- What routine maintenance expenses should an HOA budget for?
- Common routine maintenance expenses include landscaping (lawn care, tree trimming, irrigation), snow removal (seasonal), pool service, HVAC maintenance, pest control, elevator maintenance, parking lot maintenance, security patrol, janitorial/cleaning services, and fire safety inspections. Every community is different, but these 10 categories cover the majority of recurring maintenance costs for most HOAs.
- How much should an HOA spend on maintenance per year?
- Most HOAs allocate 15–25% of their total operating budget to routine maintenance. The exact amount depends on the number and type of amenities, climate, community size, and age of infrastructure. Condos and townhomes with elevators, pools, and parking garages typically spend more than single-family home communities. Use this planner to get a tailored estimate for your specific community.
- How does the 5-year projection work?
- The 5-year projection applies your selected annual inflation rate to the total maintenance cost each year, showing compound growth. For example, with a 3% inflation rate, Year 2 is 3% higher than Year 1, Year 3 is 3% higher than Year 2, and so on. This helps boards anticipate future budget increases and plan dues adjustments accordingly.
- Can I add custom maintenance items?
- Yes — click the 'Add Custom Item' button to include any maintenance expense not in the pre-filled list. You can name the item, set its frequency (monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual), and enter the cost per occurrence. Custom items are included in the total annual cost and 5-year projection just like the pre-filled items.
- Are these costs exact or estimates?
- These are estimates based on national benchmarks adjusted for state cost of living and community size. Actual costs vary significantly by vendor, contract terms, service level, and specific community needs. Use this tool for budget planning and board discussion, then request actual quotes from vendors for your final budget.