Chapter 08 — Home & Car
What home maintenance do I actually need to do?
Quarterly: test smoke and CO detectors, clean range-hood filter, run hot water in unused drains. Twice a year: clean the dryer vent (a real fire risk), service HVAC, flush water heater, check exterior caulking. Yearly: gutters, chimney if you use it, attic inspection. Budget 1–3% of the home's value per year for everything else.
Follow-up questions
How much should I save for home maintenance?
A rule of thumb: 1% of the home's value annually for newer homes, up to 3% for older ones. It will feel like too much until the year the roof goes.
Is home maintenance tax deductible?
In most countries, no — routine upkeep is not deductible. Improvements that add value or extend life (new roof, addition) may adjust your cost basis when you sell.
When is it a job for a pro?
Anything involving gas, structural changes, electrical past changing a fixture, or roof work above one storey. Skill saved is hospitalisation earned.
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