Looking for home experts to weigh in on home maintenance costs I'm working with ConsumerAffairs to write an informative article about home maintenance costs. I need US-based industry experts (e.g., real estate professionals, home warranty providers, handymen, property managers, etc.) to share unique insights. Please share relevant common hypothetical scenarios or client experiences to back up answers. To be considered, please answer the following questions (all or the ones you can answer): 1. What is the average annual cost of home maintenance? How do costs vary by home age and size? What are common estimation methods for budgeting? Here, it’d be helpful to detail 1) NAHB research findings on maintenance costs 2) Differences in costs for older vs. newer homes 3) Estimation methods: 1% Rule, Square Foot Rule, 10% Rule 2. How does geographical location affect maintenance costs? What role does climate play in maintenance expenses? How do service provider rates vary? Here, it’d be helpful to detail 1) Regional cost variations 2) Impact of climate and weather conditions 3) Differences in service provider pricing 3. What are the key categories of home maintenance? How often should maintenance tasks be performed? What tasks can be DIY vs. professional? Here, it’d be helpful to detail 1) Overview of essential maintenance tasks 2) Frequency of tasks: quarterly, semi-annually, annually 3) DIY vs. professional maintenance tasks 4. How much should you save annually for home maintenance? What are effective budgeting strategies? How can you plan for major replacements? Here, it’d be helpful to detail 1) Setting aside a percentage of home value 2) Creating a maintenance budget and emergency fund 3) Planning for big-ticket items like roof replacements 5. What are the most expensive maintenance tasks? How have costs increased over time? What are the future trends in maintenance costs? Here, it’d be helpful to detail 1) Analysis of high-cost maintenance tasks 2) Recent trends in cost increases 3) Future projections for maintenance expenses