If you’ve been renting for a number of years, you may find some aspects of home ownership surprising and often, expensive. Being prepared can help soften the blow so check out our guide to home ownership costs you may not have considered.
Blocked drains
No one is ever really prepared for that first time when your drains start backing up. It’s a mixture of horror and disbelief usually accompanied by a sinking feeling. But hopefully that’s just you and not the house.
You can try to resolve the situation yourself, using a drain snake or even a wire coat hanger to hook out whatever is causing the blockage. If that doesn’t work, pour some bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar into the drain to dissolve any hair or other debris trapped in the drain.
Often, the culprit is fat or grease, particularly in kitchen sinks. Running some very hot water and washing up liquid can break down this fat, releasing the blockage.
Unfortunately, sometimes these tips don’t work or you have a blockage in the toilet or at the manhole outside your home. This often needs a drainage professional who has the right equipment to deal with the issue.
They may conduct a drain survey if there’s no obvious reason for the drainage problem. If it’s necessary, a drain survey can cost from £100-£450 depending on ease of access and length of the drain. Something to budget for, just in case.
Pest control
Another unpleasant home ownership dilemma is dealing with pests in your property. While this doesn’t happen to everyone, there’s always the possibility that you end up with unwanted visitors in your home.
This could be:
? Ants
? Wasps
? Bees
? Rats
? Mice
? Flies
? Bedbugs
? Fleas
? Bats
? Cockroaches
? Hornets
? Squirrels
? Foxes
? Termites
You may be able to deal with some of these pests yourself, while others need the services of a professional pest control service. For example, bats are a protected species and cannot be harmed or disturbed.
Depending on the specific pest that you have a problem with, the costs of a pest control service can be from £200 to more than £1,200. Remember, while some pests are just unpleasant to have in your home, others like termites can cause untold damage.
Roof damage
Problems with your roof are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Not only does a roofing issue carry with it the risk of damage to the rest of your property but it’s typically not an area suited to DIY. unless you’re a roofer by trade.
So, if there’s a broken tile, slipped slate or a cracked ridge, you’re going to need a roofer. Of course, the cost of getting your roof repaired will depend on the exact problem, the type of material needed, your location within the UK and the individual roofer or roofing company you hire.
However, it’s worth considering setting aside some money for minor roof repairs as only unforeseen damage will be covered by your house insurance. If it is a lack of maintenance issue, this will need to be paid for by you.
