Buying a home is an emotional and financial investment that comes with a ton of excitement. However, there are a few surprises that usually come with homeownership after the excitement of purchase settles in.
Even though home inspections can reveal a few issues, most homeowners need to weather a few seasons and weather conditions in their home before the full extent of the property’s needs come to light.
Here are some of the most common repairs that new homeowners will encounter in the first few years of ownership – along with their typical costs and warning signs that can help you spot them early.
Plumbing Issues (The Most Common)
Plumbing issues are some of the most common repair jobs that homeowners encounter. Because most plumbing issues remain hidden from view, it is easy to miss critical findings that could result in costly repairs later on.
Common plumbing surprises include:
- Leaking pipes under sinks
- Toilet seals breaking or wearing down, resulting from leaks
- Drains that get clogged over time
- Water heaters with corroded fittings
Ballpark cost ranges for these issues include:
- Minor plumbing leak repair: $150-$500
- Toilet repair: $200-$600
- Drain clog: $150-$400
- Pipe replacement: $500-$2,000
- Water damage repair: $1,500-$10,000+
Early warning signs for plumbing issues include:
- Water stains on the ceiling
- Musty smells from cabinets
- Unusually high water bill
- Soft floors
- Mold spots
Tip: Take five minutes each month under every sink with a flashlight. One of the most common types of plumbing issues start with a leak.
HVAC Issues (The “It Worked During the Inspection” Problem)
During the home inspection, the HVAC system may have been inspected, but no test for how it will work during the summer or winter months.
Common HVAC problems include:
- Old furnace or air conditioning system
- Dirty HVAC filters
- Bad HVAC capacitor
- Refrigerant leaks
- Duct system leaks
- Thermostat wiring
Ballpark cost ranges for HVAC system repairs include:
- HVAC service call: $100-$250
- Capacitor replacement: $150-$400
- Blower motor replacement: $500-$1,500
- Refrigerant leak repair: $400-$2,000
- New air conditioning unit: $4,000-$9,000
- New furnace: $3,500-$8,000
- Complete HVAC system replacement: $8,000-$18,000+
Early warning signs for HVAC issues include:
- Some rooms much cooler or warmer than others
- Strange HVAC noises
- Insufficient heating and cooling
- HVAC systems turning on and off rapidly
- High energy bills right after move-in
Tip: Replace the air filters in your HVAC system as soon as you move into your new home.
Roof and Gutters (The Slow-Motion Disaster)
A roof and gutter system can fail over time in ways that are not immediately obvious when buying the home.
Roofs
Gutters can fail in ways that will lead to roof damage, siding damage, and foundation issues over time.
Common roof and gutters surprises include:
- Leaking roofs
- Missing shingles after storms
- Gutters overflowing over time
- Wood rot under gutters
- Ice dams (in cold climates, typically occurring after large snowfalls)
Ballpark cost ranges for roof and gutters include:
- Gutter system cleaning: $150-$400
- Minor roof repair: $300-$1,500
- Flashing repair: $500-$2,000
- Gutter system replacement: $1,000-$3,500
- Roof system replacement: $8,000-$25,000+
Early warning signs for gutters and roof include:
- Water stains in the attic
- Shingle granules in gutters
- Gutters pulling away from siding
- Dripping water behind gutters
- Curling shingles on the roof
Tip: After it rains heavily in your area, take a walk around your home to check your gutters for overflowing water and signs of potential drainage problems.
Electrical Problems (Small Issues with Safety Risks)
Some homeowners will find electrical issues during the first few years of homeownership despite thorough walkthroughs of the home when purchasing it.
Common electrical problems include:
- Flickering lights
- Dead outlets
- GFCI outlets wired wrong
- Frequent electrical breaker trips
- Outdated electrical panel
- Buzzing electrical outlets and switches
Ballpark cost ranges for electrical system repairs include:
- Electrician visit: $150-$350
- Outlet and switch replacement: $100-$300 each
- New ceiling fixture: $150-$500
- Wiring issue troubleshooting: $300-$1,500
- Electrical panel replacement: $2,000-$5,500+
- Rewiring entire home: $5,000-$25,000+
Electrical warning signs include:
- Warm outlet covers
- Burning plastic smell
- Frequent breaker trips
- Dim lights when using major appliances
- Permanent use of extension cords
Tip: If your outlet emits a burning plastic smell, stop using that outlet right away. Do not ignore it – get it inspected by a licensed electrician as soon as possible.
Drainage and Water Intrusion (The Basement Nightmare)
Drainage systems on a property are some of the most expensive surprises for new homeowners. Drainage systems outside the home could pose a threat to the structural integrity of the foundation and basement over time.
Common drainage surprises include:
- Pool of water near foundation
- Basement leaks after rain
- Downspouts too close to foundation
- Yard grades toward the home
- Clogged sump pump
- Broken French drains
Ballpark cost ranges for drainage systems include:
- Downspout extension: $50-$300
- Grading work: $1,000-$5,000
- Sump pump replacement: $800-$2,500
- Interior basement waterproofing: $3,000-$12,000
- Exterior foundation waterproofing: $8,000-$25,000+
- Basement mold removal: $1,500-$10,000+
Early warning signs for drainage problems include:
- Basement smell of dampness
- White residue on basement walls
- Basement rust problems
- Basement water stains
- Erosion of yard soil near downspouts
Tip: While walking your yard during heavy rainfalls, watch for any water that may flow toward the foundation of your home. This is a sign of potential drainage issues in your yard.
Bonus “Surprise Repairs” Many Homeowners Don’t Expect
These types of surprises are not immediately “urgent” but can be a homeowner frustration when first encountered:
- Garage door failures (springs wear out): $200-$600
- Appliances fail (fridge, washer, dishwasher): $150-$2,500
- Dryer vents get clogged (fire risk): $100-$250
- Pests find entry points into the home: $150-$1,000+
- Rotten exterior trim: $500-$5,000
The Best Way to Avoid Surprise Repairs
There is no need to buy a house and prepare for surprise repairs. There are a few things that all homeowners can do to prepare for repairs well before they happen:
- Walk the property after heavy rains
- Check the ceilings for stains
- Listen to the HVAC system for changes in noise
- Inspect the foundation for cracks
- Look under the sinks
- Clean the gutters twice a year
- Create a savings account specifically to fund repairs before
Want to Learn More?
As a new homeowner, it can be beneficial to have a professional home walkthrough before you move in and prepare your living space.
This can help you to prepare for the future of your homeownership by understanding what to expect from your property.
Whether you just bought your dream home or are about to move into your new property, a professional walkthrough can save you thousands of dollars over time – before the next water, electrical, or HVAC emergency occurs.
If you’d like, schedule a professional homeowner walkthrough and have a plan for what you would like to fix in your home right away – plus what you can budget for in the future.
