Maintenance Cost

Average homeowner spends $2,000 a year on regular maintenance, survey finds

Homeowners are often advised to put aside some money each month to budget for unexpected repairs to a home. But a recent survey by the financial site Bankrate finds that homeowners spend a considerable amount each year on regular services as well, ranging from garbage collection to housekeeping.

Bankrate found that the average homeowner spends about $2,000 a year on home maintenance services. Sixty-three percent of survey respondents said they have at least one regular maintenance provider, while 35 percent said they have two or more.

Housekeeping was the most popular amenity, with the average respondent who paid for someone to clean their home saying they paid $285 a month for the service. Those who paid homeowner's association dues spent an average of $210 on this expense, while those who used landscaping services typically paid $144 a month.

Other average monthly costs included $130 for home security systems, $123 for care for a swimming pool, $84 for snow removal, $67 for septic system servicing, and $55 for trash and recycling collection by a private company.

Respondents were more likely to pay for services as they got older. Those with higher incomes also typically spent more money on regular home maintenance services.

"These figures illustrate the hidden costs of homeownership, and it's important to note they don't include repairs such as a broken refrigerator, washing machine, or air conditioner," said Taylor Tepper, a Bankrate analyst. "These are just ongoing, routine tasks like keeping your house and yard clean. Make sure to factor these costs into your new budget when you buy a house. Or do them yourself to save thousands of dollars each year."

While housekeeping was the most costly service on average, private garbage and recycling collection was the most popular. Twenty-nine percent of homeowner said they paid for this service, while 27 percent spent money on regular landscaping services and 20 percent paid homeowner's association dues.

Renters were less likely to spend money on home maintenance, with just 37 percent hiring a service for such tasks. One in five said they paid for private trash or recycling collection at an average monthy cost of $63. Thirteen percent spent money on landscaping at an average cost of $61 per month, while 7 percent paid for a housekeeping service at an average cost of $128 per month.

Renters spent the most money if they used a home security system, paying an average of $142 a month. Respondents who used services paid an average of $113 for septic services, $71 for homeowner's association dues, $70 for pool care, and $24 for snow removal.

The report was based on an online survey issued by Bankrate between Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. A total of 2,218 reponses, including 1,365 from homeowners, were collected.