How to Plan for Home Repair Costs Before They Catch You Off Guard

Jun 3

How Do You Plan for Home Repair Costs Before They Hit?

Short Answer:
Budget 1% of your home’s value annually, track recurring maintenance, and log expenses over time. And yes — there’s an app for that.

Why You Need a Home Repair Budget

The average homeowner spends $3,000–$5,000 per year on repairs and upkeep — yet most of us don’t budget for it.

Why? Because repairs don’t follow a schedule.
Your water heater doesn’t care if it’s Christmas. And your HVAC will always break during a heatwave.

Here’s how to get ahead of it:

🧠 1. Use the 1% Rule

Set aside 1% of your home’s value annually for maintenance and repairs.
📊 Example: $400,000 home = $4,000/year (~$333/month)

🛠️ 2. Identify Major Systems

Budget for these big-ticket items:

Roof repairs
HVAC service/replacement
Plumbing + water heater
Exterior paint & siding
Appliances (especially older ones)

📆 3. Log Past Repairs

Tracking what you’ve already fixed gives you insight into what’s next. Example: If your HVAC was replaced 10 years ago, you’re halfway to a new one.

💡 4. Use HomeLedger to Track, Plan, and Save

With HomeLedger, you can:
✅ Track all past repair expenses
✅ Get smart reminders for upcoming maintenance
✅ Store documents, warranties, and receipts
✅ Plan your annual home maintenance budget in one dashboard

No more guessing. No more surprises.

✅ Protect your budget before repairs hit.

👉 Start using HomeLedger today to take control of your home repair costs.

Kyle Benjamin