The home repairs that could cost you thousands - and the warning signs buyers should never ignore
By SARA MCGIFF, US REAL ESTATE & CONSUMER REPORTER Buying a home is supposed to be a financial milestone. But for millions of Americans, the budgetary strain doesn't ease when they get the keys. From aging roofs and failing furnaces to outdated wiring and crumbling sewer lines, the cost of keeping a property in good shape is becoming another expensive burden for homeowners already grappling with high mortgage payments, insurance premiums and property taxes. The typical home improvement project cost $2,113 in 2025, up 76.1 percent since 2015 after adjusting for inflation, according to LendingTree. Routine maintenance adds an additional $1,433 a year on average, rising to $1,706 for homes built before 1940. And those figures may not tell the full story for homeowners hit with major repairs. A new roof, plumbing replacement or electrical overhaul can quickly run into thousands of dollars…
