When you’re ready to buy a home, you’ll do quite a lot to get there. Saving a down payment, cleaning up credit reports, putting money aside for inspections, moving, closing costs, and miscellaneous expenses are all necessary. You might find a home that’s very appealing but it needs a bit of attention. Overall, you love the look, feel, and location. But, there are some things which need repair or need updating. So, you’re wondering how best to estimate the home buying repair costs.

How to Estimate Home Buying Repair Costs

The fact of the matter is, practically no house is without issues. It could sport signs the electrical wiring is outdated. Or, it could contain small problems here and there. This is important, even when the repairs aren’t big. That’s because smaller issues generally become larger over time. And, arresting the deterioration is paramount to avoiding huge expenses. Additionally, you don’t want to purchase a home that’s a cash drain.

One of the biggest headaches in moving forward with a home improvement project is determining the cost. Unless you’re a contractor or home repair expert, it can be difficult to gauge the expected cost of everything from installing a faucet to remodeling a bathroom. Overpaying for a home project is a concern among two-thirds of homeowners, and more than a third of don’t know how much it will cost to hire a professional, one survey found. —AOL Finance

Unfortunately, some homebuyers find themselves spending good money after bad in a long-term cycle. The stress and uncertainty become unbearable. However, this scenario doesn’t have to be the inevitable case. When you’re a home buyer, there are certain things you need to do right away after moving in. Before you get to that milestone, you need to know what needs attention. And, how much it costs so you aren’t surprised by the price tag. Here’s how to estimate home buying repair costs:

• Identify DIY projects. Once identified, you can simply select which projects are do-it-yourself work. Look at what’s needed in your local home improvement store so you know the costs. If you’re comfortable with some repairs, you can do it on your own. That will reduce out-of-pocket costs and allow you choose what you want.
• Ask a friend for help. If you’re not totally confident about your DIY skills, then ask a friend who possess those skills. It’s definitely less expensive than hiring a licensed contractor. Plus, you’ll learn while helping with the work. This is another way to keep costs in-check but it requires an effort.
• Get contractor quotes. For work that you aren’t equipped to do on your own, you should get at least three quotes from experienced, licensed contractors. Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts and/or extras. Most contractors are willing to give discounts or throw in this or that to secure a job.
• Look for some cost cutters. Here’s where too many homebuyers get into trouble unnecessarily. They go for the gold standard and go all-out for the best. While those premier materials are very tempting, buying top-notch isn’t necessary. Look for savings where you can find cost cutters.
• Factor in contingency costs. It’s quite typical for surprises to crop up when dealing with home repairs and updates. So, be sure to include a contingency of 10 to 15 percent for everything. This way, you’ll be prepared for what’s highly likely to transpire.

If you are considering buying or selling a home in Orlando, contact us for the latest market information. We’ll also provide you with the right advice about the local real estate market so you make the best decisions.