Budgeting for Maintenance and Repairs in 2026
Maintenance is the silent profit-killer. For 2026, inflation in labor and materials means your old "1% rule" needs an update.
The New Budgeting Reality
Industry standards suggest setting aside 1% to 2% of your property's value annually for maintenance. For a $450,000 home—a common price point for Round Rock homes for sale—this means budgeting roughly $4,500 to $9,000 per year. In 2026, we are seeing HVAC replacements range from $4,000 to $8,000, while minor plumbing calls often start at $150 to $300.
Protecting Your Asset
As a Realtor at HomeSmart Stars, I recommend a "preventive first" approach. Servicing your HVAC twice a year is significantly cheaper than a mid-summer emergency replacement. My 45 Google 5-star reviews often mention my list of reliable local vendors who help keep my clients' costs down. With over 1,561 team sales homes sold, I know which houses are "money pits" and which are built to last.
"Maintenance isn't an expense; it's an investment in your exit price," says Bob McCranie.