Home repair in Savannah, GA

Savannah homes at a glance

Median year built

1971

Built before 1960

38%

Built since 2000

24%

Owner-occupied

45%

Median home value

$248,900

Main heat

Electric, 68%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates

What Savannah’s housing means for repairs

Savannah's median home was built in 1971, but about 38% of homes predate 1960, including historic row houses and Victorian homes in the Historic District and Victorian District. About 24% were built since 2000, mostly on the south side. About 56% of homes are single-family detached and 45% are owner-occupied.

Electricity heats about 68% of homes and gas about 30%. Older homes have wood windows, plaster walls, raised foundations, porches and original or partially updated wiring. Exterior work in the historic districts follows design review rules, which affects materials and timing for siding, windows and porches.

Weather that wears on Savannah homes

Savannah is hot and humid, with a long summer, heavy afternoon storms and hurricane exposure along the Georgia coast. Hurricanes Matthew in 2016 and Irma in 2017 brought wind and flooding to the area. Humidity rots wood porches, siding and window sills and grows mold in crawlspaces and closets. Termites are active and destructive. Low-lying areas flood during heavy rain and high tides. Live oaks drop limbs during storms. Wasps, mosquitoes and other pests are common in warm months.

Common repairs in Savannah

• Wood rot on porches and trim

  Humidity and rain rot porch floors, columns and window sills on Savannah's older homes.

• AC repair

  AC runs most of the year in Savannah's heat and humidity.

• Historic window repair

  Wood windows in historic homes need sash repair, glazing and paint.

• Termite damage repair

  Termites damage framing, trim and floors in older and newer homes alike.

• Wasp and pest exclusion

  Wasps build nests under eaves and porches each summer.

What these repairs cost

The middle half of Runhome repair estimates nationwide for each kind of job. Your price depends on the scope of the work.

Fix guides for Savannah homeowners

• Porch support column is crumbling at the base

  Porch columns on Savannah's historic homes rot at the base in the humid climate.

• Painted wood is rotten and crumbles when you press it

  Painted wood siding and trim in Savannah rots where humidity and rain get past the paint.

• Ceiling is sagging or coming loose with no leak above it

  Old plaster ceilings in Savannah's historic homes can sag as they pull away from the lath.

• Water is leaking under the sink

  A small leak under a Savannah sink rots cabinets and grows mold fast in the humid air.

Seasonal checklist

Spring

Have a termite inspection and check porch columns and sills for soft wood.

Summer

Clear the AC condensate line and check eaves for wasp nests.

Hurricane season

Trim live oak limbs over the roof and secure loose porch items.

Winter

Repaint and recaulk exterior wood during the cooler, drier months.

Common questions

Do I need approval to repair my house in Savannah's Historic District?

Exterior changes in the historic districts often need design review, especially for windows, siding, porches and roofs. Like-for-like repairs may be simpler. Check with the city before starting so contractors can price the right materials.

How do I stop wood rot on my Savannah porch?

Keep paint in good shape, fix gutters so water does not pour onto the porch, and replace rotted boards and column bases before rot spreads. Treated or composite materials last longer where design rules allow.

Why are termites such a problem in Savannah?

Warm, humid weather lets termites stay active much of the year. Keep soil and mulch away from siding, fix leaks and get an annual inspection. Wood repair comes after treatment.

Neighborhoods served

• Historic District
• Victorian District
• Ardsley Park
• Thomas Square
• Starland District

Other Georgia cities

• Home repair in Atlanta
• Home repair in Augusta
• Home repair in Columbus
• Home repair in Macon