Homeowners unaware of costly home repair responsibility

Homeowners who have recently moved into a new home or are currently looking to sell their property are often faced with the daunting task of making home repairs. A recent national survey conducted by GfK Roper Custom Research found less than 50 percent of homeowners knew they were responsible for repairs to the water line on their property, while one third of respondents thought their local utility provider paid for repairs to a busted water line between their house and the street, which is typically untrue.

"The fact that homeowners don't know about their responsibilities in these situations serves to make unexpected and expensive repairs harder to handle," said Tom Rusin, CEO of HomeServe USA.

Homeowners are typically responsible for the water service line from the curb all the way to their property, connecting the water heater, sinks and shower. Problems associated with a poorly maintained water line include loss of water pressure, a lack of water flow or an underground leak that can increase water bills.

According to Medina Home Repair, homeowners who choose to take on their home repairs through renovations conducted by professional companies should make sure the repairs won't end up costing the homeowners more money in the end. Homeowners should meet with the contractor to discuss potential problems that renovations may cause to the home or neighboring properties. This can avoid unexpected bills near the end of the project.

Homeowners should also request a timeline for the completion of the projects, this way contractors and homeowners will not wait until the last minute to make crucial decisions that could end up making the repairs more expensive. All home belongings should be protected throughout the process as well. Owners can put coverings over certain items, or rent a moving truck to transport more delicate pieces to a storage facility.

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