10 Home Repairs You Shouldn't Ignore (And What They Really Cost)

While it's tempting to postpone home repairs when budgets are tight, certain issues can escalate into major problems when left unaddressed. Here's a practical guide to the repairs you shouldn't ignore and their actual costs.

1. Roof Leaks

First signs:

• Uneven or sloped floors
• Doors and windows that stick or won’t close
• Visible hairline foundation wall cracks (wider than 1/8”)
• Gaps or cracks around windows, doors, or baseboards

Real cost:

• Minor cracks: $500-$1,500
• Major foundation work: $10,000+

2. Water Heater Failure

First signs:

• Rusty or cloudy water from hot taps
• Rumbling or popping noises from the tank
• Puddles around the base of the unit
• Inconsistent hot water

Real cost:

• Replacement: $900-$1,500
• Additional costs to repair water damage

3. Faulty Electrical Wiring

First signs:

• Circuit breakers trip frequently
• Lights that flicker or dim when running appliances
• Buzzing outlets or switches
• Warm or discolored outlet covers

Real cost:

• Minor repairs: $150-$300
• Rewiring projects: $1,200-$3,000

4. Plumbing Leaks

First signs:

• Water spots on walls, ceilings, or floors
• Unexplained water bill increases
• Musty odors or mold under sinks
• Drops in water pressure
• Wet carpet or rugs

Real cost:

• Faucet/visible pipe repairs: $150-$350
• Hidden pipe leaks: $1,000-$4,000

5. HVAC System Problems

First signs:

• Odd smells or unusual noises when the system runs
• Uneven heating or cooling in different rooms
• Sudden spike in energy bills
• Dust buildup around vents

Real cost:

• Repairs: $300-$600
• System replacement: $5,000-$10,000

6. Mold Remediation

First signs:

• Rooms with musty odors
• Visible black or green spots on walls, ceilings, or baseboards
• Increased allergies or respiratory issues
• Peeling paint or wallpaper

Real cost:

• Depending on the extent: $500-$3,000
• Severe cases can exceed $10,000

7. Pest Infestations

First signs:

• Hollow-sounding wood, visible tunnels, or small sawdust piles (termites)
• Droppings or gnaw marks along baseboards
• Scratching sounds from the walls or the attic
• Unusual pet behavior (barking at walls)

Real cost:

• Individual treatments: $300-$600
• Repairing structural damage: Thousands

8. Gutter and Drainage Issues

First signs:

• Water overflowing during rainstorms
• Plants growing in gutters
• Soil erosion/pooling water around the foundation
• Gutters sagging or pulling away from the roofline
• Visible rust or cracks in seams

Real cost:

• Gutter cleanings: $150-$300
• Drainage system installation: $1,000-$3,000

9. Cracked Windows or Doors

First signs:

• Drafts or air leaks near frames
• Visible cracks in glass or around the frame
• Difficulty opening or closing
• Higher heating or cooling bills

Real cost:

• Single window or door replacement: $300-$1,000

10. Chimney Damage

First signs:

1. White stains (efflorescence) on exterior brick
2. Crumbling mortar between bricks
3. Water leaks into the fireplace when it rains

Real cost:

• Minor repairs: $200-$800
• Structural chimney work: $3,000-$8,000

The average homeowner spends 1-4% of their home's value annually on maintenance, but ignoring these critical repairs can triple those costs.

Want to stay ahead of maintenance schedules and budget effectively for these inevitable expenses? Sign up for Abodio today and gain access to personalized maintenance reminders, cost tracking tools, and service provider recommendations. Take control of your home's health and your financial planning with one simple platform.

* All repair costs are estimated and vary depending on your specific issues and service providers.