✦ DecoPicks
🏠 Free Tool · 2026 Updated
Home Maintenance
Budget Calculator
Select your home value below to instantly get your personalized annual maintenance budget, priority list, and product picks.
Step 1
What is your home’s approximate value?
This drives your baseline budget using the industry-standard 1–3% maintenance rule.
👆
Select your home value above to instantly see your personalized budget
Your Recommended Annual Budget
$2,000–$4,000
Based on a $150K–$200K home · 1.5–2% maintenance rule
Save monthly: $165–$335/mo
Budget Breakdown by Category
🌡️
HVAC System
$360–$720
🏠
Roof & Gutters
$400–$800
🚰
Plumbing
$240–$480
🛋️
Interior & Décor
$300–$600
🪟
Exterior & Windows
$200–$400
🍳
Appliances Reserve
$200–$400
🔒
Safety Systems
$80–$160
Your Priority Action List
Highest ROI tasks for homes under $200K — do these first
1
🌡️ HVAC filter replacement + annual tune-up
$80–$150/year prevents $3,000–$8,000 emergency replacement. Replace filters every 60 days.
2
🏠 Annual gutter cleaning
Clogged gutters cause fascia rot and foundation damage. Clean twice a year ($0 DIY or $100–$200 pro).
3
🎨 Paint in warm neutral tones
Fresh paint (Accessible Beige, Pale Oak) returns 107–300% ROI. One gallon + supplies = $60–$90.
4
🔧 Kitchen cabinet hardware swap
Replace dated chrome pulls with matte black or brushed brass. Cost $80–$150. ROI: 300–500%.
5
🚨 Test + replace smoke/CO detectors
Smoke detectors: replace every 10 years. CO detectors: every 5–7 years. Cost: $28–$45 each.
Your Recommended Annual Budget
$4,000–$8,000
Based on a $200K–$400K home · 1.5–2% maintenance rule
Save monthly: $335–$665/mo
Budget Breakdown by Category
🏠
Roof & Gutters
$800–$1,600
🌡️
HVAC System
$720–$1,440
🛋️
Interior & Décor
$600–$1,200
🚰
Plumbing
$480–$960
🍳
Appliances Reserve
$400–$800
🪟
Exterior & Windows
$400–$800
🌿
Landscaping
$320–$640
🔒
Safety & Security
$160–$320
Your Priority Action List
Highest ROI tasks for $200K–$400K homes
1
🏠 Roof inspection + gutter cleaning
A $150 roof inspection can catch a $12,000 problem. Clean gutters twice per year — prevents fascia rot and basement flooding.
2
🌡️ HVAC tune-up + filter schedule
Annual service $80–$150. Replace filters every 60–90 days. Extends system life by 5–8 years — saves $4,000–$8,000.
3
🎨 Paint refresh (Warm Minimalism 2026)
Accessible Beige or Pale Oak — 107–300% ROI. Replaces dated grey tones. One room costs $80–$150 DIY.
4
🔧 Bathroom refresh (no remodel needed)
New mirror ($45–$120) + vanity light ($55–$120) + accessories ($50–$80) = 250–400% ROI. Total cost: $150–$320.
5
🧴 Re-caulk bathroom + kitchen
Failed caulk causes mold and water damage. A $15 tube of silicone + 2 hours prevents thousands in repairs.
Your Recommended Annual Budget
$8,000–$14,000
Based on a $400K–$700K home · 1.5–2% maintenance rule
Save monthly: $665–$1,165/mo
Budget Breakdown by Category
🏠
Roof & Gutters
$1,600–$2,800
🌡️
HVAC System
$1,440–$2,520
🛋️
Interior & Décor
$1,200–$2,100
🚰
Plumbing
$960–$1,680
🍳
Appliances Reserve
$800–$1,400
🪟
Exterior & Windows
$800–$1,400
🌿
Landscaping
$640–$1,120
Your Priority Action List
Highest ROI tasks for $400K–$700K homes
1
🏠 Professional roof inspection + preventive maintenance
At this home value, proactive roof maintenance is critical. Annual inspection ($150–$300) + immediate repairs prevent $15,000–$30,000 replacement emergencies.
2
🌡️ HVAC service contract + smart thermostat
Annual service contract ($150–$250/year) covers parts and labor. Add a smart thermostat ($150–$250) — saves 10–15% on energy bills annually.
3
🎨 Full interior refresh with Warm Minimalism palette
At this value, a full interior paint job ($1,200–$3,500 professional) returns $2,500–$6,000. Focus: Accessible Beige, Pale Oak, warm whites.
4
💡 Lighting upgrade — all 3 layers
Replace builder-grade fixtures with pendants ($90–$240), add dimmers ($15–$25/switch), swap all bulbs to 2700K warm white ($30). ROI: 150–250%.
5
🌿 Drainage and foundation check
Grade soil away from foundation, check irrigation for leaks. Foundation issues start at $5,000 — prevention costs $0–$200.
Your Recommended Annual Budget
$14,000–$25,000+
Based on a $700K+ home · 1.5–2.5% maintenance rule
Save monthly: $1,165–$2,085/mo
Budget Breakdown by Category
🏠
Roof & Structure
$2,800–$5,000
🌡️
HVAC Systems
$2,520–$4,500
🛋️
Interior & Décor
$2,100–$3,750
🌿
Landscaping
$1,680–$3,000
🍳
Appliances Reserve
$1,400–$2,500
🚰
Plumbing
$1,400–$2,500
🔒
Security Systems
$560–$1,000
Your Priority Action List
Professional-level maintenance priorities for $700K+ homes
1
📋 Annual whole-home inspection by licensed contractor
At this value, a $300–$500 annual whole-home inspection by a licensed inspector is non-negotiable. Documents condition and catches issues before they become emergencies.
2
🌡️ HVAC service contract — professional plan
Premium service contracts ($250–$500/year) cover priority service, parts, and seasonal tune-ups. Luxury homes often have multiple HVAC zones — each needs annual service.
3
🎨 Professional interior design refresh
At this price point, a $2,000–$5,000 professional design consultation + paint + hardware refresh returns $10,000–$20,000 at resale. Warm Minimalism is the 2026 buyer preference.
4
🏠 Roof + exterior envelope audit
Luxury home roofs (slate, metal, complex geometry) require specialist inspection. Budget $300–$600/year for inspection + preventive sealing.
5
🌿 Professional landscape + irrigation management
At $700K+, curb appeal directly impacts value. Professional landscape maintenance ($200–$500/month) and annual irrigation audit ($100–$200) protect your investment.
Top Maintenance Products — Shop on Amazon
DecoPicks-recommended supplies for every home. All available with fast Prime shipping.
Budget estimates use the industry-standard 1–3% Rule. Planning estimates only — actual costs vary by region, home age, and condition. Affiliate links help support DecoPicks.com at no extra cost to you.