{"id":17023,"date":"2023-01-09T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-09T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/?p=17023"},"modified":"2023-01-09T11:11:12","modified_gmt":"2023-01-09T16:11:12","slug":"budget-for-recurring-home-services","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/budget-for-recurring-home-services","title":{"rendered":"Why You Should Budget For Recurring Home Services"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n

If you asked a homeowner to list all the costs associated with owning a home<\/a>, you\u2019d probably get answers that include: mortgage, taxes, insurance, renovations and emergency expenses. And these are costs associated with homeownership. However, the costs of owning a property don\u2019t stop at this list, and it\u2019s easy to let more minor recurring home services, like house cleaning, septic tank inspection, alarm service repair or landscape maintenance, slip our minds.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overlook budgeting for these smaller, repetitive home services; before you know it, you\u2019ll blow a big hole in your overall spending budget. On the flip side, you could skip these tasks but risk hurting the home\u2019s overall value. The better option is to learn how to budget<\/a> for home services.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Should You Budget for Home Services?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"calculate<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s tricky to find budgeting guidelines specifically for recurring home services. Many homeowners will group these expenses with their home maintenance fund, but this isn\u2019t wise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A typical rule of thumb is to set aside 1% to 3% of your home\u2019s purchase price to pay for ongoing, regular maintenance costs. For a $500,000 home, this is between $5,000 and $15,000, which works out to between $416.67 and $1,250 per month. But these costs should only include upkeep tasks required to keep your home in healthy, optimal condition (consider it the insurance premium<\/a> against the devaluation of your home). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related content<\/p>

How to Choose Between Contractor Quotes<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n

But home services aren\u2019t maintenance costs. They are costs associated with chores. While chores are necessary, your home won’t lose value if you don\u2019t rake the leaves once or twice. Neglect to remove the leaf build-up in your gutters once or twice, and you can risk ice-damming or water clogs, resulting in expensive structural repairs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home service costs are not part of your renovation and upgrade budget. This budget captures the upgrades made to your home, which are typically one-time or irregular expenses, such as replacing the furnace once every 20 years or upgrading your kitchen appliances once every 10 to 15 years.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, you\u2019ll need to determine typical service costs for your area and then prioritize what you want based on these costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think About the Home Services You\u2019ll Need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The type of home services you\u2019ll require varies by location, the type of property you own, and the features of your home and your desires.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if you live in an area that doesn\u2019t typically get much snowfall, you won\u2019t necessarily want to include snow removal services in your budget. If you usually see snow but live in a condo or neighbourhood with an HOA, the cost of snow removal may be included in strata fees or HOA fees, which free up funds for other home services, such as house cleaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When adding home services to your budget, it\u2019s helpful to list everything your home needs regularly. Remember, you\u2019ll only want to budget for the services that you dislike doing yourself and want to employ someone else to complete them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Costs for Common Home Services in Canada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Man<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s always easier to create an accurate budget if you know what things cost. To help you get started, we\u2019ve provided some average costs for home services across Canada. The price for different services may vary by city and province, but these guidelines should give you a benchmark to build your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lawn and Garden Maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your property healthy, beautiful, and free of weeds and pests. While you can choose to do these tasks yourself, many people prefer the convenience of yard care professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cost of lawn and garden maintenance depends on several factors, such as climate, location, the size, shape, and features of your yard, and the kind of services you need. For example, do you need basic lawn care like mowing and weeding or tree trimming and gardening services?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many lawn care service companies base the cost of their services on the square footage of your yard. The standard size is typically that of a \u201ccity lot,\u201d or a yard of about 1,500 to 2,000 square feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A comprehensive maintenance package that includes regular mowing, edge trimming, garden clean-up, debris removal, and seasonal clean-up in the fall and spring will cost approximately $140 to $160 per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also book individual services for a flat fee if you do some maintenance. One-time lawn mowing services start at approximately $65 to $70. Aeration is about $100, depending on the size of your lawn. You can also purchase one-time seasonal clean-up packages that include mowing, raking, aeration, edge trimming, flower bed clean-up and debris removal, which cost between $175 and $250.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yard care companies may bill other services by the hour, such as garden maintenance. They may also charge by the linear foot for edge trimming or offer an estimate for services like tree pruning.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To accurately estimate the cost of lawn and garden maintenance, it\u2019s essential to know the size of your lot and to nail down exactly which tasks you\u2019d prefer the professionals to handle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related content<\/p>

Should You DIY or Hire a Professional for Your Next Home Renovation Project?<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n

Gutter and Eavestrough Cleaning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Keeping your home\u2019s gutter system clean and debris-free is an important twice-a-year task. Some adventurous homeowners may make the one, two, or even three-storey climb up to the roof themselves, but many prefer to leave this chore to the experts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cost for gutter and eavestrough cleaning depends on the height of your home and how accessible the room (and gutters) are to the person tasked with the job. Taller buildings require professionals to use extra equipment to comply with safety regulations. Another factor that impacts cost is the overall size of your home. For example, a one-storey home with a larger footprint may have the same gutter length as a three-storey townhouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can expect to pay about $225 per clean for an average two-storey home. The cost will generally go down for a smaller home and up for a larger home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The experts recommend that you clean your gutters at least twice a year, but if you live in an area with a lot of tree coverage, you may need to budget for extra cleaning due to the increased build-up of foliage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snow Removal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the flakes start to fly, you may enjoy suiting up and heading outside with a shovel and ice melt. Or, you might prefer to stay warm indoors instead and hire a snow removal service to keep your outdoor areas clear and safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cost of snow removal varies based on many factors, including the size of the areas you need to be cleared, how deep the snow is, and the type of equipment needed. Some companies may also charge extra for salting or sanding. This is a separate cost if you want the snow removed from your roof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain companies offer seasonal packages that start at around $190 per month and require a five or six-month commitment. If you amortize this cost over a year, this works out to $80 to $95 per month or an annual cost between $960 and $1,140.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One-time snow removal costs can vary greatly, starting at approximately $75, depending on equipment and the size of the area cleared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furnace and Hot Water Tank Inspection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The furnace and hot water tank are two of the most important components of your home, so it\u2019s essential to have regular inspections done on both. This ensures they\u2019re performing efficiently and helps identify and mitigate any issues before they potentially become problems requiring a more expensive repair or replacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cost of a furnace inspection varies by the age and type of unit, but you can expect to pay around $200 to $300.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s some debate about whether you need to have your furnace inspected yearly. Many HVAC companies recommend annual inspections, but it may not be necessary if your system is brand new. If that\u2019s the case and you feel comfortable, you can schedule an inspection every other year. However, as your furnace ages, you\u2019ll likely want to switch to yearly inspections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having your hot water tank inspected simultaneously with your furnace is a good idea, so you won\u2019t have to worry about two separate maintenance schedules. It can also save you money. A hot water heater inspection can cost around $168 to $175, but some companies will offer a joint inspection of both fixtures at a discount of $50 to $80.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A\/C or Heat Pump Inspection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You should ensure your air conditioner and heat pump are regularly inspected and maintained on a schedule similar to your furnace. Inspections for heat pumps typically cost around $250. Depending on the size and type of your air conditioning unit, a good range to keep in mind for an A\/C inspection is between $150 and $250.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furnace Filters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to regularly change your furnace filter to ensure the indoor air quality of your home remains good. A clogged filter can also restrict airflow in your furnace, potentially causing it to work harder, resulting in more wear and tear on the components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An accepted rule of thumb is to change a basic furnace filter every 90 days, though you can leave some specialized filters a little longer. The filter you\u2019ll need depends on the type of furnace you have, so there\u2019s a wide price range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, you can expect to spend between $10 and $60 for a furnace filter, though some higher-end filters can cost up to hundreds of dollars. Typically, you can save a little money by purchasing filters in multi-packs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chimney or Firebox Inspection and Cleaning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A wood-burning fireplace is a cozy part of any home. To prevent the build-up of toxic creosote in your chimney and ensure the system is safe, you\u2019ll need to have your fireplace or wood-burning insert (also called a firebox) regularly inspected and cleaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The inspection timeline depends on how often you use your wood-burning fireplace, but you should have it cleaned and inspected at least once per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can expect to pay about $250 for this annual service. However, if your home has more than one chimney, the cost of cleaning the additional chimneys is typically reduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Septic Tank Maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your house has a septic tank, it\u2019s important to have it pumped out every two to five years to prevent clogs and potential environmental pollution. The recommended cleaning schedule varies by province<\/a> and depends on the size of your tank, the number of fixtures in your home, and how many people live there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On average, you can expect to pay about $400 to $520 for this service, depending on where you live, tank size, and season. Some companies charge more for pump-outs during the winter since the septic system can be harder to access due to ice and snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home Cleaning Services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no better feeling than coming home to a sparkling clean house. Professional home cleaning services can help with various tasks, from regular dusting and tidying to a whole-home deep clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though this is a completely optional cost, many people enjoy the convenience of a regular cleaner or prefer to leave more difficult jobs, such as window cleaning, to a professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cost of home cleaning services varies greatly depending on the size of your home, the services needed, and if you choose to employ an independent operator versus a cleaning company. Cleaning companies are bonded, licensed, and insured, which means they usually charge a little more. Independent operators tend to set their own service rates, which can sometimes be negotiable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also important to note that some companies charge by the hour, some charge by square footage, and some charge by the specific services required. These costs will also vary based on the condition of your home at the time of cleaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping all this in mind, the average hourly cost for house cleaning starts between $32 and $64 per hour<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related content<\/p>

How to Choose a Home Renovation Contractor<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n

Ways to Keep Your Home Service Costs Low<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While it\u2019s important to include home service costs in your budget, you can also take steps to minimize certain expenses. This can make incorporating all the necessary services into your budget easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you DIY?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"weatherize<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A common way to save on house-related expenses is to roll up your sleeves and do it yourself. But before you break out the pruning shears or snow shovel, there are a few things to consider: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Time<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The first consideration is your time. Mowing a massive lawn or shovelling a long driveway can take several hours, which is a significant portion of your day. You may also need to invest in equipment or tools to get the job done. So, you\u2019ll want to decide if your time and tool costs would save money over hiring a professional. Or, you could think of the value of having that time back to relax and de-stress. For many, gaining more time for self-care is well worth the investment in professional services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The second consideration is your safety. Are you able to perform these tasks without undue risk of injury? For example, climbing two or three storeys to clean the gutters can be incredibly risky without the proper equipment or training (or nerve). Even a task as basic as shovelling snow can potentially cause injury simply because your chance of slipping and falling increases. You\u2019ll want to decide which tasks you feel comfortable performing yourself and which ones you\u2019d prefer to leave to the pros.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Equipment<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The third consideration is equipment. Not many homeowners have the tools to take on chimney sweeping or a septic tank pump-out themselves. Sourcing those tools and learning how to use them can be prohibitively expensive and time-consuming. If the task requires specialized equipment or training, it\u2019s best to let the experts handle it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Qualifications<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The last thing to consider is qualifications and certifications. For example, a qualified technician should only perform furnace inspections and maintenance. Trained professionals are much more adept at spotting potential issues with your furnace due to their experience. Addressing these problems before they become significant could help you avoid having to shoulder the cost of replacing your furnace prematurely. In addition, not choosing a qualified technician for inspection and maintenance may void your warranty<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shop Around for Home Services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To get the right services for your home at a price you\u2019re comfortable with including in your budget, it\u2019s a good idea to shop around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some websites and apps like Homestars<\/a> and FastTask<\/a> (formerly HeyBryan) help you find and compare quotes from qualified local professionals for different jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re dealing with individual companies, getting a few different quotes is a good idea to see what fits into your ideal price range. You\u2019ll also want to ask exactly what\u2019s included in each quote, so you can be sure you\u2019re only paying for the services you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also want to source reputable home care professionals. Do your research, check out reviews, and ask trusted friends or family for recommendations. While it may cost a little more up-front, a reputable provider is more likely to do a job correctly the first time, reducing the chance that more serious and costly issues will develop in the future due to the service.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter where you live or what property you have, it\u2019s important to ensure room in your budget for essential home services. Setting aside money for these recurring costs helps you stay financially prepared for future home-related projects and keeps your home beautiful, functional and safe.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Learn how and why to include the costs of recurring home services in your budget<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":76,"featured_media":16509,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"guide":[],"class_list":["post-17023","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-improvement"],"acf":[],"zolo_excerpt":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17023","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/76"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17023"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17023\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22530,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17023\/revisions\/22530"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16509"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17023"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17023"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17023"},{"taxonomy":"guide","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide?post=17023"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}