If you are a homeowner, there are certain repairs you will almost certainly have to make during the time you live in your home. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with things beforehand so that you know what to expect when the time comes and you can be prepared for the costs involved.
This article will lay out four major repairs that homeowners typically have to make: roofing repairs, door and window replacements, and furnaces. You should look into the available options for exterior doors Ottawa and related services so that you can gather all the necessary information in advance. We will discuss the factors involved in their upgrading and what the average costs are for homeowners in the Ottawa area.
Roofing
Even the best roofs get damaged and need repairs. The cost of your repairs will depend on the extent of your damage, of course. Here are some things to consider if you need to make roofing repairs:
- Whether or not you need to make a full or partial replacement. It is often advisable to get a full replacement if you start to notice problems. Particularly if you have multiple leaks, your problem might be more extensive than you realize. If you have a limited budget, you should consult an expert to see if a partial replacement could suffice.
- The type of material that will be used. There are different material types that are usually used in roofing material, including:
- Asphalt shingles, which are cheap and relatively durable
- Metal, which is known for its strength and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions
- Slate, which is more expensive but has a longer lifespan than the other options
Roof replacement can cost anywhere from $2 to $40 per square foot, depending on the type of material that you choose. Keep in mind that this is not the only cost involved; if you need to have your roof replaced, you will also have to pay for the removal of your existing one.
Doors and Windows
Doors
Doors and windows are also essential components of your house that might require upgrades at some point. If you need to have one or more of your house’s doors replaced, you should check out door options in the area. You can choose from a range of different materials and styles.
When choosing a new door, you should think about both functionality as well as appearance. Ottawa winters can be notoriously harsh, of course, so you should consider your choice of materials carefully. Look into getting a fiberglass insulated door, a solid wood door, or a metal door so that you can preserve heat inside your house.
When choosing a door, you should also take into consideration the quality of your frames and locks. Consider choosing a metal frame as this will offer you the highest level of security. Similarly, your locks should have a long deadbolt and be reinforced by metal plates.
A new entry door could cost you somewhere in the range of $5000, depending on the material you choose.
Windows
Windows are also something that you might need to replace or upgrade during the course of your home ownership. Better quality windows are coming out on a regular basis these days, so you should look for upgrades that fit evolving ecological standards and do the best possible job of insulating your home.
Windows have a specific energy efficiency rating. Look for the “U” factor in windows that you are considering buying. The U factor is a measure of how well a given window insulates. A rating of 1.4 or lower is considered good.
High-quality windows are not cheap, but they can be well worth the investment. If you choose triple-pane windows, which offer the best insulation value, you might pay up to $1100 per window, plus the cost of insulation. Remember, though, that the better quality windows you buy, the more you will save on your monthly energy bill.
Upgrade your heating system
Another thing that you should consider is upgrading your heating system. If your boiler is more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing it with a different model. Canada has a national rating system for heat efficiency called Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating. Furnaces must have an AFUE rating of 92% or more to be considered acceptable. The older your system, the more likely it is that your AFUE is below grade.
Some of the other factors to consider in buying a new furnace include the following:
- Whether or not the furnace has a programmable thermostat. This will be an additional factor in helping you regulate energy consumption.
- The type of burner that the furnace uses. Burners generally come in single stage,dual stage, or modulating models for different control levels.
- The type of blower that your unit uses. Furnaces offer either single speed, multiple speed, or variable type blowers. The type of blower that you choose will determine how much air is actually coming into your room.
- Zoning. Depending on the type that you choose, you may be able to adjust which rooms are receiving heat and turn off places that don’t need it. This will also help you save on energy bills.
The cost of a new furnace in Ontario can range from $3000-5000.
Conclusion
Owning a home comes at a cost. But if you take the time to familiarize yourself with the likely home repairs that you will have to make, you will be prepared when the time comes to make major changes. Do your research on the best professionals in your area so that you know who to turn to when you have to make upgrades to your home.
