There is no denying that owning a home is expensive even after paying a reasonable down payment since you will have to pay for recurring costs like property taxes, insurance, and home repairs. Here are some of the most expensive home repairs and how to plan ahead.

According to the home services site Porch, 88% of homeowners in America were forced to make at least a single major repair in 2018. Most home repairs are affordable, but some can be quite expensive, so it is best to know about them so you can take the right preventive measures to save money. Below are some of the most expensive home repairs and how to avoid them.

1. Water damage

Water from leaks in your plumbing system, weak pipe joints, high water pressures, and broken water connectors can significantly destroy your home. Heavy rain and flooding can also cause water damage if you have a very old house or a leaky roof. Water in your house can destroy your flooring, walls, ceiling, and personal belongings. Also, the presence of moisture after water damage creates the right environment for mold growth. As such, it is essential to reach out to mold and water damage restoration services immediately after your house experiences water damage to dry your home quickly and prevent mold growth. It can cost up to $4,600 to clean up and repair water damage, so it would be best to prevent this by cleaning your gutters and downspouts, installing a sump pump, and fixing plumbing leaks.

2. HVAC repairs

Your home likely has a heating and cooling system to remain warm during winter and cool during summer. This HVAC system can also significantly affect your indoor air quality, making it an essential system in your home. It can be quite expensive to repair HVAC systems, and the worst thing is that they tend to break down in the cold of winter and the heat of summer when you need them most. Therefore, it is prudent to do all you can to avoid HVAC repairs. You can replace your air filters every three months and hire HVAC professionals to conduct yearly or bi-annual maintenance. However, remember that your repair costs will largely depend on the unit’s size and brand and your home’s square footage.

3. Sewer line and plumbing repair

Sewer line and plumbing issues are notoriously challenging and costly to resolve. These problems are often out of sight, so it can be hard to tell what is happening until a pipe burst, which is way too late. Fortunately, many new sewer lines can last for up to 100 years with proper maintenance, so you won’t have to worry about a sewage backup in your yard anytime soon. Some of the warning signs of a sewer line issue include a rotten egg smell, several clogged plumbing fixtures, and gurgling noises from the drain. You can avoid this costly repair by taking care of any tree roots around your sewer line. Additionally, hire a professional to inspect it every year and avoid pouring animal fat, grease, or coffee grounds down the drain.