When Sarah and James bought their family home in Colchester, they thought carefully about their mortgage, bills, and school fees. What they didn’t expect was how quickly the costs of running a home would add up — from a leaking roof to an emergency boiler replacement. Without a proper plan, these expenses came as a shock, straining their finances and peace of mind. This October, during Financial Planning Month, it’s a timely reminder that home maintenance budgeting is just as important as pensions, savings, or paying down debt.

The hidden costs of neglecting your home

Homeownership brings security, but it also comes with responsibility. The average UK household spends around £2,500 a year on home maintenance and repairs. What’s more concerning is that 1 in 5 homeowners delay essential repairs due to cost, which can lead to bigger bills later.

Neglecting small problems can result in:

• Technical issues: A minor roof tile slip can escalate into major water damage.

• Financial stress: An unexpected boiler breakdown can wipe out savings in an instant.

• Emotional impact: Living with draughts, leaks, or unsafe electrics increases stress and reduces quality of life.

Why planning ahead pays off

Home maintenance budgeting isn’t about spending more — it’s about being prepared. Money Helper recommend setting aside 1% of your home’s value annually for repairs and maintenance. For a property worth £250,000, that’s £2,500 a year — close to the national average spend.

By anticipating costs, you avoid sudden financial shocks and make informed decisions on whether to repair, upgrade, or replace. Financial Planning Month is the perfect opportunity to look at your household budget and ask: are you setting enough aside for your home’s upkeep?

How Infinity Home Services can help

Based in North Essex and South Suffolk, Infinity Home Services supports homeowners with practical solutions that ease the burden of unexpected home issues. Whether it’s planned maintenance or urgent repairs, we provide reliable services so you don’t have to face these challenges alone. By helping you keep your home in good condition, we make it easier to stick to your budget and reduce financial stress.

Financial Planning Month is more than just a reminder to review your savings — it’s also a chance to protect your most valuable asset: your home. By creating a realistic home maintenance budget, you safeguard your property, your finances, and your peace of mind.

Ready to plan ahead and avoid costly surprises? Call us today on 0800 148 8088 or use our contact form below because when it comes to your home, prevention is always cheaper than the cure. After all, isn’t your home worth planning for?