### Exterior Maintenance Cost Planning

⏱️ 1 min read 📚 Chapter 42 of 86

Budgeting for Inevitable Expenses

Exterior maintenance is not optional – it's an investment in preventing much more expensive repairs. Smart planning spreads costs and maximizes protection.

Annual Exterior Maintenance Budget:

Routine Maintenance (Annual):

- Cleaning and washing: $200-$500 - Caulking and sealing: $100-$300 - Touch-up painting: $300-$800 - Foundation monitoring: $100-$200 - Total Annual: $700-$1,800

Periodic Major Expenses:

Paint System (Every 7-10 years):

- Professional whole-house painting: $8,000-$20,000 - DIY with quality materials: $3,000-$8,000 - Siding cleaning and prep: $1,000-$3,000

Siding Maintenance (Every 15-25 years):

- Partial siding replacement: $5,000-$15,000 - Complete siding system: $15,000-$40,000 - Insulation and air barrier upgrades: $3,000-$10,000

Foundation Work (As Needed):

- Minor crack repair: $300-$1,500 - Drainage improvements: $2,000-$8,000 - Major foundation repair: $8,000-$25,000

Key Topics