Home Maintenance Budget Guide
Why This Matters
Deferred maintenance leads to expensive emergency repairs. Setting aside a budget ensures preparedness.
What You Should Do
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The 1% rule — Budget 1% of home value annually ($300k home = $3,000/year).
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The square foot rule — $1 per sq ft per year.
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Age matters — Older homes need 2-3%.
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Climate matters — Harsh climates increase costs.
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Save for major replacements — Roof ($8-15k/20-25 yrs), HVAC ($5-10k/15-20 yrs), water heater ($1-2k/10-12 yrs).
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Build emergency fund — 3-6 months expenses.
When to Call a Professional
Regular professional maintenance is much cheaper than emergency repairs. Use our directory for routine maintenance. Investing in prevention saves thousands over your home's lifetime.
The Bottom Line
Staying ahead of general home services maintenance saves money and prevents emergencies. Search our directory for a trusted general home services professional.
