Relocating is one of the most exciting, rewarding, stressful, and expensive things you can do. It doesn’t matter if you’re prepping a home for sale or you’re moving into a new place, there will always be unexpected maintenance needs popping up out of nowhere that completely wreck your plans.
That’s why it’s important to have a budget that’s clear and realistic. You need to know that you’re on top of every aspect of the home repairs, so nothing critical and costly (like getting roof repairs) slips through the cracks. Here are some tips and advice to structure the process and get you started on the right foot.
Home Assessment
Your first step should be a home assessment. You have to know what will end up needing attention so you can figure out how much money those issues will cost you. If you’re selling the house, you can do a pre-listing inspection to flag issues that buyers will need to know. If you’re about to buy a house, look over the inspection report carefully and do a room-by-room inventory of the new digs. Here are some of the common issues you can look for:
- Outdated plumbing
- Damaged drywall
- Worn-out flooring
- Malfunctioning appliances
- Roof problems
That last item on the list is especially important, because with it can come the biggest price tag. Getting roof repairs early can prevent the damage from spreading and save you thousands more in water and structure damage. Being proactive with repairs for roof issues like missing shingles, loose flashing, and water stains can also avoid delays in the sale or in settling on a move-in day.
Some of these issues you’ll be able to spot yourself, but don’t underestimate the benefit of calling in a professional. Someone with experience in the field might be able to catch signs even earlier than you would, and know the most efficient methods of repair.
Prioritize Your Fixes
Not all repairs are created equal, so you may have to do some picking and choosing. Always prioritize essential repairs or safety issues over everything else. Problems like roof leaks, faulty wiring, plumbing issues, and mold should automatically move to the top of the list when discovered.
Cosmetic fixes can also be important, if you have the time and budget for them. Putting on a fresh coat of paint, kitchen upgrades, and outdoor improvement can all boost your resale value and also just make your home nicer to live in.
Be Realistic
Making a fantasy budget can be fun, but it’s not very true to life. When dealing with home repairs, especially during an already tumultuous time of relocation, it’s better to keep your budget on the realistic side and let any extra funds be a pleasant surprise at the end of the journey.
The basic rule of thumb is that you should set aside between 1% and 3% of the home’s value for annual maintenance. If you’re about to move or sell your home, consider doubling that to give yourself the best cushion possible. You never know what kind of expenses will show up demanding attention and funds.
When you’re scheduling repairs, you should also be budget savvy. Get quotes from multiple professionals, and don’t be afraid to use online calculators or ask for opinions on local community apps to see if the quotes you’re being given are standard for the area.
Final Thoughts
You can’t always predict the future or know in advance what might break, but you can greatly minimize the odds of unexpected expenses by planning ahead. Acting early on big issues like roof repair lets you stay more in control of your budget and keep your timeline on track. Prioritizing your repairs and budgeting wisely will make your relocation as stress-free as it can possibly be.
We hope you found this blog post on How to Budget for Relocation and Getting Roof Repairs, useful. Be sure to check out our post on 10 Things To Do When You Move To A New City for more great tips!
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