Typical Home Repair and Decorating Costs After Buying a New Home

You have finally sealed the deal on your dream house. Congratulations! Now, on to the Home Repair and Decorating Costs.

Everything should be smooth sailing from this point onwards. For many new home buyers, the home repair and decorating costs associated with the move can be quite a surprise. If you are buying an existing home, there may be small repairs or modifications needed. Most new home buyers also want to add their own style of décor to make the home feel like home.

We understand that buying a new home is one of the most important (and expensive) financial transactions you will ever make. Many home buyers focus most of their financial attention on the list price and transaction costs to get into their new home. But what about costs after you close?

Make sure you are budgeting enough money for your move. Therefore, it’s important to keep in mind potential post-sale costs such as décor and repairs. But the question is: how much money do you need for potential repairs? And how much money should you budget for decorating and updates?

Don’t worry—we’ve listed a few guidelines here to help you plan and budget accordingly. Have a look!

Cost of Repair for a New House

You’ve just spent a considerable sum on your new home. But do you now need to spend on repairs, too?

The home inspection completed during the buying process should uncover any major repairs needed before close. Your real estate agent would help you negotiate the satisfactory completion of these repairs. However, you may find smaller repair items that should be completed upon move-in.

Don’t fret; you don’t need to empty your savings for all repairs. First, understand which repairs and updates are a priority. The total costs will vary depending on the size and style of your home. Also, the products you choose for the repairs and updates are a cost factor.

These are the most important updates you should consider as a priority when you move in:

1. Paint the House

If your new home has chipped, peeling, or outdated paint, you might need a professional painter. Keep in mind that the need for major paint would have been surfaced and handled during the inspection, but you might decide you need a color change or want to freshen it up a bit.

The average cost for a professional paint job for one room (10×12) lies anywhere between $380 and $790. If you are painting the house on your own, then consider the cost of paint and supplies to be around $250 – $300 per room. Exterior and trim painting are more expensive.

Your real estate agent is a valuable source for local, reliable, and cost-effective painters. Make sure you tap into their expertise for advice and referrals.

2. Plumbing

Although any major plumbing repairs should have been dealt with during the inspection process, it’s always a good idea to have the plumbing checked for any leaks or potential issues that could arise later. The last thing you want to deal with after moving is a flooded bathroom or kitchen.

Running toilets are not only irritating but can also cost you in wasted water bills. The same is true for sprinklers. Check to make sure the system is running smoothly and that all sprinkler heads are intact, so you don’t flood the neighborhood with a broken sprinkler head. Getting these items checked by a professional with minor repairs should cost about $160-$430.

3. Get Your Equipment Checked

Safety in your new home is vital. This is why you should invest in a complete check-up and repair job of your mechanical and electrical equipment. This would be a one-time cost, after which you would only need to call in for small repairs or replacements.

Usually, homeowners spend $160 – $510 on an electrician. Once again, any major repairs should have been previously reported on the inspection, but a quick post-sale check-up can give you peace of mind that those smaller, pesky items won’t cause you needless worry.

Cost of Home Décor

There are no set boundaries for how much you should spend on the décor of your new home, as it mainly depends on your creativity and vision. A general rule, however, is that you should set aside at least 3% – 5% of the total cost of your home for major décor and updates.

For example, if you have just bought a $500,000 house, then the cost for your home décor should lie somewhere between $15,000 and $25,000.

Remember that here, we are considering huge updates that will either be one-time costs (e.g., installation of a wall cabinet) or will last for a long time (e.g., furniture) during your stay. No matter what home repair and decorating you choose to do, it’s important to always keep within your budget. So, when setting aside money for repairs and décor, make sure you have enough to cover all your desired updates.