The 6 most expensive home repairs
Prepare your home and wallet by identifying these pricey repairs before they become urgent emergencies
Buying a home is a milestone you should celebrate. It marks the start of building equity, putting down roots, and creating a space that truly feels like your own. If you want to join the 66.1% of families who own homes, you’ll also have to prepare for the investment that remains beyond the day you secure the purchase.
Homeownership comes with long-term responsibilities, most notably the cost of maintaining and repairing your property over time. Damage from storms, pests, and mechanical breakdowns are all factors you can’t control. And the costs can be daunting if you're not prepared.
According to Bankrate’s Hidden Costs of Homeownership Study, the average homeowner spends over $8,800 annually on routine maintenance tasks like cleaning, landscaping, and minor repairs, but that's just the beginning. When you factor in larger maintenance like roof repairs and HVAC replacements on top of that, the total costs climb even higher, making it obvious why homeowners have become so concerned about affording home care in the last few years.
Recent research from Thumbtack broke down the average maintenance costs for standard home features and revealed just how expensive standard maintenance can be. Common issues like roof repairs, HVAC replacements and yard maintenance can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. If you prepare now, you'll feel more confident when inevitable repairs arise.
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1. Roof repairs
Yucel Moran | Unsplash
Average cost: $1,419
Weathering is only one issue that can lead to roof damage. Shingles come loose due to poor construction, and water damage can build up if your gutters are clogged. Standard asphalt roofs last between 15 and 30 years, but may need fixing sooner. Setting money aside for regular upkeep and clearing your gutters quarterly could simplify maintenance.
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2. Tree trimming and removal
Emily Park | Unsplash
Average cost: $1,186
Overgrown trees aren't just an eyesore; they pose a serious safety hazard. If left unchecked, trees can topple onto homes and take down electrical lines. However, removing overgrown trees comes with a steep price tag. Landscaping and gardening costs grew by 39% between 2010 and 2020 and are continuing to rise. Reserve part of your savings for basic tree maintenance, like trimming branches and removing dead limbs. You can also get quotes from local contractors to take care of trees while they’re still manageable, as small tree removal is often significantly less expensive.
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3. Water heater maintenance
Đỗ Huy Hoàng | Pexels
Average cost: $516
The average American household uses 7,800 liters of water daily, which strains equipment like water heaters. A professional can inspect your heater to remove sediment, test the pressure valve and check for leaks, but that also comes with a price tag. Fixing broken parts adds to that cost. Homeowners should prepare for water heater maintenance, since going without household water isn’t an option.
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4. Deck sealing and staining
Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd. | Unsplash
Average cost: $427
You won’t be able to grill burgers on your deck for long if it’s falling apart due to weather exposure. Wood absorbs water, which affects its stiffness and strength over time. This can lead to warping, cracking or even rot. Staining or sealing the wood preserves it and is essential to protect the deck from moisture, UV rays, and fluctuating temperatures. To keep your deck safe and looking great, plan to reseal or restain it every 2–3 years. Setting aside a maintenance fund now can help you avoid needing to replace warped boards or rebuild entire sections.
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5. Tile grout cleaning
Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd. | Unsplash
Average cost: $397
Tile is known for its durability, but it depends on grout to keep it sealed and in place. Cracked or deteriorating grout can lead to water damage, mold growth, and loose tiles, all of which will easily turn a minor issue into a major repair. Whether you're dealing with tile floors or backsplashes, knowing these costs upfront helps you to plan ahead. Consider setting aside a grout fund for routine maintenance and touch-ups, as regrouting small areas can cost significantly less and save you from much larger investments down the line.
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6. Pressure washing
Abby Rurenko | Unsplash
Average cost: $352
Pressure washing is one of the simplest ways to refresh your home's exterior and make it look brand new. If you have a concrete driveway, restoring it with a pressure washer will significantly improve your curb appeal. However, pressure washing can be a sizable investment, leading many homeowners to attempt to tackle the job themselves. If going the DIY route, always use a grounded electrical outlet and keep the nozzle pointed downward and away from people or pets. Additionally, pre-treating stains with a degreaser can help to avoid streaking.