Many homeowners are perplexed when they see defects in their homes. If there is a water spot on the ceiling, does it mean a few shingles on the roof need to be replaced? Or does an entirely new roof need to be purchased?
Reggie Marston, president of Residential Equity Management Home Inspections in Springfield, Va., says it is important to thoroughly assess any defects in a home. Call in experts as necessary to help decide whether the repair is a major or minor expense, he says.
"Homeowners should have some method of determining the extent of the problem and how to have it corrected," Marston says.
Relatively common defects -- such as cracks in concrete or worn wooden decks -- may offer clues as to whether they can be solved with a quick, cheap fix, or whether they require a long, costly remodel, Marston says.
Homeowners need to use these clues in order to spend their repair budget dollars wisely.