Even the best-planned budget can fall apart when an unexpected and unavoidable home repair happens. This can wreak havoc especially if you have no leeway and are currently living week to week on your paycheck. You can take on a part-time job to offset the expense, but unfortunately, it won’t help with the immediate dilemma.
The good news is that there are other options that you can use to assist you in your time of need. You can apply for a personal loan or home equity line of credit. If your credit has taken a hit, however, this will not be an option available to you. Another option is an alternative lender that doesn’t require stellar credit and lets you find suitable alternatives to payday loans online. You can usually acquire one within a day or two and the loan repayment options are weekly, biweekly or monthly, giving you an easy way to make the necessary repair and time to repay the loan. The only requirements they have for approval is a weekly or biweekly paycheck and a bank account.
When it comes to making a home repair, if it’s something that’s out of your realm of knowledge or just something you’d prefer a professional to handle, it’s always best to shop around and get the best price. You should also check the rating of the company and read reviews to see if they meet your standards. Going in blind or using someone that’s less than professional can cost you both additional expenses and valuable time.
You should always get at least two written estimates before you sign on with anyone. This way you can chose the one that you are most comfortable with. This way you know the general cost of the repair before the work actually begins. If the contractor that comes does not offer one in writing, move on to the next one. Another reason for an estimate ahead of time is so that you get to meet the person who’s going to do the work and make sure it’s someone you are compatible with. After all, there may be changes made or problems found out after the work begins and you want to have someone let you feel you can work with.
Another thing to remember, this that you should never have to make the full payment before the work begins. Find out the terms ahead of time and if the contractor refuses to accept less than the entire sum up front, use someone else. Generally, a contractor will ask for 50 percent down and then the balance once the work is complete. Also, get in writing that if any problems arise and the cost of the project will change over a certain amount from the original estimate that they need to consult with you first before continuing. This way there isn’t a huge surprise at the end.
Life happens and sometimes despite your best efforts events come along that are out of your control. Payday loans are an emergency source of income you can acquire quickly to get you through a difficult time. They should, however, never be used as a means to live. If you find that you are living paycheck to paycheck without anything left over, it may be time to consider taking on a part-time job until you reduce your monthly expenses.