Budgeting for Winter Home Maintenance
Extreme cold and record-setting snow can take a harsh financial toll on homeowners. Many residents are burdened with extra costs associated with everything from snow and ice removal, shovels, salt and sand to home repairs due to ice dams and leaking roofs.
To combat those financial challenges, American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) urges homeowners to create an emergency winter weather budget to manage expected and unforeseen expenses related to your home and snow and ice removal. Just as important, do your research and find potential contractors and services in advance. Go online and research local companies that conduct snow and ice removal. Get quotes ahead of time before crisis strikes and demand explodes. In addition, seek advice from professionals on prevention measures such as gutter cleaning, heating cables and roof salt bags. Basic necessities such as shovels, salt, roof rakes and plows can be cheaper in the summer, so consider getting a head start and purchasing them in the offseason. Online searches for used snow removal equipment such as snow plows can also yield major savings. Source: ACCC |
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