Maintenance & Repairs
Upkeep, vendors, and keeping a home in shape.
Home Improvements That Increase Tax Basis vs. Repairs That Don't
The IRS lets you add capital improvement costs to your home's tax basis, but routine repairs like painting or fixing a leak don't count at all.
Where to Keep Important Documents Your Family Can Find Fast
A fireproof, waterproof safe rated for 30+ minutes at 1,700°F protects paper originals, but your family also needs to know it exists and where the key is.
HOA Reserve Funds: Where to Keep Them Safely (5 Options)
FDIC insurance only covers $250,000 per depositor per bank, so most HOA reserve accounts over that amount need to be split or laddered to stay protected.
Where Is My Electrical Panel? A New Homeowner's Guide
Most electrical panels sit in a garage, basement, utility closet, or exterior wall within 3 feet of where the main power line enters the house.
Insurer Dropped You? 7 Steps to Get Covered Again Fast
A non-renewal notice gives you 30 to 60 days to find new coverage, and most insurers cite roof age, old wiring, or claims history as the reason.
When to Retest for Radon After Sealing a Basement (2024)
Retest for radon 90 days after finishing or sealing a basement, since new drywall and caulking can trap gas that used to vent through gaps and cracks.
When to Repair vs. Replace Your Water Heater (Cost Guide)
A water heater older than 10-12 years with a leaking tank should be replaced, not repaired, since a $1,200-$2,000 new unit beats a $400 fix on borrowed time.
Repair vs. Replace Your Roof: The 20% Rule That Saves Money
If roof repairs will cost more than 20% of a full replacement, most contractors and insurers say replace instead of patch.
When to Repair vs. Replace Kitchen Appliances (2024 Guide)
Most kitchen appliances hit the replace-it-now threshold once a repair bill tops 50% of a new unit's price or the appliance is past 8-10 years old.
Repair vs Replace an Aging Furnace: The 15-Year Rule
A furnace older than 15 years with a repair bill over $500 usually costs more to keep than to replace, according to most HVAC cost guides.
When to Register a New Appliance Warranty (and Why It Matters)
Most manufacturers give you 10-30 days after purchase to register an appliance warranty, and skipping it can cost you $200-$800 in repairs later.
When to Call a Professional vs. DIY: 7 Warning Signs
About 30% of DIY repair attempts cost homeowners more to fix afterward than hiring a licensed pro would have cost the first time.
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