Did you know that most families spend more than $10,000 a year to keep their homes running smoothly? From the roof to the plumbing, you need to set a budget for the cost of fixing essential systems. For example, the roof maintenance cost alone averages around $1,300 per year.1
Yet, what really drives up long-term costs isn't just wear and tear; it's deferred maintenance.
Four out of 10 homebuyers say that hidden maintenance costs in their properties have turned out to be higher than they expected.2 By chipping away at regular maintenance, you convert large, unexpected fees into predictable, smaller expenses. This shift allows you to budget for the longevity and safety of your home, ensuring it stays in good working order without major disruption to your personal finances.
What can go wrong when you postpone maintenance?
Every $1 of deferred maintenance can cost up to $4 in future repairs or replacements. Furthermore, neglecting maintenance can lead to reduced efficiency, safety risks and even a lower property value. Instead of saving money, postponing a maintenance schedule can turn a minor fix into a more stressful and expensive replacement.
- Increased possibility of breakdowns: Skipping a simple heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) tune-up can make the system less efficient, increase utility bills and make a system failure more likely.
- Reduced home value: Visible neglect — such as peeling paint, cracked driveways or overflowing gutters — may signal to potential buyers and appraisers that there could be hidden maintenance issues.
- Safety and liability risks: Unchecked issues such as loose railings, faulty wiring or a crumbling walkway can potentially lead to serious accidents and liability issues.
- Shortened equipment life: Without preventive care, components such as water heaters, furnaces and appliances can have a reduced lifespan, and you may need to replace them.
Here's a closer look at the key maintenance areas — and how staying on top of them can protect your home.
10 most important home maintenance tasks to protect your home's value and efficiency
The biggest financial risks often stem from your home's essential systems, including roofing, HVAC and plumbing. By servicing systems regularly, you can reduce the chance of failure and avoid the costly bills or total replacements.3
ACCESS YOUR COMPLETE CHECKLIST
1. Roof and gutters
Unaddressed roof leaks can be costly. Simple habits, such as having shingles checked and gutters cleaned twice a year, can prevent leaks, sagging and expensive damage later.
Approximate average annual maintenance cost: $150-$1,000
What to budget for: Twice-yearly gutter cleaning, shingle checks and minor sealing
2. HVAC systems
Imagine your AC failing during a summer heatwave or your furnace not working on the coldest nights of winter. More often than not, such malfunctions occur because of lapsed maintenance.
Replacing your HVAC system can cost $18,000 or more. So routine maintenance is important. Periodically clear out vents and filters, check outdoor units, unclog the chimney and schedule seasonal tune-ups to extend the life of your HVAC systems.
Approximate average annual maintenance cost: $100-$1,000+
What to budget for: Annual maintenance for furnace/AC tune-ups, as well as AC coil cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, furnace cleaning and air duct cleaning
3. Plumbing
Water damage is one of the most common and expensive home repair issues. Therefore, it's important to regularly check under sinks, behind toilets and around your water heater for leaks. Clean drains to prevent clogs and, if you have a septic tank, schedule regular pumping to keep it functioning correctly.
Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment. Flushing helps your water heater run efficiently and extends its lifespan, saving you from the costly expense of early replacement. You can also install a smart water-detection system that will immediately alert you when it detects a leak.
Approximate average annual maintenance cost: $200-$700
What to budget for: Drain cleaning, leak checks and septic tank pumping (where applicable)
Sewer line repair costs range from $2,500 to $4,000, while a complete replacement, depending on the job's complexity, typically costs between $3,000 and $7,000.4
4. Landscaping and exterior
Protect your foundation by ensuring that water drains away from it. Trim trees and shrubs away from the roof and gutters to prevent storm damage and pests. Schedule time to clean decks and power wash surfaces to prevent rot and deterioration.
Approximate average annual maintenance cost: $1,200-$3,600+
What to budget for: Lawn care, seasonal tree trimming and power washing/deck maintenance
5. Pest control
Termite damage costs US homeowners more than $5 billion annually, and most insurance policies don't cover it. Regular inspections can help detect problems before they spread.
Approximate average annual maintenance cost: $300-$900
What to budget for: Quarterly or annual inspection, depending on circumstances and targeted treatment if needed
6. Chimney and fireplace
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, annual maintenance is essential for both safety and efficiency. Even if you rarely use your fireplace, yearly maintenance is necessary; otherwise, birds and debris can block vents and cause ventilation problems.
Approximate average annual maintenance cost: $150-$750
What to budget for: Annual sweeping and Level 1 inspection (for wood burning only)
7. Electrical system
Faulty wiring and overloaded circuits are more common than most people think. Check outlets, switches and your electrical panel for signs of wear.
Approximate average annual maintenance cost: $100-$300
What to budget for: Periodic inspection of the electrical panels and any repairs to outlets and switches
8. Insulation and ventilation
Good insulation and airflow keep your home comfortable and energy efficient. Seal gaps, replace worn weatherstripping and check attic vents for drafts. Upgrading insulation or sealing windows can cut HVAC bills by up to 20%.
Windows generally last for years, but you can replace them if you notice fogging, leaks or damage to the frame. Be sure to check with your state or local utility provider to see if they offer a free or low-cost home energy efficiency program.
Approximate average annual maintenance cost: Minimal, but major cost if replacement is required.
What to budget for: Checking attic vents, weatherstripping and caulking to prevent drafts
9. Foundation and basement
Cracks, leaks or poor drainage can cause significant issues in your home's foundation. Inspect walls and floors annually, test your sump pump and ensure water drains away from the house.
Approximate average annual maintenance cost: Minimal, but major cost if repairs are required
What to budget for: Annual inspection to check for cracks and seepage, as well as sump pump testing
10. Appliances
Appliances make our lives easier. However, if they stop working, the repair expenses can increase significantly. So, it's wiser to have them checked periodically to prevent major issues or breakdowns.
- Washer and dryer: Clean lint traps and vents regularly, check hoses for leaks and run a cleaning cycle on your washer.
- Refrigerator: Vacuum coils twice a year and check door seals to maintain efficiency.
- Oven and stovetop: Clean burners, drip pans and vents to prevent grease buildup and reduce fire hazards.
- Dishwasher: Inspect hoses, clean filters and run a vinegar cycle to prevent buildup.
Approximate average annual maintenance cost: Minimal, unless repairs are needed
What to budget for: Keep an appliance maintenance log. Knowing the last service date helps spot issues early and supports warranty claims.Home maintenance action plan
- Create a budget: Use the 1% rule as a baseline: set aside 1% of your home's total value annually for maintenance and repairs, potentially with as much as 4% for older properties.
- Start a maintenance binder: Keep all appliance manuals, warranty information, contractor receipts and maintenance logs in one central physical or digital file.
- Prioritize safety: Never put off critical safety tasks such as testing smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors or cleaning the dryer vent (to reduce fire risk). Immediately address any suspected electrical or gas pipeline issues.
- Consider doing it yourself (DIY): Making home repairs yourself can be cost-effective, but may not be appropriate for serious repairs. Always call a licensed professional for major repairs on electrical and HVAC systems, as well as roofing repairs.
Smart tips for protecting your home and insurance coverage
Ensuring regular maintenance not only helps you avoid unwanted expenses but also retains your property's value and sets you up for smooth insurance renewals.
However, when repairs are required, always document the damage and carefully review the details of your insurance policy. This information proves to your insurer whether the loss was accidental or caused by neglect.
Connect with one of our Personal Insurance advisors for guidance on how home maintenance and improvements can impact your insurance and ensure you have the right coverage.
Learn more about Gallagher's personal insurance products.
Home maintenance FAQs
Maintenance costs may vary depending on the location, materials used and the professionals you hire.