Home improvement can drastically heighten the value of your home.
Some repairs, such as building a new deck, can offer a 110% or more return on investment.
The repairs you can make are many, from building a new deck to replacing windows.
However, not all repairs are created equal. On average and as a whole, home repairs offer a 70% return on investment. While some repairs are undoubtedly beneficial, not all will increase the value of your home.
If you’re looking to sell a house fast in Kirby or elsewhere in Texas, you might wonder which repairs are worth it—and which aren’t. If you contact cash home buyers in Texas, you won’t have to worry about it!
This guide contains everything you need to know about the most common home repairs—and which add value to your home.
Common Repairs To Make
Whether you are buying a new home or selling your house, you’re likely considering which repairs to make—and which to avoid.
While making repairs can be pricey, it can also increase the value of your home. Homes in disarray or needing obvious repairs may suffer from fewer offers and a longer sale process.
The following list contains the most common repairs typically made to new and old homes. Consider each item before making a decision.
Damaged Roof Repairs
Roof repairs are typically the first place people look to determine what needs to be fixed in a home.
Roof repairs are among the most valuable—and necessary—restorations.
Your roof is the first thing anyone sees, so roof repairs are also wise for aesthetic reasons and to enhance curb appeal.
Additionally, a leaking or damaged roof can quickly cost you a penny since water damage is nothing to take lightly.
Consider the most common types of roof repairs below.
- Shingle Replacements consist of replacing individual shingles that might be damaged.
- Partial Re-Roofing is an excellent idea if a specific part of your roof is damaged or needs replacing.
- A New Roof can be necessary for those whose roofs have suffered from wear and tear.
- A Roof Over consists of adding a new roof on top of the old one.
There are many different types of roofing materials that you can use to replace your roof. These are:
- Asphalt Shingles are the most common type of roofing.
- Synthetic or Composite Shingles are made to look like slate or wood but are often cheaper.
- Metal Roofing, a highly durable yet less affordable option
- Wood Shingles are more expensive and may pose a fire hazard but add aesthetic value to your home.
- Tile, Clay, or Cement Roofing, which lasts a long time and insulates your roof well.
Also, consider unclogging gutters or replacing broken ones, as this can increase curb appeal and help maintain your roof for a long time. Clogged gutters and downspouts can decrease the integrity of your roof, causing common problems down the line.
Foundation Crack Repairs
Cracks in your foundation can pose several problems.
They can deter buyers from looking at your home and cause your flooring to become uneven, leading to compromised house integrity.
Additionally, cracks can allow moisture and soil smell to enter your home. You might even allow radon gas to enter through the foundation cracks.
For this reason, it’s essential to fix foundation cracks—and relatively simple.
You can quickly fix cracks in your foundation by using epoxy. Consider fixing the foundation crack from the outside to make the labor more accessible, and follow the tips below to fix your foundation crack. Whether or not you have the technical know-how, you can use these steps to repair a foundation crack.
- Make sure the crack is dry, and scrub any loose materials
- Block out the injection ports with nails and a hammer.
- Mix the epoxy sealer.
- Attach the injection port.
- Spread sealant along the foundation crack.
- Inject the epoxy into the crack.
- Seal up the injection ports with the cartridge tip
- Cut away the injection ports and finish the job!
Window Repairs
Windows are among the most essential features of your home. They contribute to curb appeal, provide insulation, and ventilate your home.
They also can help reduce energy bills if you choose the right ones.
Old windows can pose several problems, including fire hazards and potential breakage.
For this reason, window repairs are amongst the most common repairs to make to a home.
You should replace your windows if:
- They are foggy, and the seal has failed
- They are leaking or allowing moisture to enter the home
- They enable bugs to enter through the cracks
- Your energy bills are relatively high.
Repairing a window can be complicated, so it’s often best to consult an expert.
However, if you simply need to replace the glass on your window, you can use the following steps.
- Clean the window
- Mix epoxy
- Spread the epoxy into the crack
If, on the other hand, there is rotting wood around the window, you can use epoxy wood filler to replace it. Simply remove the rotting wood and apply epoxy wood in the exact location. Consult the instructions on the epoxy for more information.
Bathroom and Kitchen Repairs
Your kitchen and bathroom are two of the most frequented areas in your home.
For this reason, they can sustain more damage—and repairs are often more noticeable and valuable in these locations.
Additionally, kitchens and bathrooms are typically the most demanded upgrade for buyers.
Bathrooms can quickly suffer from everyday problems, including mold, poor ventilation, leaky faucets, or moisture damage. Addressing repairs early can save you problems down the line.
Consider the following shared bathroom DIY repairs.
- Remove clogs in drains using a drain snake
- Use a plunger to unclog toilets
- Replace the air filter
- Replace the ventilation system
- Replace a leaky faucet or shower
- Replace your showerhead
- Caulk tubs and showers
- Remove buildup of mold or scale
- Use bleach to clean the tubs and sinks
- Replace the tile on the floors
- Install hardwood floors
- Cleaning or patching grout
- Try lubricating creaky door frames
On the other hand, kitchens can suffer from many problems, including foul odors, poor ventilation, or damaged cabinetry.
Consider the following common DIY kitchen repairs.
- Replace the dishwasher if it’s old or broken
- Fix the garbage disposal
- Address leaky faucets or knobs
- Replace the fridge if it’s old or broken
- Replace the backsplash
- Fix rotting or broken cabinets with wood epoxy
- Replace fixtures with stainless steel
- Replace the washing machine
Electrical Repairs
Unlike having a hole in your drywall, an electrical repair is not something you should attempt alone. Electrical systems can be dangerous, so consider working with an electrician before attempting the following repairs.
The most common types of electrical repairs are the following.
- You are replacing or installing ceiling fans to give your HVAC system a break.
- Replacing or installing outdoor and pool lighting
- Replacing washers/dryers or installing new appliances.
- Repairing and installing new outlets
- Upgrading your control panel or fuse box.
- Fixing the water heater
Common Home Repairs Not To Make
When it comes to repairs, not all will increase the value of your home. Some are not worth the investment.
According to real estate experts, the following are some repairs that are not worth making.
- Major renovations are often unnecessary, and most owners do not recoup their investments entirely.
- Cosmetic flaws are not worth fixing because they don’t make a significant difference, and you may not recover your investment.
- Minor electrical issues, such as dead outlets or loose plugs, are not worth repairing.
- Driveway cracks can cost money to repair and are often not worth the investment.
- Partial remodels rarely contribute to the home’s overall aesthetic and may cost you a decent amount.
- Old appliances can be worth repairing if you plan to keep your home—but not if you don’t.
- Landscaping doesn’t typically do much for your home’s value.
The most important thing to consider when implementing repairs is if you will recoup your investment. Consider calculating your ROI ahead of time and ruling out vanity fixes.
Also, remember that you shouldn’t begin repairs you won’t be able to finish, as this will only compromise your sales. Consider consulting a real estate agent before making your decision.
Most Valuable Home Repairs
While some repairs are not worth making, others can increase the value of your home, making a sale more profitable.
Consider the following home improvements to increase value.
- Building a Deck is a great way to add value to your home, though it is a large project.
- Replacing Your Garage Door enhances your home’s value without much investment.
- Kitchen Remodels and Repairs are almost always worthwhile.
- Window Replacements are often a great idea if you want to increase the value of your home.
- Foundation Cracks are easy to repair and will likely contribute to the increased value of your home.
- Bathroom Remodels are a great way to add value to your home, as you can earn up to 60 percent ROI.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to home repairs, some are best left undone.
While some repairs, like foundation cracks or damaged roofs, can lead to a better quality of life and increased home value, others, like cracked driveways, aren’t worth it.
Use this guide to determine which repairs to make to your home—and which to avoid.
If you want to forego making repairs altogether, we buy houses San Antonio residents want to sell for a fair price. Contact us today!