When you’re thinking about making major home repairs, it’s important to know what types of projects qualify as “major.”
The term may vary depending on who you ask and the type of home you have. Generally speaking, though—if your repair is going to take several days or weeks and cost more than $3,000—it’s probably considered major.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Major home repairs are typically significant, costly jobs that require the expertise of a licensed repairman or contractor. |
| Minor home repairs are simple and inexpensive jobs that can often be completed by a homeowner without professional help. |
| There are various methods of paying for major home repairs, including loans, credit cards, grants, and government assistance programs. |
| DIY home repairs can save you a significant amount of money on hiring a professional, but it’s important to have the right tools and safety equipment. |
| Regular maintenance and upkeep can help prevent costly home repairs from becoming major issues. |
| There are government programs available that offer assistance with home repairs for low-income homeowners. |
HVAC Repair
When it comes to repairing your home, there are many different things that can go wrong. The HVAC system is one of them.
This is the heating ventilation and air conditioning system that keeps your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year. When it’s not working properly, you’ll want to know what repairs you might need and what actions you can take if something goes wrong with this vital part of your house.
How to Maintain Your HVAC System
In order for any system in your house to work properly for an extended period of time, maintenance is key.
This includes things like changing filters regularly as well as doing routine checks on other components like fans and motors so they don’t fail without warning later on down the road when there isn’t enough time left during winter months before temperatures become unbearable again during summer months (if applicable).
Having plumbing problems at home? Don’t worry, our pro guide on fixing plumbing issues has got you covered. Learn different techniques to fix common plumbing issues on your own with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.
Sewer Line Repair
A sewer line repair is one of the more expensive repairs you’ll have to make as a home owner. If you have a leaking pipe, or if your sewer line is old and in need of replacement, you will need to hire a plumber for this job.
You should expect to pay between $1,000 and $4,000 for this type of repair depending on its severity and size.
Sewer Line Repair Table
| Sewer Line Repair |
|---|
| A sewer line repair is one of the more expensive repairs you’ll have to make as a homeowner. |
| This repair is typically necessary due to a leaking pipe, clog, or aging infrastructure. |
| Hiring a professional plumber is recommended for this type of repair, as it requires specialized knowledge and tools. |
| The cost of a sewer line repair can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the location of the repair. |
| Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent the need for a sewer line repair. |
| Some signs that you may need a sewer line repair include slow drains, foul odors, and pooling water in your yard. |
Electrical System Repair
Electrical system repair. This is a major home repair that can be very expensive, dangerous, and may even require you to hire a professional electrician. If you don’t know what you’re doing with electrical wiring repairs, it’s best to leave them to the professionals.
Plumbing system repair. This includes repairing leaks in pipes or fixing broken toilets or faucets—anything that involves removing existing plumbing fixtures and putting new ones in their place is considered plumbing work.
Major home repairs can be expensive, but there are different ways to pay for them. Check out our article on paying for major repairs to learn about your options, from taking out loans to using credit cards or government assistance programs.
Foundation Repair
Foundation repair is a very expensive project that can be done by a professional contractor. Foundation repair is needed when the foundation of your home is damaged and needs to be replaced.
Foundation damage can be caused by water damage or shifting soil, but it’s most often due to poor construction practices in the past.
You may also want to consider hiring a general contractor if necessary, as they will have more experience with this type of work than other tradespeople such as plumbers or electricians. If you choose this route, make sure that they’ve been licensed and insured for several years so that their track record speaks for itself!
Roof Replacement
When it comes to determining whether or not your roof needs replacing, there are several parts of the process that can help you make the right choice.
The first step is figuring out how old your roof is. If you don’t know when it was installed and haven’t kept track of its maintenance, it may be difficult for an inspector to determine if there are any signs of wear and tear.
However, most roofs have a lifespan between 20-25 years depending on what kind of material was used.
If yours doesn’t fall into that category yet, but has been patched up several times over the years or isn’t quite as steeply pitched as it once was (a sign that water has begun collecting in places where it shouldn’t), then replacing it may be necessary.
Not all home repairs require professional help. Learn about minor home repairs and how you can fix them on your own with our comprehensive guide, which includes tips and tricks for tackling different tasks around the house.
Septic System Repair
If you have a septic system, you are probably familiar with the term “septic tank.” A septic tank is a container that holds wastewater from your home before it is treated and disposed of. Septic tanks are usually buried underground, and they can be expensive to repair if they fail.
Is it time for major repairs?
How old is your home? If it’s older than 20 years or so, then yes—it’s definitely time for major repairs! Older homes need more attention than newer ones do because their systems were not built as efficiently or effectively as modern ones are today.
The best way to determine whether your home needs major repairs is by checking out its age first; if it’s older than 20-30 years old then chances are good that some work will be needed soon anyway so just start budgeting now.*
Septic System Repair Table
| Septic System Repair |
|---|
| A septic system is used to treat and dispose of wastewater from your home. |
| The septic tank is a crucial component of the system, as it holds the wastewater before it is treated. |
| Septic tanks are typically buried underground and can be difficult to access. |
| Repairing a septic system can be expensive, especially if the tank needs to be replaced. |
| Signs that your septic system may need repair or replacement include slow draining sinks, gurgling sounds, and foul odors. |
| Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent the need for major repairs to your septic system. |
Pool Or Spa Repairs
Pool and spa repairs are not included in the 12 major repairs. However, minor pool and spa repairs may be covered by your policy if they are included as part of a $10,000 combined single limit for “other structures” (not to exceed $1,000). For example:
- Broken or cracked tile
- Broken or cracked plaster
- Broken or cracked coping stone (the edge around the sides)
- Chipped paint
Installing roll-out flooring can be a challenging task, but our guide on installing roll-out flooring will show you how to do it like a pro. Learn about the tools you’ll need, how to measure and cut the flooring, and how to properly lay it down.
Window And Door Replacements
You may have noticed that your home’s windows are looking a little worse for wear. They may be cracked, foggy, or simply not doing their job of keeping the elements out. If you’re thinking of replacing your windows and doors, you’ve probably heard that this is a major home repair.
However, replacing windows and doors can actually increase the value of your house, improve its energy efficiency and reduce noise pollution in your home—all while giving you peace of mind that they will stand up to the weather without fail.
Replacing old windows with energy efficient ones will also help lower monthly utility bills. This is especially helpful if you live in an area with high heating or cooling costs during certain seasons (like winter).
Need help to pay for major home repairs but can’t afford them? Our article on getting free home repairs can help you explore different resources, such as government programs, non-profits, and private organizations, that offer free home repair assistance.
Conclusion
If you have noticed any problems with your home, it’s important to know what type of repairs are considered major. A good rule of thumb is if the cost will be more than 10% of the value of your home, it should be considered major. If you have any questions about these repairs or others not listed here, please contact us today so we can help!
Further Reading
Here are some additional articles on the topic of home repairs that you may find helpful:
What is the Difference Between a Major Repair and a Minor Repair? – Learn about the factors that determine whether a repair is considered major or minor and find examples of each type of repair.
10 Home Repairs That Can Break the Bank – Discover some of the most costly home repairs you may encounter and how to prevent them from breaking the bank.
26 Home Repairs You Can Do Yourself to Save Money – Check out these DIY home repairs you can take on to save money on hiring a professional.
FAQs
What is considered a major home repair?
A major home repair is typically a significant and expensive job that requires the expertise of a professional contractor or licensed repairman. Examples of major repairs include roof replacement, foundation repair, and electrical system upgrades.
What is considered a minor home repair?
A minor home repair is typically a simple and inexpensive job that can be completed by a homeowner without the need for professional help. Examples of minor repairs include replacing a light switch, fixing a leaky faucet, and painting a room.
What are some common DIY home repairs?
Some common DIY home repairs include fixing a squeaky door, replacing a toilet flapper, cleaning gutters, and patching a small hole in drywall. It’s important to have the right tools and safety equipment before attempting any DIY repairs.
How can I prevent costly home repairs?
Regular maintenance and upkeep can help prevent costly home repairs. Performing tasks such as cleaning gutters, changing air filters, and inspecting the roof can help identify and address issues before they become major problems.
Are there any government programs that offer assistance with home repairs?
Yes, there are some government programs that offer financial assistance for home repairs, particularly for low-income homeowners. These programs vary depending on location, but may include grants, loans, or tax credits.
My name is Hellen James, and I’m a home improvement blogger. As a blogger who writes about how to make your homes better, I’ve learned that everyone wants to know more about their houses and what they can do with them.
