The Most Expensive House Jobs [AD]

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There are certain words that strike fear into the heart of any homeowner. I’m talking “subsidence”, “roof repairs” and “damp”. Alongside these, a few other jobs tend to only get done after years of saving. Here are a few of the most expensive house jobs. It also serves as a list of reasons why it’s important to have a savings pot for big jobs if you possibly can.

Subsidence

Nothing strikes fear into the heart of a homeowner like the word subsidence. This means that the foundations of your house are not solid and the property is moving or sinking. Not only is it a very serious structural issue but it will also have huge implications for the resale of your property. 

Rectifying subsidence requires the services of a specialist company and the costs are subject to the specific property issue although underpinning is the primary solution. The average range of costs for this property problem is between £5,000 – £15,000 although it can go much higher. 

Rewiring 

An expensive but important job in a house is rewiring when the existing wiring is not up to standard. This is a big safety issue with poor quality or old wiring often being the cause of house fires in the UK. There is also the risk to you and your family of electrical shocks from defective wiring. 

It is important to have your wiring checked by a qualified electrician if you have any concerns and to get a full report. If it is necessary to rewire your entire house then get a minimum of three quotes for the work before hiring. Costs will vary depending on the size of the property and the individual requirements but can range from £2,500 to £7,000 for an average home. 

New Kitchen 

A new kitchen can certainly add the wow factor to your kitchen but it can also create a serious hole in your bank balance. Of course, the style, size and materials used will all contribute to what you pay for a new kitchen but it’s never cheap.

Kitchens are the most used room in the home so it’s not surprising that they are some of the most frequently renovated or replaced. House purchasers will often prioritise replacing an outdated kitchen and see it as an investment for the future. Prices will vary depending on a variety of factors but the average cost is between £5,000 – £12,000. 

Roof Work

If your roof needs work this can be an expensive house job depending on the particular issue and size of the roof. While a simple roof repair may only cost a few hundred pounds if you need to replace the whole thing this could mean a roof cost of several thousand pounds. 

However, your roof is fundamental to the structure of your home and it’s not something you can put off or ignore. You should always get at least three written quotes from professional roofers or roofing companies for any work. On average a new roof in the UK will cost around £5,000-£6,000. 

Window Replacement

One of the most common but expensive house jobs that homeowners undertake is replacing the windows. Around 20% of purchasers make replacing the windows their first major undertaking after moving into their new home. 

Although window replacement is pricey it is an important investment for the comfort and security of your home. The price you pay will depend on the number of windows and the material that the frames are made from. Opting for triple glazing will also increase the cost. The average cost for replacement double glazed windows in a property is £4,500. 

Penetrating Damp

If you suspect you have a penetrating damp issue it’s advisable to have a damp survey done by a qualified professional. That way you’ll know exactly what is causing the problem and the possible solutions before contacting any tradespeople. 

The cost of rectifying the penetrating damp will depend on the cause such as broken rainwater goods or the surrounding ground being higher than your DPC. Damp treatment should cost no more than £2,000 but replastering and redecorating will undoubtedly add to this price.