Home Maintenance Budgeting for Military Families & Veterans: A Smart Guide to Protect Your Investment
How to Create a Home Maintenance Budget
Owning a home is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make, and keeping it in great shape takes planning. Whether you're active duty, a veteran, or a military family moving from one duty station to the next, a solid home maintenance budget can save you from unexpected (and expensive) surprises. At DRE we understand that military life comes with enough unpredictability. The last thing you need is a busted water heater or a leaky roof throwing your finances off track.
Here’s how to set up a home maintenance budget that keeps your property in top shape while giving you peace of mind.
1. Know What Your Home Needs
Not all homes are built the same, and maintenance needs will vary based on factors like age, location, and how well it was taken care of before you bought it. Start by taking a close look at the following:
Age of the Home: Older homes tend to need more upkeep, so if your place has been standing for a few decades, factor in repairs or potential upgrades for the roof, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Major Systems & Appliances: HVAC, water heaters, electrical panels, and plumbing lines all need regular maintenance. Keeping them in good shape prevents costly breakdowns.
Exterior Upkeep: If you live somewhere with harsh winters or extreme heat, your siding, gutters, and landscaping will need more attention.
Wear and Tear: Floors, windows, doors, and even paint need refreshing every so often—especially if you’ve got kids, pets, or tenants.
2. Estimate Your Annual Maintenance Costs
A good rule of thumb is to set aside 1-4% of your home’s value per year for maintenance.
For example, if your home is worth $300,000:
At 1%, you’d need $3,000 per year ($250 per month)
At 3%, you’d need $9,000 per year ($750 per month)
To break it down even further:
HVAC servicing: $150–$500 per year
Roof inspections & minor repairs: $200–$600 per year
Plumbing maintenance: $150–$400 per year
Lawn care & landscaping: $500–$1,500 per year
Pest control: $100–$300 per year
Appliance servicing & minor repairs: $200–$700 per year
If you’re renting out your property while stationed elsewhere, budgeting on the higher end makes sense—especially if you don’t want late-night calls from tenants about a broken furnace.
3. Build a “Just in Case” Fund
No matter how well you plan, unexpected repairs will happen. A contingency fund ensures you don’t have to dip into your emergency savings when your AC quits in the middle of summer or a pipe bursts in winter.
A good starting point is 1-3% of your home’s value per year, but if your house is older or in an area prone to extreme weather, aim for the higher end.
Thinking long-term? Consider a home warranty to cover major systems and appliances—but read the fine print before signing up. Some warranties have restrictions that may not cover the repairs you actually need.
4. Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance
A little effort now can save you big money later. Here are some key maintenance tasks to prioritize:
Seasonal checks: Clean gutters, inspect your roof, and service your HVAC before extreme weather hits.
Plumbing inspections: Check for leaks, drain the water heater, and prevent blockages before they turn into major issues.
Pest control: Termites, rodents, and other critters can do serious damage if left unchecked.
Roof and exterior upkeep: Look for missing shingles, cracks in siding, or foundation issues.
Electrical safety: Check outlets, breakers, and wiring to prevent potential fire hazards.
Creating a home maintenance calendar (or setting reminders in your phone, etc.) helps you stay on track; space these tasks out to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
5. Adjust Your Budget Over Time
Your home’s maintenance costs won’t stay the same forever. At the end of each year, review what you actually spent versus what you budgeted. Ask yourself:
Did I set aside enough money?
Were there unexpected expenses I should plan for next year?
Are there major upgrades (like a new roof or HVAC system) coming up soon?
Adjust your budget accordingly so you’re always prepared.
6. Lean on the Pros
If you’re not sure how much to budget or what repairs to prioritize, don’t go it alone.
Home inspectors can give you a full breakdown of your home’s condition.
Contractors & repair specialists can provide accurate quotes for repairs.
Real estate professionals—like us at Dorazio Real Estate—can connect you with reliable contractors and resources.
Need a referral? Our teams at Dorazio Real Estate and BCG Real Estate Group can recommended dependable and affordable partners in all of these areas - just reach out!
7. Take Advantage of Veteran & Military Resources
As a service member or veteran, you have access to benefits and discounts that can make home maintenance more affordable:
VA Home Improvement Loans: These allow you to finance repairs and upgrades at lower interest rates.
Local Veteran Assistance Programs: Many states offer grants or low-cost home repair programs for veterans.
Military Discounts: Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, as well as some contractors, offer discounts for military families.
Final Thoughts
Building a home maintenance budget isn’t just about avoiding surprise expenses, it’s about protecting your investment and keeping your home in great shape. Whether you’re stationed stateside or overseas, having a solid plan in place ensures your property stays in top condition, giving you one less thing to worry about.
At Dorazio Real Estate, we specialize in helping military families and veterans navigate homeownership and real estate investing. Whether you need advice on maintenance planning, finding reliable contractors, or using your VA benefits to invest in real estate, we’ve got your back.
Got questions? We’re here to help! Reach out today and let’s talk about how to make homeownership work for you!
