{"id":21647,"date":"2021-01-28T17:06:04","date_gmt":"2021-01-29T01:06:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=21647"},"modified":"2026-04-07T00:05:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T07:05:10","slug":"most-expensive-home-repairs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/most-expensive-home-repairs\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Painfully Expensive Home Repairs to Avoid With Vigilance"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The average homeowner spent a total of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homeadvisor.com\/r\/true-cost-report\/#ixzz6kIfN3TON\">$4,832 on routine and emergency home repairs<\/a> in 2019. However, some of the most expensive home repairs have the ability to wipe out your entire yearly maintenance savings and then some.<\/p>\n<p>On top of being pricey, major problems like pest infections and structural instability can make your home difficult to market and sell, not to mention <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/what-hurts-property-value\/\">tank your property value<\/a>. With this guide, real estate experts identify the worst home repairs for your wallet and offer expert insights into preventive maintenance and early detection.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_21650\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21650\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-crack.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-crack-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"A cracked foundation on a home that will be expensive to repair.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-crack-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-crack-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-crack-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-crack-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-crack-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-crack-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-crack.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-21650\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/a> Source: (Chris Dotson \/ Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>1. Sinking or settling foundation ($4,000-$10,000)<\/h2>\n<p>Your foundation serves as the base for your entire home. It needs to be in solid condition for the rest of your house to remain structurally sound. If it becomes damaged, the issue can spread and compromise almost any other part of the home in the form of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gothrasher.com\/services\/foundation-repair\/sunken-foundation\/how-foundation-problems-can-lead-to-floors-that-are-sinking-or-uneven\/\">jammed doors or sinking or uneven floors<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most common foundation problems you can encounter is settling. Any foundation is going to settle gradually over time. However, trouble arises when there are drastic or sudden shifts in soil moisture levels, which can put pressure on the foundation and cause it to crack.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a summarized example provided by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisoldhouse.com\/foundations\/foundation-settling-vs-foundation-problems\">Family Waterproofing Solutions serving Illinois and Indiana for 25 years<\/a>: Let\u2019s say your house was built during the rainy season when the soil was damp and swollen. A few years later there\u2019s a drought and the soil dramatically retracts. Because the soil wasn\u2019t properly prepared at the time of the build, the house plunges five inches downward, damaging the foundation in the process.<\/p>\n<p><b>Estimated cost to repair:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Average foundation repair: $4,488<\/li>\n<li>Minor cracks: $500<\/li>\n<li>Major foundation repair (involving <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foundationprosfl.com\/concrete-piers-vs-hydraulic-piers\/\">hydraulic piers<\/a>): $10,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i>(Source: <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homeadvisor.com\/cost\/foundations\/repair-a-foundation\/\"><i>HomeAdvisor<\/i><\/a><i>, project costs reported by 3,102 HomeAdvisor members)<\/i><\/p>\n<p><b>Key prevention tactics:<\/b> You need to catch and fix foundation problems early on or they will only get more expensive to repair. \u201cCheck for cracks in brick or block foundations. If the crack is small and runs in a straight line, it could be settling,\u201d advises <a href=\"https:\/\/raykennamerconstructioninc.com\/\">Ray Kennamer<\/a>, a general contractor of nearly 25 years in Albertville, Alabama.<\/p>\n<p>If you suspect a foundation issue, a professional can help identify and diagnose it. Most likely, they will fill in any cracks with a cement mixture and install drainage solutions to halt the changes in moisture levels. Your foundation will thank you for it!<\/p>\n<p><b>Warning signs:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Foundation cracks that grow longer and wider over time<\/li>\n<li>Cracked or bowing walls<\/li>\n<li>Fractures above windows or door frames<\/li>\n<li>Doors or windows that stick<\/li>\n<li>Uneven floors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Who to call for help: <\/b>Start with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foundationrepairnetwork.com\/hire-contractor.html\">Foundation Repair Network<\/a> to find a local professional who can inspect and make recommendations for foundation repair.<\/p>\n<h2>2. Roof replacement ($5,000-$10,000)<\/h2>\n<p>Many homeowners, especially those in areas with a lot of sun, wind, and rain, are surprised when an inspection reveals the need for a new roof so soon. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/agents\/robb-harrison-fl-3380769\">Robb Harrison<\/a>, a top real estate agent in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/ocala-fl\/top-real-estate-agents\">Ocala, FL<\/a>, says that Florida weather can damage roofs prematurely, and a lack of ongoing maintenance can lead to irreparable problems.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFrom the ground a roof can look amazing, but when someone gets up on the roof, you may find that it needs a new one,\u201d says Harrison.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cIt\u2019s happened a few times where the inspection report came back that the house needed a new roof and everyone is shocked when it&#8217;s only been 15 or 20 years on 30-year shingles. You just really need to keep an eye on it.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><b>Estimated cost to repair:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Low end: $3,500-$4,500<\/li>\n<li>Average: $5,250-$10,500<\/li>\n<li>High end: $12,000-$40,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i>(Source: <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fixr.com\/costs\/roof-replacement\"><i>Fixr<\/i><\/a><i>, estimates based on data from contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and more)<\/i><\/p>\n<p>The good news is that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/does-a-new-roof-increase-home-value\/\">a new roof adds value to your home<\/a>. Data from HomeLight\u2019s Top Agent Insights Survey for Q3 2019, featuring the expertise of over 400 real estate agents, found that a roof replacement costs an estimated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/real-estate-top-agent-insights-survey-q3-2019\/\">$11,992, but recoups an average $10,842<\/a> for a 94% cost recovery.<\/p>\n<p><b>Warning signs:<br \/>\n<\/b>If you have a ladder long enough to see the roof safely, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/when-to-replace-roof\/\">check for these red flags that it\u2019s time for a roof replacement<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Missing or curling shingles<\/li>\n<li>Missing flashing on chimneys or wall intersections<\/li>\n<li>Nails that need to be tamped down<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Stains, streaks, or water in the attic are additional signs of a roof problem.<\/p>\n<p><b>Key prevention tactics:<\/b><br \/>\nKennamer, the general contractor in Alabama, recommends keeping an eye on cracks in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.southernwoodllc.com\/roof-boot\/\">roof boots<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcmaster.com\/roof-flanges\">flanges<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf they are cracked, you can re-caulk them with an all-weather caulk or replace them if they are decayed. Usually, to do it yourself it would cost in the range of $20-$30 or to hire a professional it will range from $75-$150,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p>Consider these additional tips to preserve your roof:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/general-home-repair-and-maintenance\/\">Clean out clogged gutters<\/a> to prevent ice dams from forming and so that water has a place to go when it rains.<\/li>\n<li>Keep an eye on moss, which can be cleaned with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.asphaltroofing.org\/algae-moss-prevention-cleaning-asphalt-roofing-systems\/\">50\/50 mix of chlorine bleach and water<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Trim back trees overhanging the roof, as branches too close to the house can scratch off the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iko.com\/na\/blog\/roof-damage-from-trees\/\">protective layer of your shingles<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Who to call for help:<\/b> To start your search for a roofing company, you can use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbb.org\/near-me\/roofing-contractors\">Better Business Bureau\u2019s Roofing Contractors Near Me<\/a> feature. When in doubt, cross-reference a few different sites to gauge client ratings and reviews for any particular roofer you\u2019re considering.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_21651\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21651\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-bathtub.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-bathtub-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"A bathtub which will need to be repaired.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-bathtub-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-bathtub-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-bathtub-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-bathtub-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-bathtub-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-bathtub-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-bathtub.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-21651\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/a> Source: (Iz &amp; Phil \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>3. Water damage ($1,000-$5,000)<\/h2>\n<p>Water in a home can destroy your ceiling, walls, flooring, and personal belongings, while moisture in the wrong places can lead to harmful mold. You don\u2019t need a flood or other catastrophic event for water to intrude your home, either. A burst pipe, roof leak, clogged gutter, sewage backup, rotted siding, or broken fixture like an old bathtub can all cause water damage.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, water damage is a common home occurrence. Every day <a href=\"https:\/\/ipropertymanagement.com\/research\/water-damage-statistics\">14,000 Americans face a water damage emergency<\/a>, while 98% of basements will have water damage at some point in their lifetime. However, there are steps you can take to protect your home from water intrusion.<\/p>\n<p><b>Estimated cost to repair:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Average: $3,030<\/li>\n<li>Low end: $1,170<\/li>\n<li>Mid-range: $4,890<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i>(Source: <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homeadvisor.com\/cost\/disaster-recovery\/repair-water-damage\/\"><i>Data reported by 1,106 HomeAdvisor members<\/i><\/a><i>)<\/i><\/p>\n<p><b>Warning signs:<br \/>\n<\/b>Beyond walking down the stairs to find a flooded basement, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/selling-a-house-with-water-damage\/\">these are few signs that you\u2019ve got a water leak<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bubbling or peeling paint on your walls<\/li>\n<li>Stains and water marks on your walls or ceilings<\/li>\n<li>Damaged flooring<\/li>\n<li>High water bills<\/li>\n<li>Low water pressure<\/li>\n<li>Odd plumbing sounds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Key prevention tactics:<br \/>\n<\/b>Since water damage can stem from a bunch of places including your plumbing, roof, or basement, you\u2019ll need a multi-pronged prevention strategy:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Take good care of your drains:<\/b> Don\u2019t pour grease down your kitchen sink and check under sinks around the house to make sure drains aren\u2019t leaking on a regular basis.<\/li>\n<li><b>Install a sump pump: <\/b>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/selling-a-house-with-a-sump-pump\/\">sump pump protects your basement<\/a> from flooding. When the pump senses water, it activates and sends moisture through a discharge pipe, keeping your carpet nice and dry.<\/li>\n<li><b>Check for damaged siding and repair it right away: <\/b>Look for any discolored areas on your home\u2019s siding, fascia, or soffit, which can be a sign of rotten or decayed wood. \u201cYou use a screwdriver to push into the wood to see if it penetrates the wood,\u201d says Kennamer. \u201cIf so, it will need to be replaced.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Who to call for help:<\/b> If you have a leaky pipe or stained ceiling or wall, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/find-plumbers\/\">call a plumber<\/a> to evaluate the situation. To remediate water damage, contact a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thumbtack.com\/k\/water-damage\/near-me\/\">water damage cleanup professional or restoration service<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>4. Mold removal ($1,000 &#8211; $4,000)<\/h2>\n<p>Mold spores are usually harmless in small numbers, but when they find a warm or wet space that has a surface they can live upon, they reproduce. Some mold is dangerous to health, while other molds cause decay to your home\u2019s structure. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/selling-a-house-with-mold\/\">Finding mold damage<\/a> after it has gotten out of control can be costly to repair.<\/p>\n<p><b>Estimated cost to repair:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Average: $1,140<br \/>\nLow end: $60<br \/>\nHigh end: $4,300<\/p>\n<p><i>(Source: <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thumbtack.com\/p\/mold-removal-cost\"><i>Thumbtack<\/i><\/a><i>, which tracks estimates from the millions of homeowners who use the site)\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n<p><b>Warning signs:<\/b><br \/>\nIf you notice little black spots that creep up the wall behind your water heater, line your basement windowsill, or colonize the area behind your washing machine, you\u2019ve got mold and should take action to remove it.<\/p>\n<p>If you don\u2019t see mold but people in your home are having unexplained allergic or coughing symptoms, you might want a mold inspection. A moldy odor, especially when paired with water damage or a discovery of moisture and leaks, can also be a warning sign.<\/p>\n<p><b>Key prevention tactics:<\/b><br \/>\nIf you find small areas of mold (less than a total of 10 square feet), you can take a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.familyhandyman.com\/cleaning\/mold-and-mildew\/how-to-remove-mold\/\">bleach solution to it<\/a>. However, cleaning up mold, whether with bleach or another gentler solution, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/realestate\/mold-what-every-homeowner-fears-but-probably-shouldnt\/2013\/10\/24\/3af5cd0c-3810-11e3-8a0e-4e2cf80831fc_story.html?utm_term=.8c7839cec71e\">will only handle the mold growth<\/a> \u2014 not the spores.<\/p>\n<p>After the area builds up a resistance to the homemade mixture, the mold will drink up any water you are feeding it. For larger jobs, you\u2019re better off calling a professional mold remediation service. You should also <a href=\"https:\/\/bishopcleancare.com\/prevent-mold-growth-in-your-home\/\">watch your home\u2019s humidity levels and improve ventilation<\/a> to prevent further mold growth.<\/p>\n<p><b>Who to call for help: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thumbtack.com\/k\/mold-inspection\/near-me\/\">Mold inspectors<\/a> are well-versed in finding and mitigating mold and many will do free estimates for the extent of the work required.<\/p>\n<h2>5. HVAC replacement ($7,000-$10,000)<\/h2>\n<p>An HVAC performs the essential function of keeping your home a comfortable temperature year-round. While an HVAC has a typical life expectancy of about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.moncriefair.com\/blog\/how-long-does-an-hvac-system-last\/\">15 years<\/a>, it can fail much sooner than that if you don\u2019t properly maintain the unit. As a complex piece of machinery, it has also earned a reputation for being one of the most expensive items to replace or repair in a house.<\/p>\n<p><b>Estimated cost to repair:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Average: $7,000<\/li>\n<li>High: $10,000<\/li>\n<li>Low: $5,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i>(Source: <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homeadvisor.com\/cost\/heating-and-cooling\/#average\"><i>HomeAdvisor<\/i><\/a><i> heating and cooling cost estimate guide)<\/i><\/p>\n<p><b>Warning signs: <\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>If your system is having trouble turning on and off or fails to keep the home at the comfortable temperature that you\u2019re accustomed to, you\u2019ll want to get the HVAC serviced. Checking for problems <i>before<\/i> your system stops can be the difference between a reasonably priced repair and an expensive replacement.<\/p>\n<p><b>Key prevention tactics: <\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>Yearly maintenance by professionals can help you catch concerns early. In addition, replacing the air filter every couple of months will help prevent wear and tear.<\/p>\n<p><b>Who to call for help:<\/b> Start with the BBB\u2019s listings of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbb.org\/near-me\/heating-and-air-conditioning\">HVAC Companies<\/a>. Then check reviews on Google as well as around the web before selecting your top options for an HVAC company.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_21652\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21652\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-bathtub-1.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-bathtub-1-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"Electrical wiring that will need to be repaired.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-bathtub-1-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-bathtub-1-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-bathtub-1-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-bathtub-1-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-bathtub-1-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-bathtub-1-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-bathtub-1.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-21652\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/a> Source: (Michal Matlon \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>6. Electrical rewiring ($4,000-$12,000)<\/h2>\n<p>An older home\u2019s electrical system <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esfi.org\/your-home-electrical-system\">easily can become overtaxed<\/a>, causing fires and injury. In some cases a partial retrofit will suffice to make a house safe to live in. However, a number of old homes still have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esfi.org\/resource\/understanding-your-home-electrical-system-213#ElectricalServicePanel\">knob and tube wiring or aluminum wiring<\/a>, both of which are fire hazards. If your house needs a full rewiring, the cost will be substantially higher.<\/p>\n<p><b>Estimated cost to repair: <\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>1,000-1,500 square foot home: $1,000-$6,000<\/li>\n<li>2,000-2,500 square foot home: $4,000-$10,000<\/li>\n<li>3,000 square foot home: $6,000-$12,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i>(Source: <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thumbtack.com\/p\/cost-to-rewire-a-house\"><i>Thumbtack<\/i><\/a><i>, which tracks estimates from the millions of homeowners who use the site) <\/i><\/p>\n<p><b>Warning signs:<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>If your breakers blow frequently, you see any visible damage to your wires, or notice a burning scent in the home, call an electrician to investigate the problem. An <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/electrical-home-inspection\/\">electrical inspection<\/a> can determine whether old, outdated modes of wiring the house have put you in danger.<\/p>\n<p><b>Key prevention tactics: <\/b><br \/>\n\u201cIn older homes, we&#8217;re finding that we need to have an electrician come out to cover lines to the water heater, so it isn&#8217;t a bare wire going from the water heater to the wall,\u201d Harrison shares. While this won\u2019t solve all the issues with old wiring, covering bare wires is key to reducing your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/selling-a-house-with-fire-damage\/\">fire risk<\/a>, and a more thorough electrical inspection can help you find other concerning areas.<\/p>\n<p>You should also install <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/selling-a-house-with-code-violations\/\">GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets<\/a> in the bathroom, kitchen, and anywhere outlets may come in contact with liquid. GFCI outlets interrupt an abnormal current flow to reduce the chance of electric shock.<\/p>\n<p><b>Who to call for help:<\/b> The Better Business Bureau\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbb.org\/near-me\/electrician\">Electricians Near Me<\/a> portal helps you identify local electricians with proper credentials and positive ratings from past clients.<\/p>\n<h2>7. Termite damage ($3,000)<\/h2>\n<p>If they can find it, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/selling-a-house-with-termite-damage\/\">termites love to eat the wood in a house<\/a>. Often, homeowners only discover signs of termite damage after these destructive little pests have weakened the wood in their home to a significant extent. Mitigating this damage can cost a lot of money, so catching termite activity early is key.<\/p>\n<p><b>Estimated cost to repair: <\/b><br \/>\nAccording to pest control specialist Orkin, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.orkin.com\/termites\/facts\/statistics\">$3,000<\/a> is the average amount people spend to mitigate termite damage.<\/p>\n<p><b>Warning signs:<\/b><br \/>\nThese <a href=\"https:\/\/www.orkin.com\/termites\/signs\">signs of termite damage<\/a> should be on your radar:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Wood that makes a hollow sound when tapped<\/li>\n<li>Crumbling wood<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.terminix.com\/blog\/education\/termite-structures-101-what-is-a-mud-tube\/\">Mud tubes<\/a> on the side of your home\u2019s foundation<\/li>\n<li>Peeling paint<\/li>\n<li>Mold or mildew smell<\/li>\n<li>Wings, termite bodies, or termite droppings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Key prevention tactics:<\/b> If you have the ability to avoid contact between wooden parts of your home and the ground, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/entomology.ca.uky.edu\/ef605\">reduce your termite risk<\/a>. Special layers and meshes exist to make it hard for termites to access the home. Moving mulch away from your foundation is also a good idea \u2014 you don\u2019t want to create a \u201cred carpet\u201d for termites to waltz into your abode so easily.<\/p>\n<p><b>Who to call for help: <\/b>Sites with reviews like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homeadvisor.com\/tloc\/Hamilton-OH\/Pest-Control-Termite\/\">HomeAdvisor<\/a> have information on your local pest control specialists; you can usually get a termite inspection from the company with the best reputation and then use their services for mitigation if needed.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_21653\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21653\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-phone.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-phone-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"A phone used to request an expensive home repair.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-phone-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-phone-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-phone-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-phone-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-phone-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-phone-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/most-expensive-home-repairs-phone.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-21653\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/a> Source: (Adria Berrocal Forcada \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Pricey home repairs are no fun, but they do happen<\/h3>\n<p>No homeowner wants to foot the bill for a budget-busting home repair. However, keep in mind that no home is impervious to every little thing that could go wrong. Even the most conscientious caretakers will at some point write a check with more zeros than they were expecting. Do what you can to watch for key warning signs that one of your home\u2019s major systems is crying out for help. To be safe, don\u2019t blow your emergency savings fund. And when in doubt, have a good network of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/home-repair-contractors\/\">home repair pros<\/a> on speed dial.<\/p>\n<p><em>Header Image Source: (Markus Winkler \/ Unsplash)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Some of the most expensive home repairs have the ability to wipe out your entire yearly maintenance savings and then some. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":168,"featured_media":21649,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[320,332],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21647","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-add-value","category-maintenance"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.0 (Yoast SEO v27.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ 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