Saving for big replacements

The biggest home costs are replacements: a roof, a furnace or AC, a water heater. They're expensive, but rarely a surprise if you know how old each one is.

Steps

1. Find the age of each major system: check labels, inspection reports or ask the previous owner
2. Look up a typical lifespan range
3. Get a rough replacement cost from a local quote or two
4. Divide the cost by the months you likely have left
5. Save that amount each month

Try it

Our replacement planner lists typical lifespans and shows the monthly math.

General educational information. Costs vary by home and location. Better Home Budget isn't paid by any lender, insurer or contractor.