In an emergency, we don’t often have time to shop around for quotes. However, there may still be ways to save yourself some money if you’re strapped for cash. Here are just a few ways to save money on emergency home repairs.
Get a rough estimate over the phone
Many repair companies will not be able to give you an accurate price until they’ve inspected the problem in person. However, some may still be able to offer a rough estimate of the cost over the phone – especially if you have a good idea as to what the fault is. You may be able to collect a few of these estimated costs over the phone, allowing you to potentially find the cheapest company if you’re on a tight budget. Just be wary a low price could mean lesser quality in some cases.
Shop around carefully for emergency loans
If you need to take out a loan to pay for repairs, make sure that you shop around for interest rates first. Payday loan companies can often take advantage of people’s desperation, charging high interest rates. However, there are other decent lenders out there that can lend you money straight away without charging you huge amounts in the long run.
Find companies that offer instalment plans
Some trade companies are happy to allow customers to pay in installments – sometimes without interest. This could make the cost of repairs a lot more affordable without having to resort to a loan. Instalment plants may not be advertised upfront, so be prepared to enquire about them.
Double check if you’re covered by insurance/a warranty
In an emergency, many people may forget that they’re covered by insurance or a warranty. For instance, a gas leak from a new oven might still be covered by the seller’s warranty, while a flooded basement could be covered by a home insurance scheme. Always check before you get repairs as you may need to notify your insurer/warranty provider first.
Shop around for parts yourself
If you know which part needs fixing, you may be able to buy it yourself to save money instead of relying on a repair company to provide it. If your boiler is broken for instance, you may be able to shop for Burnham boilers online. You may even be able to find some parts in your local home store if you don’t have time to order items online.
Know when to test your DIY skills
Not all home repairs require hiring pros. You may feel confident dealing with a blocked U-bend or a broken light fitting yourself. There are YouTube videos that can help you with these repairs. Just make sure that you’re not overstretching your ability – it could be dangerous or disastrously damaging if you take on a repair job unsuccessfully. Having the right tools and expertise is essential – if you need specialist gadgets or have to mess with gas plumbing/electrics, it’s often best to leave the job to the pros.