Making periodic repairs and upgrades to your home is essential if you want to keep your property maintained in great condition over the years. Many projects can be completed with minimal advance notice as the need arises, but there are some exterior projects that may require substantial planning. With a closer look at what these projects are, you can determine if you need to start saving and planning to complete these projects on your home within the next year or two.
Replacing the Roof
Depending on the size of your home and the type of roofing material that you use, a new roof can easily cost between $8,000 to $10,000 or much more in some cases. For many homeowners, it is not feasible to replace a roof without saving for the project for years. You could potentially wait for a severe storm to damage the roof so that you can file an insurance claim. However, even if you take this approach, you will still need to pay your home insurance deductible.
A full roof replacement may not be necessary in all cases, though. Depending on your roof, you may be able to do some or all of the repair work yourself. Shingle roofing is the most common DIY roofing due to how relatively easy it is to strip the roof and lay down new shingles. It may take some time and effort, but it’s a project you can definitely take on yourself.
Upgrading the Siding
There are several types of siding found on many homes. Siding usually can be well-maintained with frequent caulking and painting, but all siding will eventually need to be replaced. As is the case with roofing, siding can be expensive and requires substantial financial planning. In addition, if you live in an area that has very cold winters or a significant rainy season, you may need to plan to complete this project during ideal weather conditions.
Installing New Windows
Over time, windows can lose their energy efficiency features. They may also leak and potentially cause water damage. Replacing a single window may cost from $800 to $1,200 or more depending on the style of window you choose as a replacement and on the window’s size. In addition, during the replacement process, your home may be exposed to the elements for a decent amount of time for each window that is replaced. During an inclement season in your area, it may be best to hire a company like Unique Home Solutions to do the job for you so it goes faster. Planning this project based on your budget and on the season is necessary.
While these are very expensive exterior upgrading projects, they may only need to be completed once every couple of decades. This gives you ample time to prepare your budget for the expense. In fact, it may be wise to start saving for these projects now regardless of how seemingly distant the need to complete these projects is. By planning ahead, you can be well-prepared to tackle these projects when the need arises.
