One of the most necessary and annoying parts of homeownership is home repairs. They may be necessary, but they can also be costly and then an unexpected burden. Whether it’s a broken boiler, a leaking roof, or faulty plumbing, the costs of fixing issues can quickly add up especially in a weather event. 

This can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unable to function. If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot afford home repairs, don’t panic. There are several options that you have in front of you that help you to manage the costs effectively. Let’s take a look below:

• Explore financing options. The very first step when you’re facing an affordable repair is to check if there are financing options available to you. Plenty of home repair companies will offer financial plans that allow you to spread the cost of repairs over months or even years depending on the repair. This can make paying for significant repairs more manageable. There are also several types of loans that you might be able to consider, such as personal loans or taking out home equity. If you have a credit card with low interest rates, you can use that in the short term, to. There are some government schemes that may also be available for you especially if you’re low income or a senior citizen.
• Lookout for assistance programmes. In some cases, there are grants or financial assistance programmes that are available that can help to cover the cost of repairs. There are various local, state, and national programmes all designed to support homeowners who can’t afford the repairs necessary. This is specially the case for critical issues like plumbing, heating or roofing. There may be home repair grants available for seniors, people with disabilities, or low income households. It’s time to get onto Google and see what you can find.
• Consider your urgency list. It’s important that you prioritise the repairs of your home. For example, a leaky roof or faulty wiring may pose a safety risk, and there should be addressed straightaway. On the other hand, cosmetic issues like peeling paint can wait. Tackling critical repairs first can help you to keep your home in a functional and safe space without breaking the bank.
• Do it yourself where you can. If there are repairs that you can do yourself, then put these on your list. There are plenty of online resources and video tutorials that can help you to complete repairs safely and effectively. Repainting, fixing a leaky faucet, or patching a hole in the wall can all be done with minimal experience and minimal tools.
• Get some quotes. Often, after repair feels out of reach, you could always get some more quotes to see if you can find the job cheaper. There are websites such as Airtasker that you can put your job on to see whether or not you can pull some quotes that are more affordable for you.

Home repairs do not have to be overwhelming. With these tips you can ensure that yours go off without a hitch.