Statistics show that you will spend around $250,000 per child from conception through college; and with today’s youth demonstrating a “prolonged adolescence” slump that results in living at home longer than ever, you may want to add a bit more to the tally! Kids are definitely going to cost you, but there are many more hidden repairs that you fail to see at first. Included here are a few home repairs that may come up a bit more frequently with children in the house.
Plumbing Problems
The only thing more curious than a cat is a kid. They feel an undeniable urge to see what your iPhone looks like flushing down the toilet, and, for that matter, what nearly everything looks like going down the toilet. This in turn can cause the toilet pipes to be clogged and may cause waste water overflow from the toilet. In such circumstances, you would probably have to get in touch with a plumber near Shadow Hills (if that’s where you reside) or in the area where you live who can remove the blockage and stop the overflow of waste water. I addition to that, you would probably face countless other plumbing problems with children in the house, and the only way to survive is by having a professional on speed dial and a good sense of humor!
Drywall Patching
Do you remember when your walls were smooth, unaltered pieces of drywall? Neither do most parents! Kids are going to take a toll on your walls, doors and windows during their 18+ years in your home. Learning how to patch drywall yourself can save you cash and keeping extra paint on hand will save you a headache.
Your kids may also reach a stage where punching walls and doors is their preferred method of venting anger. To save the doors, learn how to take them off the hinges when your kids hit their door-slamming, wall-punching teen angst stage.
Window Replacements
While most homeowners have windows that can make it to the 15 year replacement mark, parents may not see the same statistics. Windows can be broken for a variety of reasons, from slamming doors to stray baseballs. Advances in technology have made it possible to create less breakable windows. With a simple coating, your windows can be prevented from shattering, which is a certain benefit with tiny toes around!
Electronic Replacements
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you put a granola bar in the VCR? Here’s a hint, the VCR doesn’t play tapes anymore! Children and electronics go together about as well as cats and water. TVs will be smashed, phones will be dropped and computers will be crashed. You will face countless electronic replacements with children in the house.
Fortunately, there are several ways to cut down your electronic replacement costs. For instance, installing a wall mount for your television can keep it from being knocked over. Consider switching from an iPhone to a Duramax; a phone that is waterproof, shock-resistant and vibration resistant. You can effectively run over a Duramax with your car or drop it in the toilet for up to 30 minutes and it will still work.