What Are the Annual Maintenance Costs When You Own a Home?

• April 22nd

by UrbanTurf Staff

One of the most important aspects of homeownership is maintaining the property that you own, which can be costly. In this article, UrbanTurf looks at the estimated annual maintenance costs associated with homeownership and the most common home maintenance expenses.

In general, homeowners should budget 1% to 4% of their home's value in annual maintenance costs. This range can vary depending on several factors, such as the age and size of the home, the type of property, and the climate in your area.

Here are some of the most common home maintenance expenses to consider:

1. Roof repairs and replacements -- The roof is one of the most critical components of a home, and repairs or replacements can be expensive. The cost of replacing a roof can range from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on the size of the roof and materials used.

2. HVAC -- Heating and cooling systems require regular maintenance. This can include annual inspections, filter replacements, and repairs, which can cost between $100 to $1,000 per year.

3. Plumbing repairs -- Plumbing problems are one of the most common home repairs, with issues such as burst pipes or sewer backups costing thousands of dollars to fix. Annual plumbing maintenance can help prevent these problems and cost between $100 to $300 per year.

4. Lawn and landscaping -- Maintaining a healthy lawn and landscaping can add to the beauty of your home, but it can also be costly. Homeowners can expect to pay between $500 to $2,000 per year on landscaping services and equipment.

5. Paint and siding -- Over time, the exterior of your home will require maintenance, such as repainting or repairing damaged siding. These costs can range from $2,000 to $20,000, depending on the size and materials used.

It's important to note that unexpected home repairs can also arise, such as a broken water heater or a damaged window. To prepare for these costs, homeowners should consider setting aside an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. 

This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/what_are_the_annual_maintenance_costs_when_you_own_a_home/20885.