
Here are a few of the average home maintenance and repair costs:
- HVAC: $110-$200 annually; $3,000-$6,000 for replacement
- Water heater: $80-$100 annually; $750-$1,400 for replacement
- Gutters: $75-$150 annually; $1,000-$2,500 for replacement
- Fireplace: $125-$375 annually; $400-$$2,000 for replacement
- HOA fees: $250 monthly maintenance; $10,200 for five years
- Repairs and general maintenance: $170 monthly maintenance; $10,200 for five years
What is the average monthly cost for home maintenance?
This would equate to $2,000 for a 2,000 square foot home, or $166 per month. The 10% Rule: Put aside 10% of all your main monthly expenses (mortgage, taxes, insurance) for your monthly home maintenance budget. For example, if your mortgage is $1500/month, taxes $300/month, and insurance $150/month (a total of $1950), your budget for home maintenance should be roughly $195 per month or $2,340 a year.
What does home maintenance really cost?
The go-to rule of thumb when budgeting for home maintenance is to set aside one to two percent of your home’s cost each year to cover repairs to or replacement of home systems and appliances. So, if your home cost $250,000, you should set aside $2,500 to $5,000 a year, or $208 to $417 a month, in order to build up a cushion for those ...
What is the annual cost of maintaining a home?
“Our latest ‘State of Home Spending’ report has average [annual] upkeep spending at $3,192, roughly 1% of the median home value in the U.S., which is a little over $300,000.” The 1% rule is not a perfect measure for everyone.
How much spent on house maintenance?
What might catch you by surprise on the homeownership front, however, is the cost of maintenance and repairs. While that figure can vary from year to year, you can generally expect to spend between 1% and 4% of your home's value on upkeep. That assumes, however, that you don't face a major repair.
What Is Included in Home Maintenance Costs?
What Are the Hidden Costs of Buying a Home?
How does age affect home maintenance?
What is the 1 percent rule?
How does humidity affect your home?
Why is it important to have a budget for house maintenance?
Why do gutters burst in frigid temperatures?
See 4 more
About this website

What is included in maintenance costs?
Maintenance expenses are costs incurred when performing routine actions to keep an asset in its original condition. Examples of maintenance costs include simple electrical repairs, bulb replacement, paint touch-ups, pool cleaning, lawn care, etc.
What does house maintenance include?
Property maintenance includes a wide range of responsibilities and requests. A few of these might include responding to a tenant's maintenance requests, maintaining landscaping, servicing and repairing HVAC systems, performing pest control, or even cleaning or painting common areas.
How much does it cost to maintain a 2000 sq ft house?
The Square Foot Rule: Save one dollar for every square foot of your home. This would equate to $2,000 for a 2,000 square foot home, or $166 per month. The 10% Rule: Put aside 10% of all your main monthly expenses (mortgage, taxes, insurance) for your monthly home maintenance budget.
How much should you put aside for home maintenance?
According to the one percent rule, you should set aside at least one percent of your home's value every year for home maintenance. For a $360,000 house, this works out to $3,600 per year, or $300 per month.
What is the most important home maintenance?
Do Annually:Flush water heater.Clean out dryer vent.Defrost freezer.Wash home exterior and touch up paint.Check weather stripping around windows and doors.Have chimney inspected and cleaned.Create defensible space around home in case of fire.Power wash and reseal deck.
What regular maintenance should be done on a house?
Monthly Home MaintenanceCheck HVAC system filters. ... Look for leaks around toilets and sinks. ... Inspect grout and caulking. ... Check kitchen vent/range hood filter. ... Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors. ... Trip your GFCI outlets. ... Stroll around outside.
How much does the average American spend on house maintenance per year?
It might help you to know the average American spends $3,018 a year on home maintenance, according to Angi. But your costs may be lower or higher depending on the age and condition of your home.
How do I save for home repairs?
Set aside 1 percent to 3 percent of your home's purchase price each year in a separate savings account specifically for home maintenance and repairs. For example, if your home cost $300,000, set aside at least $3,000 each year. Make one large deposit or spread the amount out in monthly deposits. Assess your needs.
How much does the average American spend on groceries a month?
While around $412 per month is the average amount U.S. households spend on food, that doesn't mean that's how much you should budget for your own grocery bill each month.
How much money should a homeowner have in savings?
Many financial experts suggest that new homeowners should be aiming to save at least six to 12 months' worth of expenses in liquid savings account for rainy days.
How do you budget for home improvements?
How much to budget for a renovation. Homeowners should be budgeting at least 20% over the estimated cost of the renovation. Sit down with your contractor, be realistic about your budget, and set a contingency line item for 20% of the projected costs.
How much should you save a month?
At least 20% of your income should go towards savings. Meanwhile, another 50% (maximum) should go toward necessities, while 30% goes toward discretionary items. This is called the 50/30/20 rule of thumb, and it provides a quick and easy way for you to budget your money.
What is the meaning of home maintenance?
It's about maintaining the structure, fixtures and fittings – and ensuring your home stays safe, secure and looked after for you in day to day life, and in emergencies. It's NOT things like cleaning, gardening etc… – which I class as chores more than maintenance.
Why our houses need maintenance every year?
As a homeowner, it's essential that you maintain and care for your property, especially if you are planning to rent it out or sell it in the future. If a house is in worn-down condition, you could easily lose over 10 – 20% (this could run to tens of thousands or lakhs of rupees) of the property value during a resale.
Average Home Maintenance Costs: Estimate Your Annual Expenses Here
Homeownership comes with many regular costs, including property taxes, utilities, insurance, and, of course, home maintenance. The National Home Builders Association (NAHB) reports that home maintenance accounts for 10% of a homeowner’s annual property operating cost.. Surprised by that figure?
What Is the Average Cost of Maintaining a House in 2020?
Average Home Maintenance Costs: The Simple Rule. The truth of the matter is that home maintenance costs can vary wildly. They’re dependent on a number of factors, including but not limited to the area in which the home is located, the climate surrounding the home, the way that the residents treat the home, and just general dumb luck.
How does porch calculate average home maintenance costs?
Porch calculated average home maintenance costs by multiplying the average cost per maintenance task with the average project frequency.
What is the most expensive maintenance?
Pool cleaning is the most expensive regular maintenance cost for homeowners.
Where is Matt from Sacramento Valley?
Matt is a Sacramento Valley native and current Portland, Oregon resident who is always happy to be writing. He holds a degree in English Literature and Technocultural Studies from the University of California, Davis, and is a recent inaugurate to the exciting world of real estate.
Does home insurance cover natural disasters?
It’s critical to have natural disaster insurance to cover these costs. Homeowner’s insurance policies typically don’t cover damage caused by uncontrollable events like earthquakes, floods, or tornados.
What are some websites that can help homeowners find contractors?
A number of online services such as Kukun, Angi and HomeAdvisor can help homeowners find professional contractors and repair workers, while websites such as NestEgg can do the same for landlords.
How long does a furnace last?
Furnace: Homeowners can expect their furnace to last at least 15 years. The size of a house and the type of furnace will dictate the price, but Slipko says $3,500 is an average cost. "Natural gas furnace installation is typically more expensive out of all furnace types and can range from $5,000 to $7,000 for an installation cost," he adds.
How many homeowners delayed repairs in 2020?
Also, be realistic about your abilities. According to a survey by Travelers Insurance, 42% of U.S. homeowners delayed a needed repair in 2020 because of the pandemic. While most people simply left the repair undone, 19% tried to do it themselves and failed.
How much does it cost to replace an air conditioner?
Air conditioner: Central air conditioners may need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, and Howery says their price tag can run from $3,200 to $8,000. Again, the size of the house will partially dictate the cost of a replacement unit.
How much does it cost to replace a roof?
Roofing: Asphalt shingles can last 15 to 30 years, and replacement costs may run $5 to $8 per square foot. Owners of a 2,000 square-foot home should plan on spending roughly $14,000 for a new roof, according to Howery.
How much does it cost to have HVAC tune ups?
HVAC tuneups: Heating and cooling systems should be inspected at the start of their respective seasons. A routine inspection could cost between $65 to $125, according to Howery. Repairs, if needed, can run into the hundreds of dollars. "Gas furnaces can cost more due to the complexity of natural gas piping and valves," he says, and an improperly functioning air conditioning compressor could be as much as $1,000 to fix.
How much does it cost to maintain a lawn?
If you hire this work out, monthly costs could range from $200-$250 or more.
What does a home warranty cover?
A home warranty helps cover the cost of things that homeowners insurance doesn’t cover. The typical home warranty pays in part for repairs and replacements of a home’s major components, such as:
What is included in annual home maintenance?
What’s included in annual home maintenance? First of all, there’s routine maintenance such as lawn care, pest control, and minor repairs (like fixing a leaky faucet). Outside of your maintenance costs, you also have to leave room in your budget for potential major repairs (like replacing the roof).
What is a lawn starter?
LawnStarter is a startup making lawn care easy affordable and reliable. Follow this blog to stay tuned with what you need to keep your lawn in tip-top shape year-round.
How much does it cost to clean gutters?
Professional gutter cleaning costs about $162 on average, and you should ideally have your gutters cleaned twice a year, which means an annual cost of about $324. An annual roof inspection costs on average $275.
Why is pressure washing a bigger house?
In a larger house, you have more space to take care of. Pressure washing the roof and walls takes longer, preventive pest control treatments have to cover more ground, and HVAC systems have to work harder to keep rooms heated or cooled. There are also more things that can go wrong and require repairs in a larger house.
How often should I fix a leaky faucet?
Minor repairs: The kind of small, relatively easy fixes a home may need every few months (i.e. fixing a leaky faucet, replacing a cracked tile, or installing a new light switch)
Why are older homes more expensive to repair?
Plus, those older systems can be more expensive to repair because the parts aren’t readily available.
How Does the Age of the Home Affect Maintenance Costs?
The simple fact is that older homes cost more to maintain. Given that materials wear down through years of use, construction standards change every decade, and technology improves the way home builders construct new homes, it’s impossible not to consider the things that might need updates and repairs in an older home.
What factors affect the average cost of home repairs?
There are many factors that affect the average cost of home repairs including age of home, cost of living in a given area, and regional labor shortages. There are very few decisions more financially impactful than buying a home. And while most people think about the obvious ones, like applying for the initial home loan, property taxes, ...
How much premium is needed to maintain a home in a high cost city?
If one is to take the above averages, it’s safe to assume a premium of at least .5% – 2% additional budget required to keep a home maintained in a high-cost city. Keep in mind too, that in these more expensive cities, home values are higher, meaning the overall budget exponentially increases.
Is it important to budget for maintenance and repairs?
One important note regarding budgeting for maintenance and repairs is that there will be years where it’s more than likely that nothing will go wrong or no maintenance will be required. However, in order to prepare for any catastrophic failures (major plumbing or electrical issues, remodels, new roofs, etc.) keeping a growing savings to cover these costs will prevent financial hardship.
Where is roof replacement more expensive?
A roof replacement in a more expensive city like Seattle, San Francisco, or Washington D.C., is going to also cost more in comparison to more affordable parts of the country. As the cost of living goes up in any city, so do home maintenance costs.
Where are reviews.com from?
Our writers, researchers, and editors came together from Charlotte, Seattle, San Juan, Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, and Chicago to put this review together.
Do you need to replace a dishwasher in the 1980s?
Still, using the above scale, it’s fair to make some assumptions about how older homes increase the overall maintenance required and potential room for repairs; that dishwasher from the 1980s is going to need to be replaced soon, and the old knob and tube in that 1930s fixer upper will need to be removed at some point.
How to budget for maintenance and repairs?
If you’ve lived in your home for a number of years and you’ve kept the place up, one way to budget for maintenance and repairs is to look at what you spent last year. Repairs and replacements, especially, can seem like one-time expenditures. However, over time they tend to average out. The refrigerator may have been replaced last year, but in a 20-year-old house, that’s not the only thing that’s wearing out. This year, it may be the dishwasher or water heater. Get ready for it.
How many times does Epps find that clients reject the idea of adding a line item to their budget?
Epps finds that almost 70% of the time, clients actually reject the idea of adding such a line item in their budget. But here’s why you should—and how much you should allot to this important fund.
How to predict home maintenance costs?
Another way to predict expenses for home upkeep is to look at how many square feet you have, both in the house and outside. Home prices vary widely throughout the country, but as a general rule, the bigger the house and lot, the higher your maintenance costs. A home on significant acreage generally requires more maintenance than a tract house on a postage stamp–size lot, regardless of how much the house is worth. Or when you need a new roof, you’ll pay a lot more on a larger house.
What to do if you hear a squirrel?
If you hear noises from rodents and squirrels, take action immediately. “Rodents and squirrels are known for using insulation for building nests and gnawing on wires, which can lead to electrical fires,” he says. Learn the basics of home maintenance. You can save a lot of money by learning home maintenance basics.
How old should a house be to use 1%?
“If your home is less than 5 years old, then use the lower percentage of 1%, as most of your home’s equipment, appliances, building materials, fixtures, finishes, etc.
How to save money in the long run?
Be proactive in your home maintenance. You’ll save money in the long run by proactively maintaining your home , rather than waiting for something to quit working.
How long should an emergency fund be?
An emergency fund, equal to living expenses for a minimum of one to three months, is often recommended as a buffer for unexpected expenses and loss of income. For example, if you get sick and can’t work for two months, your car breaks down (beyond normal maintenance), or you have to travel on short notice to a funeral—those are all emergencies. ...
What Is Included in Home Maintenance Costs?
By placing a certain percentage of your home’s value into savings every year, you’ll have a reserve for big-ticket items when the time comes to make a major purchase. Because appliances will eventually need to be swapped out, and sooner or later the roof will need replacing, having that savings in place can make a big difference. You’ll be better prepared for unexpected problems as well. Here are a few items that will likely need your attention around your home:
What Are the Hidden Costs of Buying a Home?
Although you may be ready to pay for upgrades after purchasing a home, many unexpected costs can surface right at the closing table. Want to learn more about what your potential home-buying costs might be? Check out our Hidden Costs of Buying a Home Calculator and feel more prepared, confident and ready for closing day!
How does age affect home maintenance?
The age of your home. As your home ages, it’s going to need upkeep and repairs. The age of a home is a big predictor in its overall health. Average repair and maintenance costs can be minimized in older homes by hiring professionals to regularly check in on your appliances and systems. Homes built 30 to 40 years ago will usually require more spending to maintain than homes built within the last decade.
What is the 1 percent rule?
The 1 percent rule. There are many ways to consider saving up and budgeting for home maintenance costs. The 1 percent rule is a good standard because it’s so easy to remember. Just put aside 1 percent of the total purchase price of your home for home maintenance repairs.
How does humidity affect your home?
Humid regions can affect your home’s property maintenance costs. Coastal areas and humid regions can harbor conditions where mold and mildew can flourish. Frequent rainfall or exposure to tropical storms can beat up your roof as temperatures shift from very hot and sunny to wet and cool all year long.
Why is it important to have a budget for house maintenance?
That’s why a solid budget is so important when it comes to managing house maintenance costs. If you’ve put aside cash to spend on upcoming projects — and saved up with each paycheck — you’ll likely find getting the work done is possible. You’ll be able to boost the value of your house and its curb appeal, too!
Why do gutters burst in frigid temperatures?
When insulation around your foundation is lacking , pipes are more likely to burst in frigid temperatures. If your gutters aren’t cleaned out after the leaves have fallen , they’re more likely to create ice dams. Humid regions can affect your home’s property maintenance costs.
