Home Maintenance Budget Calculator

Home Maintenance Budget Calculator

Estimate your annual home maintenance budget using two methods: the 1% Rule (adjusted for
age and condition) and the Square Footage Method ($1.50–$2.50/sqft/year).

Home Value ($)

Home Age (years)

Square Footage

Condition

Excellent (recently renovated)
Good (well-maintained)
Fair (deferred maintenance)
Poor (significant issues)

Calculate Budget

Recommended Annual Budget

The Home Maintenance 1% Rule

The common rule of thumb is to budget 1% of your home's value annually for maintenance and
repairs. For a $300,000 home, that's $3,000 per year. However, this rule oversimplifies — older
homes and homes in poor condition need significantly more. A more accurate approach adjusts for
age (older homes need 1.5–3%), current condition, climate, and square footage. The square
footage method ($1–$2.50/sqft/year) often gives a more realistic estimate for larger or older
properties.

References

• 49 U.S.C. § 13902 — Authority for Motor Carriers of Property (via Cornell LII)
• Smithsonian Institution — Collections Care and Handling Guidelines
• 49 U.S.C. §14706 — Carmack Amendment (Cornell LII)
• Smithsonian Institution — Museum Conservation Institute: Environmental Guidelines
• 18 U.S.C. § 922
• 10 CFR Part 34
• 10 CFR Part 35
• 49 U.S.C. §14705 via Cornell LII