The exterior of your home is subject to a lot of wear and tear since it is constantly being worn down. From maintaining your landscape to making sure your drainage system is working, you have a lot to do. It’s important to budget for ongoing repairs and improvements. Many homeowners wonder: How much money should I put aside for exterior home maintenance?
Breaking Down Exterior Maintenance Costs
Before we get into specific numbers, it is important to know the different maintenance tasks involved in the upkeep of your house’s exterior. Exterior house maintenance is more than just a periodic task. It includes everything from cleaning to repairs and major renovations. The needs of your home may differ depending on its size, location and age. If you live in an area that is subject to harsh weather, you will likely have to spend more money on repairs and upgrades, especially for your roof and windows.
Roofing contractors recommend, for example, inspecting your roof at least every couple of years to make sure it is secure and does not need repairs or replacements. Roof damage can cause serious problems such as water damage and mold. The same is true for issues with your windows, doors and siding. These can cause extensive damage to your home.
The Importance of Regular Inspections
When you set aside money to maintain your exterior home, it’s not just about paying for repairs if something goes wrong. Regular inspections will help you catch problems before they grow into larger and more expensive issues. You can avoid costly repairs by hiring roofing contractors and local siding contractors every few years to inspect your house. A simple inspection of your roofing, gutters and siding, as well as windows and doors, can save you thousands in future repairs.
You may want to schedule regular inspections of high-impact windows and doors if you live in a stormy area. It’s important to ensure that these specialized windows are installed correctly, and are working as intended. If your home is in a more temperate climate, an inspection may be required only every few years.
How Much Should You Set Aside?
According to a general rule, homeowners should set aside 1% of the value of their house each year for exterior maintenance. If your home is valued at $300,000 you will need to budget approximately $3,000 per year for exterior house maintenance. This estimate is a great starting point but it’s important to take into account the age of your house, the materials you used and where you live.
Maintenance costs are influenced by many factors. Repairing or replacing your roof can cost anything from $5,000 to $20,000. This depends on the materials used and the size of the roof. The cost to replace siding, windows, doors or other components can also vary widely, especially when you choose higher-quality materials, such as high impact windows and door. These windows and doors offer more protection from storms and burglars than standard models, but are also more expensive.
Major Repairs and Replacement Costs
At some point, every homeowner will have to pay for major repairs. Major repairs can include replacing your roof, fixing your foundation or installing new doors and windows. Roof replacement or repair can be one of the most expensive expenses. Roofing contractors recommend that roofs be replaced every 20-30 years depending on the type of material. You’ll have to budget for materials, labor and perhaps a dumpster rental in order to dispose of your old roof materials.
It can also be costly to replace windows or doors. Most homeowners upgrade to high-impact windows and doors that provide extra protection and insulation. These windows can be more expensive than standard ones, but they will save you money over time by improving your energy efficiency and preventing damage from weather. The cost to upgrade to high-impact windows and door varies depending on how many windows and doors need to be replaced and the quality and quantity of materials.
Budgeting for Smaller Maintenance Tasks
Budgeting for minor tasks is important, too. This can include routine house maintenance, such as power washing, gutter cleaning, and painting. These small tasks may seem insignificant, but they can add up. Painting your house’s exterior once every five to seven years could cost you anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on its size and type of paint.
You’ll also want to budget money for maintenance related to landscaping. For your yard to be in top condition, you’ll need to perform tasks such as tree trimming, shrub care, and lawn mowing. You’ll need to factor in the costs of hiring paving contractors, renting equipment such as a forklift or a dumpster to deal with debris if you plan to do a large project like pave a driveway or create a patio.
Seeking Help From the Right Contractors
Knowing when to hire professionals is a key component of putting money aside for exterior house maintenance. Some minor tasks are easy to do on your own. Others require professional expertise. Roofers, for instance, are equipped with the necessary experience and tools to safely handle roof replacements and repairs. Local siding contractors will ensure your siding is installed and maintained correctly, preventing costly problems down the line.
It’s important to compare multiple quotes when hiring professionals to perform exterior house maintenance. This will ensure that you are getting the best price. You should also choose contractors with a good track record and who have experience in working on similar homes. If you want to replace or repair your foundation, an excavation contractor is essential. Septic tank pumping, on the other hand, is necessary if you own a septic.
Setting Up an Emergency Fund for Unexpected Repairs
Even when regular maintenance is performed, unexpected emergencies may arise. Storm damage, falling trees or structural problems can all be a part of this. A separate emergency fund for exterior house repairs can reduce the stress caused by unexpected costs. Idealy, you should allocate a portion of your budget to emergency repairs. This will allow you to address urgent issues quickly without having your regular maintenance fund drained.
It’s also important to prepare a plan for damage. If a storm damages your roof, you should contact roofing contractors immediately to prevent further damage. You may need excavation contractors to stabilize your foundation if it is being compromised by shifting soil. These professionals are available to help with repairs.
Budgeting 1% of the value of your house per year for exterior maintenance is a great place to start. If your house is older, or if it has experienced significant problems in the past you may need to budget more. If you live in an area that is prone to heavy storms and extreme temperatures, for example, you will likely have to spend more money on the maintenance of your windows and door.
Home with unique or complex features, such as landscaping, may also require more maintenance. If you have a large drive that requires regular resurfacing, or paving, then you will need to budget the cost for hiring paving contractors, and renting equipment. It’s important to budget for the cost of regular septic tanks pumping if your property has one. This will ensure that it remains functional.
Weather’s Impact on Maintenance Costs
Weather is one of the biggest factors that affects exterior house maintenance. The weather in your area will have a significant impact on the maintenance required to maintain your home. The structural integrity of the exterior of your home can be seriously compromised in regions that experience heavy snowfalls, freezing temperatures or high winds. In cold climates, roofing contractors find that homeowners are more likely to need to replace roofs due to the accumulation of snow and ice. This can cause leaks, icicles damaging the gutters and structural damage.
Hurricane-resistant windows and door materials, like high impact windows or doors, are essential in areas prone to severe storms. These products are specially designed to protect your home against costly damage caused by hurricane-level wind. During storm season, security screen doors and other exterior features can provide additional protection to your home. In areas that experience heavy rainfall, regular maintenance of your landscaping and foundation is essential. Poor drainage can cause erosion and flooding. These risks can be reduced by working with contractors to repair or install drainage systems.
Planning for Large-Scale Exterior Renovations
Exterior house maintenance can involve large-scale projects to improve your home’s appearance and functionality. If you plan to renovate your home’s outside, create new outdoor living areas, or replace important components such as windows, doors, and siding, you should set aside more money for this project. These projects often require specialized labor. For example, siding contractors can help you improve the aesthetics and energy efficiency of your home by installing new cladding.
You may need to rent heavy equipment for these projects. Renting a forklift can be required to move large materials such as siding or shingles. A roll-off dumpster is needed to manage waste during demolition and replacement projects. The costs may add up but if you invest in high-quality materials and skilled workers, the renovation will increase your home’s value and improve its curb appeal. These large-scale renovations can be costly, but they can also be worth it if you improve your home’s comfort, safety and energy efficiency.
DIY vs. Hiring Professionals
Homeowners are often faced with a choice when it comes to exterior home maintenance: they can either hire professionals or do the work themselves. You can do some maintenance projects yourself, like cleaning your gutters or power-washing the exterior of your house. Other tasks, especially those that require specialized equipment and skills, should be left to professionals to ensure they’re done safely and correctly. The safety risks and complexity of roof work make it a job best left to experts.
You should be well-equipped if you want to do some exterior work yourself. You may need to rent a forklift to move debris or a dumpster to handle larger projects. It’s important to hire professionals with the right equipment for tasks such as septic system pumping to avoid contamination or damage. Although DIY projects are cost-effective and rewarding for small maintenance tasks, hiring contractors with experience ensures that the job will be done correctly, saving you money over time.
Long-Term Planning for a Well-Maintained Home
Exterior house maintenance requires careful planning and budgeting. You can avoid expensive emergency repairs by setting aside money for annual inspections, upgrades and repairs. Hiring professionals to work with you, whether it’s roofing contractors, local siding or excavation contractors will help ensure your home is safe and comfortable for many years. Budgeting for emergency situations, major repairs and smaller tasks will help you be prepared to face any maintenance challenges that come your way.
Exterior house maintenance requires the attention and resources of experts, as well as a contractor’s supply store. Knowing how much you should set aside to cover these costs will help you maintain your house and prevent costly repairs in the future. Your home will be in great shape for many years if you plan carefully.