Recently, I came across some shocking stats on the cost of home maintenance. The average home in the US costs $18,000 a year to maintain (including taxes, insurance, HOA fees, utilities, and cable or internet). That’s a whopping amount, especially considering the average age of a home is 43 years old in the US.
Of course, some areas of the US are more expensive than others, and Central Florida is still relatively affordable. This isn’t an article discussing rent vs. buy, but of course, this high number gives one pause. So, how do you keep this number under control? Besides shopping insurance, internet, and conserving water/power, you can commit to regularly inspecting and maintaining your home. Repairs cost money. Small fixes cost less than big repairs, and something that could have been fixed inexpensively can become an expensive headache over time.
14 Ways to Save Money on Home Maintenance
1. Be proactive with your a/c system – change filters, clear the drain line with vinegar, and consider getting the unit serviced annually.
2. Inspect and clean out gutters. Caulk any leaks.
3. Check for interior leaks under sinks and around toilets, showers, and tubs. Caulk if necessary and immediately repair leaks. A plumber or handyman can help, but you may be able to do it yourself.
4. Check the exterior for cracks or places where rodents and bugs can get in. Seal them up! Scrap and re-paint areas where paint is peeling.
5. Trim shrubs and trees away from walls, roofs, and utility lines.
6. Go to a “do it yourself” pest control shop and talk to the folks about any pests you’re dealing with. You might be surprised how easy it is to do pest control yourself.
7. Get a professional to do a termite inspection if you see any mystery bugs or “frass” (termite poop – it will look a little like a pile of sand). In fact, you can take a bug to a “do it yourself” shop, and they will identify it for you. A termite inspection is inexpensive, and it could save you thousands down the road.
8. If you have exterior wood like a deck, make sure it is sealed. Most people working in a paint department will gladly help you find the product you need and advise you how to use it.
9. Blow debris and leaves off your roof.
10. Deep clean: degrease range hoods, vacuum the air intake at the back of a fridge, clean under the fridge and the range, clean the dryer including the exhaust hose, clean grout and carpets, and clean ceiling fans…the list here is pretty endless. A little prevention goes a long way.
11. Make sure your smoke alarms are functioning. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
12. Turn on your sprinklers and check to see if they are functioning properly in every zone. Especially check for water spraying against the house.
13. Consider buying a pressure washer. I bought an inexpensive one a few years ago (about $150), and it has paid for itself many times over.
14. If you have an attic crawl space, take a peek up there once in a while. Check for any leaks or pests. Sometimes a roof leak can be spot-repaired instead of an entire roof needing to be replaced.
And my best tip for doing things yourself is YouTube. You can find DIY home maintenance channels on how to repair, clean, replace, apply, and test almost anything. A five-minute video may give you the confidence you need to do something you didn’t think you could do yourself. I love the wholesome videos of Dad, How do I? Of course, we all need to hire professionals when the job calls for it. The State Farm Insurance website has some useful charts detailing the cost of big-ticket items and their expected lifespans. Knowing how long something will last and how much it will cost to replace is helpful budgeting information.
