A brand-new home comes with sparkling appliances, empty gutters, and untouched HVAC systems. But do you know how to take care of those items to keep them optimized and long-lasting?
Home maintenance subscriptions are regularly scheduled by the service operator of your choice, depending on which part of your home you’re seeking to maintain. New homebuyers sign a contract and are charged a monthly fee for the service.
Do you want someone to service your furnace, A/C, and appliances without worrying about trying to find time to call and book an appointment? A home maintenance subscription is your answer.
Why it matters: Home maintenance subscriptions can save you time and money otherwise spent making appointments and paying for maintenance ad hoc. But are they worth it for a brand-new home?
NewHomeSource spoke to Chris Hunter, director of customer relations at ServiceTitan, for some insight into maintenance subscriptions for a new home.
Q: What does a home maintenance subscription typically include?
A: A home maintenance subscription typically includes preventative services to avoid major repairs in the future, and to ensure systems in your home run smoothly. For example, these subscriptions can include:
• Seasonal HVAC checkups (filter changes, assessments, coil cleans)
• Minor appliance checkups (refrigerators, dishwashers)
• Gutter cleanings
• Annual plumbing
• Electrical assessments
There are maintenance subscriptions for almost every appliance in your home, big or small. For instance, a washer service may include the check-up of the following:
• Drain filter and hose check
• Error code scan (if applicable)
• Cleaning cycle
• Shock, belt, pulley, and leveling checks
Meanwhile, a dryer service could look something like this:
• Vent & airflow check
• Lint removal & filter inspection
• Temperature cycling test
• Multi-point inspection
Maintenance companies can tune-up just about anything in your home, including dishwashers, microwaves and stove cooktops, ovens, ice makers, trash compactors, and garbage disposals.
These plans do not typically include major repairs, cosmetic treatments or emergency assessments unless stated. For example, if your furnace breaks and needs a part, that will likely be an out-of pocket-expense.
Q: What does a home maintenance subscription typically cost?
A: A maintenance subscription generally costs anywhere from $30 to $100 per month depending on the extent of services, and if any additional systems are included, such as pools or pest control.
While it may seem like just one more unnecessary expense on top of everything average homeowners pay monthly, it saves a lot of money down the line. By avoiding emergency situations or ensuring longevity of systems, as well as potential energy usage, homeowners can save hundreds or thousands of dollars over time.
Q: Are all subscription plans one-size-fits-all or can they be customized?
A: Most home maintenance plans are adjustable. They can be altered based on square footage or age and type of [appliances or systems], or if you have different specialized needs such as irrigation systems that need checking, as well. However, some budget plans are one-size-fits-all which may not bode well for homes that are more complex or have unique needs.
Q: What are the pros and cons of buying a maintenance subscription for a new home?
A. Pros: Purchasing a maintenance subscription in a new home is helpful because it maintains systems from day one, facilitates warranty requirements, and builds a history that will be valuable down the road.
Cons: Since everything will generally be under manufacturer warranty in a new home and much less likely to fail in the beginning, some homeowners do not find the immediate monthly fee justified. Therefore, starting on a reduced basic tier and upgrading later is a good compromise.
Q: Will a home maintenance subscription cover anything else, such as repairs?
A: If a major repair/system overhaul is required, most non-limited maintenance subscriptions will not cover those expenses. Those types of plans are for prevention and not repair.
Some companies offer hybrid plans which include a combination of preventative maintenance and limited repair services or home warranty coverages. This may be the ideal type of subscription for someone looking for comprehensive coverage; however, hybrid plans usually have a higher monthly cost and service deductible, so it's best to read the fine print.
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Erin Nicks
Erin Nicks has written for various publications for more than 20 years. She has covered new home construction for industry-leading websites and publications, such as Livabl, ARCHITECT, Multifamily Executive, and Builder Magazine.