3 Ways To Ensure Home Maintenance Doesn’t Break the Bank

Can You Cover $6K?

Unexpected expenses have the potential to put you in a financial rut. Having cash on hand to cover day-to-day expenses and monthly bills is one thing. But how do you pay if the floor falls out from under you – literally?

According to insurance firm Hippo (HIPO), the average outlay for home maintenance and repairs in 2022 was $6,000. Home services website Angi (ANGI) conducted a separate study, combining maintenance and home emergency spending, resulting in an average of $4,420.

The 1% Rule

In order to prepare for any unexpected expense, you need to build up an emergency fund. In the case of home maintenance, a good rule of thumb is to set aside anywhere from 1% to 3% of your home’s purchase price. Experts say this should help cover improvements, upkeep, and repairs in a given calendar year.

As of November, the median selling price for a home checked in at $393,756, per Redfin (RDFN). That means the median emergency fund concerning home improvement and repair ranges between $4,000 and $12,000.

Maintain and Monitor

While you’re building up that cash reserve, keep hammering away at the final two steps of this three-part plan.

First, consider maintenance. While money spent on small repairs will take away from your emergency fund in the short term, it’ll also mean fewer surprises later. Plus, some things – like swapping in a new furnace filter – can be done without the help of a professional.

Finally, monitor your home’s systems, such as heating and cooling. Major appliances, plumbing fixtures, and your home’s electricity also fall under this category. By keeping track of when old devices will likely need to be replaced, you’ll experience less anxiety – and avoid the collateral damage you may face if they fail.

For homeowners, there’s no better comfort than four sound walls, a roof over your head, and a solid reserve of cash in case any of them cave in.

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