducting) should last about 15 years, after which point they should be replaced due to deterioration and a serious drop in efficiency. And unfortunately, unless you’re willing to invest in a geothermal or air-source heat pump that’ll last longer than most other HVAC equipment on the market, this is a fix you simply can’t avoid. 

What’s the cost of replacing heating and cooling equipment? 

That’ll depend on the type of equipment you select, but you should expect to pay anywhere from $7,000 to $10,000 for the average home. If you own an expansive property, you can expect to pay even more than that. 

Plumbing Issues

Plumbing problems can range from minor leaks to major pipe failures. Older homes, in particular, may face the latter, requiring extensive repairs or even a complete replacement of the plumbing system. Such work often involves opening walls and floors, leading to additional restoration costs on top of the plumbing work itself.

Rewiring Electrical Work

Electrical systems in most decades-old homes aren’t designed to accommodate modern electricity needs. And unfortunately, that means breakers (or fuses, if a home is really old) can easily trip or blow. If this becomes a frequent issue, it can put your safety at risk and may also put the house at risk for an electrical fire. 

In some cases, partially retrofitting an older home’s electrical wiring will make the electrical system safer and make the house suitable for living in. But in others, a total wiring overhaul may be the only way to make the house safe, and that work can be remarkably expensive, depending on the size of the home. 

On average, the cost to rewire a house ranges from $4,000 to $12,000. If this is something you may be facing, consult with a licensed electrician on the most cost-effective way to make your house safe to live in. Just know that if your house has severely outdated wiring, there may be no way to get around this particular repair. 

Structural Repairs

Structural issues, whether due to age, weather, or poor construction, can be among the most expensive repairs homeowners face. This category includes problems with beams, load-bearing walls, and trusses. Such repairs often require specialized engineering work and can significantly disrupt your living situation during the repair process.

Mold Remediation

Mold can be more than just an eyesore; it can pose serious health risks and indicate larger moisture problems in your home. Remediation involves not only removing the mold but also addressing the source of the moisture. Depending on the extent of the mold and the necessary repairs to prevent its return, costs can quickly escalate.

Termite Damage

Termites can silently cause extensive damage before they’re even detected. Repairing termite damage often involves replacing structural elements of the home, which can be costly and time-consuming. Preventative measures can help, but once damage is done, professional intervention is necessary.

The We Buy Houses Columbus, OH Solution

Facing any of these expensive repairs can be a nightmare for homeowners, especially those already considering selling their property. The traditional selling process, involving realtors and open houses, can be particularly daunting when you know your home requires significant work. That’s where We Buy Houses Columbus, OH, steps in.

Our company offers a straightforward solution: we buy homes in Columbus, OH, for cash, regardless of their condition. Whether your home needs minor updates or major repairs, we’re interested. Our process eliminates the need for you to invest in costly repairs or navigate the complexities of the real estate market.

How It Works

• Contact Us: Fill out a simple form on our website or call us directly.
• Get an Offer: We’ll assess your property and provide you with a fair, no-obligation cash offer.
• Close on Your Schedule: If you accept, we can close the deal quickly, allowing you to move on without the burden of expensive repairs.

Want to Sell Your House As Is?

If you own a home that needs expensive repairs you don’t want to undertake, selling your house in as-is condition may be a smart move. And at We Buy Houses Columbus, we’d love to make you a fair cash offer for your as-is home. We buy houses for cash throughout the greater Columbus area and can make you an offer no matter how much work your property needs. To learn more or get a no-obligation cash offer for your Columbus home, give us a call today at 614-412-4867 or contact us online to get started.