While materials and labor can cause your home renovation to go over budget, another thing that can put a dent in your budget is the cost to repair or replace appliances that get damaged during the remodel. Before you take on your next home renovation, make sure you have a plan to protect the following important appliances.
Refrigerator
Image via by Jeremy Levine Design
You might think about leaving your refrigerator in place during a kitchen renovation because they’re big, hard to move, and you still need to use it every day. However, this increases the likelihood of the refrigerator getting damaged during the remodel.
Replacing a refrigerator can cost . Even worse, if your refrigerator breaks down while you’re still using it, you could lose hundreds of dollars worth of food. If possible, consider moving your refrigerator to another room during renovation. If that’s not an option, place a sheet over it to protect it as much as possible.
Water Heater
While water heaters typically last between eight and 12 years, and using one more during a renovation could put extra wear and tear on it. It also to replace a 40- or 50-gallon water heater. To make sure your water heater can stand up to the extra use during a renovation, contact a professional to come out and service it before the work begins. The tank should be drained three or four times a year to prevent a clog, and the anode rod — which catches mineral build up and prevents corrosion — should be replaced around every six months.
HVAC System
Not only is your HVAC system one of the most important appliances in your home, it’s also one of the most vulnerable during a home renovation. With the average cost of replacing a central air conditioner at and the average cost to replace a furnace at $3,800, your system is something you want to protect. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to .
Dirt and dust from the renovation settling inside the system and vents is a major issue. Try to do a lot of the prep outside to keep dust at a minimum. Also, don’t run your unit during the remodel. Finally, don’t forget to change the filters often so your unit can still run efficiently.
Washer and Dryer
Just like the water heater, your washer and dryer can see more use during a home renovation. However, if you’re renovating your laundry room, you need to consider moving these appliances to a safer location. The average cost to replace a top-loading washer is $500, and front-loading washers can go for between $800 and $1,500. A new dryer ranges from $400 to $1,200. Keep in mind that if you do need to replace your washer and dryer, you can sometimes find better deals by buying a set.
Make sure you don’t run into any unexpected costs during your home renovation by taking time to protect these appliances.
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