Blog | SimplyHomes.com

Top 5 Most Expensive Home Repairs That Will Break the Bank

Written by Souki Fournier | Aug 5, 2021 7:00:00 PM

Homeownership comes with many advantages. When you purchase a house, you make an excellent investment, you build equity, and you can put your own touches on everything from the countertops to the flooring. On the other hand, owning a home can also present challenges. 

One of homeowners' greatest fears is that some undetected malfunction might snowball and turn into a catastrophic problem. While your house may look beautiful and everything may seem fine, costly issues could be lurking beneath the surface. 

Home warranties do not always cover everything, so check out five of the most expensive home repairs that could break the bank.

1: Roof Repairs 

Cost: $150 - $5,000

Your roof may need repair for a variety of reasons. If you are lucky, it is just a small leak that would cost a couple of hundred dollars and a trip to Home Depot. However, a roof replacement could cost up to $5,000. 

Most roofs only last between 20 and 25 years, so if you notice missing shingles or dark areas, it is time to schedule an inspection. If you observe any of these issues, call a professional soon to ensure the safety of your roof:

  • Evidence of water damage inside your home or attic
  • Increasing heating/cooling bills
  • Nails popping out of place 
  • Curled, cracked, or blistered shingles
  • A sagging roof

2: HVAC Repairs

Cost: $100 - $1,100

There are two main components to repairing an HVAC unit: the electrical components and the piping components.

Sometimes you can fix your HVAC by replacing filters, fuses, or clogged drain lines. If the two components need repairing, costs can add up to $1,100.

Noticing and responding to indications your HVAC needs maintenance is the key to avoiding more costly repairs, so pay attention to these signs:

  • AC unit leaking water or Freon
  • Minimal air output coming from the vents
  • AC blowing warm air
  • Loud noises coming from inside the unit
  • Abnormal odors when the AC is running

3: Driveway Repairs

Cost: $300- $4,500

Giving your driveway a facelift is one way to restore your home's curb appeal. This kind of repair can come at a high cost, though. Fixing your driveway can be overwhelming. Most homeowners do not know where to start since there are several factors to take into consideration.

Repair costs depend primarily upon the materials composing your driveway. Do you have asphalt? Concrete? Gravel?

Expenses also hinge upon the specific kind of issues you are experiencing with your driveway, such as: 

  • Sinking or buckling 
  • Cracks
  • Potholes
  • Crumbling

4: Foundation Repairs

Cost: $500 - $4000

Issues with your home's foundation can lead to structural problems. 

You may notice issues such us: 

  • Cracks in the walls
  • Doors that will not close properly
  • Sinking floors
  • Gaps around window frames

If you think you have a foundation issue, you need to call a structural engineer. They can inspect what is wrong and suggest repairs.

5: Deck Repairs

Cost: $200 - $5,000

Here is the good news: If your deck is structurally sound and the wood is healthy, there is no need to replace it. Repairs will be easier and much more cost-efficient.

You may only need to repair some railings or popped nails and screws.

It is important to thoroughly check your deck for other issues like mold, mildew, and pests. Enlist the help of a professional to figure out where the problems stem from and come up with a solution.

Now for the bad news: Sometimes, you must replace a deck not only for aesthetic reasons but to ensure safety. This can get costly! Keep an eye out for these signs your deck needs to be replaced rather than repaired:

  • Advanced erosion around posts
  • Widespread surface damage
  • Space between the deck and the house
  • Rotting posts
  • Extensive discoloration and stains

What should I do? 

Perhaps you bought a fixer you wanted to transform into your dream home, but it quickly turned into a money pit. Or maybe you encountered major issues in multiple areas of your house, but your home warranty will not cover the damages. It may not be worth it to invest the money in repairs. You are more likely to walk away with the same amount if not more by selling your home as-is off-market.

When you sell to Simply, not only can you save money, you can also save time by not having to deal with the headache of meeting with contractors, discussing bids, and living in a construction zone. Our team makes it easy to sell your home just as it is, with no updates, no showings, and zero fees! 


We make the whole process straightforward, and we allow you to close on your own timeline so what do you have to lose? All you have to do is enter your address, and our underwriting platform - the "Offer Engine" - will calculate our best offer within 30 seconds.