Doing the work yourself can be challenging but rewarding.
An estimate is a valuable tool in determining the cost of house repairs and prevents getting any surprises at the end of the project. Use estimates based on materials cost, factoring in your time and the costs of hiring experts for jobs in which you are not skilled. You can also download a computerized estimating home repair system from the Internet to assist with the estimate. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Creating a List of Needed Repairs
1. Make a complete list of all repairs needed.
Walk through the house and make a list of the all repairs needed for each room in the house. Then check the outside of the house for repairs as well.
2. Get several estimates from different contractors for the same job.
Consult electrical, plumbing, heating, chimney roofing contractors and all other contractors needed. Be specific about what repairs are required for each room. Define things such as how many coats of paint, brand and quality because this will make a difference with their estimates. Try to negotiate a fixed price from certain contractors such as plumbers who usually charge "on a foot" basis.
3. Visit a few local stores and compare costs of all materials needed for the work you will be doing yourself. Purchasing certain articles off season can result in drastically reduced items. Costs will also vary with the quality of the material to be used. Visit stores such as Re-Store that sell used housing supplies for a fraction of the cost.
4. Read first, decide later.
Read over the contractors' estimates carefully ensuring it is a detailed and clearly written contract and choose the most reputable and reasonably priced contractor.
5. Make sure all the costs are included in the estimate for the repairs.
Check with your local area to see if a building permit is required for house repairs and add this cost to the estimates received from the various contractors, your estimate for the portion of the work you will be doing yourself and an extra 20 percent to cover incidentals and inflation to get a total cost of repairs.
Tags: doing yourself, each room, house repairs, list repairs, list repairs needed, repairs needed
