What Are the Most Expensive Home Repairs?

If you’re looking to sell your house soon and plan to work with a traditional realtor, you’ll need to handle some repairs. While minor issues that stem from general wear and tear are simple and reasonably inexpensive to repair, fixing other household issues can get pricey in a hurry.

Repairing your home’s major functional and structural components, such as the HVAC system, septic tank, electrical work, roof, foundation, or siding, can cost you upward of several thousand dollars. And if you fail to repair or replace components with significant damage, you’ll likely have difficulty selling the property or getting an offer you like. 

To help you budget for repairs, we’ve listed six of the most expensive home repairs below. 

1.  HVAC Repair or Replacement

No one wants to move into a home with a finicky or nonfunctional HVAC system, so you’ll definitely need to take care of HVAC issues before you list your home. On average, here’s what homeowners pay for HVAC repair and replacement:

• HVAC tune-ups typically cost between $85 and $110.
• AC repairs generally cost between $125 and $459, with $319 being the average. If your system requires replacement components, they can cost upward of $2,000, depending on the component. 
• Heating repairs typically cost between $125 and $355, with $268 being the average. Replacement heating components can also cost upward of $2,000. 
• An AC replacement typically costs homeowners anywhere from $3,350 to $5,912.
• A furnace replacement typically costs homeowners between $2,150 and $5,900. 

2. Roof Repair

Even a minor roof leak, when left unattended, can lead to mold proliferation and water damage throughout your home. Since your roof is the most important protective component of the home, you must promptly tend to it if you suspect there’s damage. Here’s what you can expect to pay for various types of roof repair:

• Typical labor costs for roof repair run between $45 to $75 per hour.
• Metal roof repairs cost an average of $1,300.
• Asphalt shingle roof repairs cost approximately $710 for most homeowners.
• Composite roof repairs cost an average of $450.
• Wood shake roof repairs run around $750 on average.
• Slate roof repairs cost approximately $1,350 for most homeowners. 
• Tile roof repairs run around $1,000 on average. 
• Roof replacement may be necessary if the damage to your roof is too extensive to repair or if repairs are not the most cost-effective long-term option. On average, Oklahoma homeowners spend between $10,000 and $20,000 to replace a roof, depending on the type of roofing material they select. However, asphalt shingle roofs, which are typically the least expensive to replace, can be as low as $5,000.

3. Foundation Repair

Over time, the foundation of your home can crack or settle if it’s exposed to excessive moisture. A damaged foundation compromises the structural integrity of your entire home. As such, repairing that damage is critical to ensure your property is safe to sell. Average figures for foundation repair are as follows:

• Minor cracks can cost as little as $500 to repair, depending on location and severity.
• Average foundation repair costs run from $1,900 to $7,000. About $4,500 is typical.
• Major foundation repairs that involve hydraulics can cost $10,000 to $12,000 or more. 

4. Electrical Work

If you own an older home, the electrical work may be severely outdated, which can present a serious hazard to prospective buyers. If your home has damaged outlets, switches, or fixtures, you’ll need to take care of those. Here’s what you should expect to pay for electrical repair and replacement services:

• Typical labor costs for electrical repair work run between $45 and $100 an hour. Master electricians who perform specialty repair work cost an average of $120 per hour. Flat service call fees also apply, which typically cost around $75.
• Outlet, switch, fan, or fixture repair typically costs between $141 and $419, with $280 as the average. 
• Electrical wiring repair costs $6 to $8 per foot on average. 
• Electrical panel repair or upgrades cost approximately $1,100 to $2,500 on average. 

5. Septic Tank Repair

If your home has a septic tank and it’s past the 40-year mark, chances are it needs an inspection, at the very least. And in most cases, tanks of this age also have a high probability of needing repairs. 

If you’ve ever noticed your drains backing up, consistently mushy spots in your lawn, or smelled a sewer-like odor in your house, you likely need septic tank repair. Hiring a plumber to handle this job typically costs between $200 to $5,000, with $1,454 as the average. 

6. Siding Repair

Your siding provides critical protection for your home’s structural components, so if it’s damaged, you must have it repaired promptly. Depending on the type of siding your home has, you can expect to pay somewhere in the ballpark of $600 to $1,200 for siding repairs. Here’s a more extensive breakdown based on siding type:

• Vinyl siding repairs cost an average of $600.
• Stucco siding repairs cost between $563 to $1,935.
• Stone siding repairs cost around $400 to $500 on average. 
• Brick siding repairs typically cost between $600 and $2,500.
• Wood siding repairs cost an average of $100 to $150 per 6-foot piece.
• Fiber cement siding repairs cost an average of $1,200 to $1,500 for a 500-square-foot section. 
• Metal siding repairs cost an average of $700 to $1,500 for a 150-square-foot section. 

If you need to sell your house and don’t have the budget or time to perform necessary repairs, let our team at We Buy Houses Oklahoma City help. We buy houses in any condition, so even if your property needs work, we’re ready to extend a fair cash offer for it. To find out how much we can offer you for your home, feel free to request your cash offer today, or give us a call at (405) 757-2507.