Enjoying a freshly built new house is one of the greatest pleasures of homeownership. Every aspect of your home is sparkling and new, and you get to concentrate on making your space unique through fun activities such as home décor and purchasing furniture.
But while that first year or two should be smooth sailing, your appliances, hot water tank, and systems such as your HVAC are not made to last forever. How do you take care of them? Do you have enough cashflow and/or savings to buy a new system if something fails? If not (or if you just want to soften the blow), a home maintenance subscription may be the answer for your family.
What is a Home Maintenance Subscription?
A home maintenance subscription is a monthly or yearly agreement signed between the homeowner and a service provider to assist in the maintenance of the systems throughout the house. Different subscription services specialize in specific or a combination of areas, such as HVAC, appliances, and plumbing.
“A home maintenance subscription, whether it's only one service, such as HVAC, or a combo of several, is a proactive service that handles routine upkeep in the chosen areas,” said Justin Cornforth, owner and CEO of Ace Home Co. “It might be something such as HVAC checkups or plumbing inspections, before problems start. You sign up, and the pros show up regularly. And it’s not just about fixing things; it’s about not having to do so.”
Keep in mind that a home maintenance subscription is meant for prevention. It will not cover major repairs or emergencies. If your furnace breaks and you need a part to fix it, that will likely be an out-of-pocket expense. Read the fine print before you sign up to learn exactly what’s covered and what isn’t.
What is Included in a Home Maintenance Subscription?
What’s included in a home maintenance subscription generally depends on which item you’re seeking to maintain.
“HVAC plans typically have things like filter replacement, coil cleaning, thermostat check, refrigerant level inspection, seasonal tune-ups (spring for cooling, fall for heating),” said Cornforth. “Plumbing plans will have water pressure tests, leak checks, drain flow checks, water heater flush, and sump pump inspection.
There will also be electrical, outlet and switch testing, panel inspection, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) check, smoke/CO detector battery replacement, and a surge protection review.”
According to MERIX Financial, 30-40% of new appliances will require repairs in the first five years of their use. A washer maintenance plan may include 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
Maintain to Avoid Future Problems
But what about a maintenance subscription in a brand-new home? Shouldn’t everything be good to go? One hopes that your systems and appliances will be problem-free for a long time.
However, you might want to think about your new home like a brand-new car. Once you’ve driven it off the lot, you know you still have duties to maintain the vehicle. You get your oil changed. You have the brake pads checked for wear. You change your air filters. The list goes on and on.
“Even the systems in new homes have vulnerabilities,” said Jeff Schwartz, president and CEO of Go Lime Inc. “Filters clog. Valves leak. HVAC systems get stressed. And many homeowners don’t realize that builder warranties often don’t cover performance issues caused by neglect (e.g., skipping regular tune-ups or not flushing a tankless water heater).”
Speaking of builder warranties, how do maintenance subscriptions differ from relying on those warranties?
“Waiting until something breaks usually means it’s already a big, expensive problem,” said Chris Moeslacher, founder of Resource Repair. “And while builder warranties are helpful, they don’t cover everything, and they eventually run out. Instead of paying thousands later for water damage or a blown A/C, you’re getting regular checkups that help you avoid those costs in the first place.
It’s proactive, not reactive, and it saves a lot of stress and money over time.”
Builder Warranties vs. Third-Party Warranties
Builder warranties are typically included with new homes and cover structural issues, workmanship, and major systems, often for one, two, or 10 years depending on the component.
Third-party home warranties are optional service contracts focusing on appliances and home systems, usually with annual terms and service fees. While builder warranties are built into the price of the home, third-party plans cost extra and can be helpful once builder coverage expires or to cover gaps. The key differences lie in who provides the coverage, what’s protected, and how long it lasts.
What type of homeowner would benefit from maintenance subscriptions?
If you’re a DIY-er or someone well-familiar with plumbing, appliance repair, or HVAC systems, you’re probably going to be fine without signing up for a maintenance subscription. However, for many – including busy families on-the-go, first-time homebuyers, and seniors – maintenance plans can make sense.
“This kind of service is a great fit for two groups in particular: first-time or younger homeowners who don’t have the time or experience to keep up with routine maintenance and older homeowners who may need extra help around the house,” said Moeslacher.
“It’s also useful for busy families needing reliable, ongoing support without the hassle of finding someone new every time something breaks. It takes the guesswork out of what needs to be done and when.”
Bottom Line:
Once you’re in your new home, you don’t want to worry about what might go wrong in the future. If you don’t feel comfortable maintaining your own systems, maybe a home maintenance subscription is right for you. An ounce of prevention at the beginning of homeownership could save you a ton of headaches later.
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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.