Purchasing a home is more than simply selecting a property; it also entails preparing to upkeep that property. On average, homeowners allocate $6,000 and dedicate over 500 hours annually (including around five hours per week for cleaning) to maintain their residences. This includes cleaning, repairs, and managing a variety of household tasks.

While it’s common knowledge that homes require maintenance, it’s crucial to understand that not all homes have the same upkeep demands. Certain properties, due to their design, infrastructure, or materials, may necessitate an above-average level of maintenance. Failing to recognize these issues could land one in a cycle of constant repairs and escalating costs, where maintaining the home absorbs more time and finances than anticipated.

Watch for the following indicators that suggest a property may be high maintenance; spotting these warning signs in advance can help prepare for the additional time and monetary investments involved.

Aging Infrastructure

One clear indicator of a high-maintenance home is outdated wiring and plumbing. Observing antiquated, ungrounded electrical outlets or cast iron plumbing can signal that the home hasn’t undergone upgrades in a significant period. Beyond safety concerns tied to old wiring and possibly lead pipes, the age of these systems indicates a greater need for repairs and temporary fixes until one is ready to invest in complete overhauls.

Elevated Ceilings

Lofty ceilings bring a sense of grandeur, yet they complicate home maintenance and can increase heating and cooling costs. Tasks like painting high walls might involve renting scaffolding, and even simple chores, such as changing a bulb, can become strenuous when standard ladders lack reach. While a single grand room offers a challenge, an entire home with high ceilings could lead to ongoing maintenance burdens over the years.

Difficult Crawl Space Access

If the property features a crawl space, it’s essential to confirm the accessibility—ensuring that it is indeed accessible is vital. These areas frequently house critical infrastructure, such as plumbing, electrical wiring, and duct systems. Complications can arise if the crawl space can only be accessed from the outside or is too shallow to enter easily. This limitation can lead to costly repairs requiring floor removal, increasing expenses and labor for even minor updates.

Extensive Use of Natural Stone

When exploring a potential new home, take note of the materials utilized throughout. While beautiful, natural stones such as travertine demand considerable upkeep. Their porous nature makes them prone to stains, necessitating regular sealing. If significant portions of the flooring are comprised of such materials, expect to allocate more time for maintenance.

Abundance of Small Tiles

The material selection and size of tiles heavily influence maintenance demands. Homes featuring numerous small tiles, like penny or mosaic tiles, expose far more grout, resulting in increased cleaning and sealing requirements to keep surfaces immaculate. More grout lines create more spots for grime and mold to accumulate. A limited presence of such tiles may not pose a significant concern, but widespread usage indicates heightened upkeep responsibilities.

Opulent Landscaping

Landscaping encompasses both hardscapes (such as stone paths and walls) and living components. All aspects require maintenance, but the living elements demand particularly close attention. If the landscaping appears intricate and expansive, consider whether you’re prepared for the ongoing commitment to sustain those plants and maintain their arrangement. Unless one opts for low-maintenance plants, extensive landscaping can lead to continuous work—or incur expenses if hiring professionals to handle care.

Additionally, a backyard pool presents further maintenance challenges: routine cleaning, filter upkeep, balancing water chemistry, and winter preparations in cooler climates require substantial attention. A pool elevates the workload alongside landscaping care, demanding dedicated effort.

Abundance of Windows

A house adorned with numerous windows is often bright and inviting, yet each window introduces significant maintenance responsibilities. Every window requires cleaning, caulking, potential repairs (including screen replacements), and frequently painting. The maintenance time and costs accumulate with every additional window, so moving into a space dominated by glass should prompt serious consideration.

Custom-sized windows can exacerbate the situation, as repairing or replacing them can be considerably more expensive than standard sizes.

Intricate Roof Design

The roof serves as a critical shield against the elements, requiring consistent inspections and maintenance. All roofs are susceptible to leaks at times, but those that feature complex designs—full of angles and varying elevations—demand even more attention. Each junction where the roof shifts from horizontal to vertical represents a potential weak spot. The more complex the roof, the greater the ongoing effort required to ensure it remains in good condition.