Home Maintenance Planning
A simple, year-round maintenance plan costs less than a single emergency repair and protects every major system in your home.
The 1% rule (and when it's wrong)
Plan on 1% of your home's value per year for maintenance. Older homes (30+ years), coastal homes, and homes with pools, septic, or wells need 2%–4%. Put the money in a dedicated savings bucket so it's ready when the water heater dies in February.
The 10 systems to track
- Roof & gutters
- HVAC (filters, coils, refrigerant)
- Water heater (anode rod, flush)
- Plumbing (shutoffs, leaks, sewer line)
- Electrical panel & smoke/CO detectors
- Windows, doors, & weatherstripping
- Foundation & drainage
- Exterior (siding, paint, caulk)
- Appliances (dryer vent, fridge coils, dishwasher)
- Pest prevention & landscaping clearance
Track it somewhere
A spreadsheet, a Notion page, or a phone reminder app — anything beats memory. Log the date of each service, the cost, and the next due date. At resale, this binder is worth real money.
Build your maintenance plan in 30 minutes
Build your maintenance plan in 30 minutes
- 1Inventory your systems
Note brand, age, and last-service date for HVAC, water heater, roof, and major appliances.
- 2Assign each task to a season
Spring: roof, gutters, AC. Summer: exterior. Fall: heat, chimney, drainage. Winter: detectors, plumbing checks.
- 3Set calendar reminders
Recurring monthly + seasonal reminders are the only thing that actually works long-term.
- 4Fund the bucket
Automate a monthly transfer into a 'home reserve' account equal to 1%–2% of home value per year.
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Frequently asked questions
How much should I budget for home maintenance per year?
1% of the home's value is the common baseline. Older or coastal homes should plan on 2%–4%. A $400,000 home = $4,000–$16,000/year in expected upkeep.
What maintenance is most often skipped — and most expensive when it fails?
HVAC filter changes, water heater flushing, gutter cleaning, and dryer vent cleaning. All are cheap; all cause four- and five-figure damage when ignored.
Does a maintenance log help at resale?
Yes. Buyers and inspectors view documented maintenance as evidence the home was cared for. It supports asking price and shortens negotiation.
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Estimates and guidance are educational. Always confirm with a licensed local professional before making decisions.