Frugal Ways to Tackle Necessary Home Repairs

These Frugal Ways to Tackle Necessary Home Repairs are much easier to manage than you might first believe. Home repairs can range from the costly major repairs to minor incidental fixes that come up. If you are working hard to stay within a budget, or perhaps even barely managing pay check to pay check, these tips will help you to not feel the stress when a repair becomes necessary.

Frugal Ways to Tackle Necessary Home Repairs

Create an emergency fund. Obviously, the most important thing you can do is to create an emergency fund so that home repairs don’t send you into a tailspin financially. Even putting aside a simple $20 per month can make a huge difference when something like a hot water heater goes bad, or a roof leak appears. Evaluate your budget now and find a place you can cut back to begin creating an emergency fund that will be available should you need it for future repairs.

Ask for local word of mouth recommendations. When you have to hire out, ask for local recommendations. Many local small businesses will also offer a discount when you are referred by a prior customer. Don’t always call the well known chain repair companies. Ask around and find the small businesses that offer lower rates with superior work. While some home repairs are fairly urgent, it is worth your time to ask around and check with local community groups to see who has good work and fair prices.

Barter for repair help. If you have friends who are in construction, plumbing, or the electrical repair business check into how you can barter with them for labor costs. There are often things you can do for them that will be a huge discount on your repair bills. Ask around to your friends and family to put into place a plan should you need their help in the future to handle simple home repairs.

Invest in DIY tools. If you know that you may encounter some home repairs in the future, start investing in tools to help you handle those repairs. A basic home tool kit, electric drill, and some home repair manuals for basic needs will come in handy. You may also want to watch some DIY videos online. These will help you learn how to do things like changing out light switches, fixing toilets, or that hot water heater that may go out unexpectedly.

Buy parts yourself. When you need someone do a repair for you, ask for an estimate that breaks down parts and labor ahead of time. When possible shop for the supplies and parts yourself to save money. While many repairmen can get a lower rate, you’ll find some items may be cheaper for you to purchase and provide. This way, you’ll only be paying them for labor and out much less money.

These frugal ways to tackle necessary home repairs will help you focus and manage when an emergency need arises. Sometimes it will cost more than you want, but with a little work and forethought you can easily manage at a much lower cost.