As all of us know, owning a home in Berks County requires repairs and improvements as the years pass. Most people prepare for their mortgage payment and other costs, but unexpected repairs can surprise anyone. In fact, around 31% of homeowners don't set aside enough for home repairs.

What are some steps you can take to make sure you're ready for your next repair job or improvement project?

Always have a plan

To keep track of the many items on your to-do list as a homeowner, you should make a real to-do list on paper or in a spreadsheet program. Be sure to keep track of regular maintenance items, such as filter replacements and gutter cleaning, as well as upcoming projects. Then make a list of larger updates you would like to do eventually.

Not only will this help you keep track of regular maintenance, but it will also allow you to prioritize repairs that will save you money in the long run. This list will also prove useful if you wish to review the repairs made on particular items over the years to determine if they merit replacement. The buyer will appreciate knowing when those items were taken care of when you sell your home.

Add to your emergency fund

Maintaining a fund for repairs is always a good idea, especially if you don't live in a brand-new house. You can use an emergency fund if unexpected situations arise, or if you lose your income. Start small. Over the months and years, setting aside as much money as possible will add up. There are also apps for your phone that can help set money aside.

Act quickly when it comes to repairs

Take care of a repair as soon as it pops up. Don't wait for the problem to get worse. For example, a leaky faucet can rot the subfloor. Fixing a faucet is far easier than replacing a floor.

Know your financing options

Sometimes a repair may exceed your cash on hand. Make a plan to take care of these larger repairs, such as borrowing from a bank or family member. Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are also financing options.

Consider doing it yourself

Younger homeowners tend to do projects themselves rather than hiring a pro. This can save hundreds on a project. But there's a risk in making huge mistakes that can cost more in the end. Make sure you can handle a project before you DIY.

If you go pro, do your research

Hiring a pro is not a bad idea. You should still research local pros and get a few estimates. Make sure you ask how the project will be done, when it will be completed, whether they're insured and how much experience they have with projects like yours. Don't just pick the lowest-priced contractor. Yes, they could be the best person for the job, or you may wind up spending more to fix their mistakes.

We can help you find the perfect home for sale in Reading and the surrounding communities of Blandon, Boyertown, Douglassville, Exeter Township, Fleetwood, Kutztown, and Oley with our powerful property search tool.