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Not Having Your Roof Repaired Is Frugal but Foolish
One Pennsylvania woman saved two thousand dollars on a new roof by going with someone who would do it 'on the side.' After the roofer was paid and work began, she learned that disposal of the old roof was not included. She ended up renting a dumpster herself, cleaning up the area surrounding the house where the old shingles had simply been thrown off the roof, and paying the dumping fees. In addition to that, there was no guarantee, and she ended up replacing the roof within ten years.
Windows are another area to spend the money for a professional. Have the professional measure the windows accurately and custom order the exact size that you need. Windows are the number one place for draft leaks in a home, and poorly installed windows can cost hundreds of dollars worth of fuel down the road.
The professionals offer guarantees on both workmanship and products. It's worth the money for long term projects.
Similarly, central air units and window air conditioners need to have filters replaced, cleaned, and maintained in order to work at their peak efficiency and to guarantee the health of everyone inside.
Car maintenance is important as well. Basic needs such as regular oil changes and replacing air filters can extend the life of car. Cars which run on low oil risk permanent damage which can be the costliest of them all. Have tires rotated and fluid levels checked regularly, or better yet, learn to do it yourself and save twice.
There are ways to save in each of these areas, and the budget savvy consumer can find them. However, these are not the areas to find simple savings solutions. Buy generic cans of vegetables, shop in thrift stores, and cut coupons, but don't skimp in the areas that count.
About The Author: Kelly Ann Butterbaugh is a freelance writer who regularly contributes to a variety of magazines and has written a history book for middle readers. Visit her website for writing help, lesson plans, history fun, or work for hire at http://www.kellybutterbaugh.com
By
06/14/2008
Good advice -- many people find out these things after it's too late. The old adage "If it sounds too good to be true,..." is accurate. And, one reason to always get lien waivers from anyone who has worked on your house -- it states that they've been paid in full. Great protection.
By
06/13/2008
Would like to add that you can learn how to maintain things in your home. My mother learned how to take care of her heating system by watching the Public Service repairmen over the years and asking lots of questions. She kept it going for 50 years, until her death! A few years before she died, she had a great compliment when the Public Serviceman came and said, "Someone has been taking very good care of this furnace!" It was HER.
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