Houses don't fail all at once. They wear out a little every year, and the big bills come on a schedule you can see ahead of time. This planner keeps upkeep on a calendar, estimates when the roof, furnace or water heater is due, and turns it all into one monthly number to save.
Curious what it looks like inside? Here's how the home reserve is figured, step by step. Most owners use it alongside our household budget planner.
What the Home Maintenance and Replacement Planner does
- 45 common home tasks already on the schedule, from HVAC filters to gutters. Add your own or remove what doesn't fit.
- Next due date and status for every task: Overdue, Due this month, Due soon, OK or Not scheduled
- A work log that updates the schedule by itself
- 18 big replacements with typical lifespans and costs: roof, furnace, AC, water heater, windows, appliances and more
- Estimated replacement year and future cost with inflation, plus the monthly savings to have it ready
- Recommended monthly home reserve: one number covering upkeep and replacements
- Reserve progress and a 20 year replacement cost chart on the Dashboard
What's inside
7 tabs: Start Here, Dashboard, Schedule, Log, Replacements, Lists, Settings.
Who it's for
Homeowners who'd rather plan for the furnace than be surprised by it, from first-time owners to people in an older house.
What you get
Two spreadsheet files (.xlsx): one filled with examples so you can see exactly how it works, and a blank copy ready for your household. For Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. No macros, no subscription.
The formulas are locked, so a stray keystroke can't break them. You only type in the yellow cells.
What you need to use it
- Microsoft Excel 2010 or newer, on Windows or Mac, including Microsoft 365
- Or Google Sheets in any web browser, free with a Google account
- A laptop or desktop works best for setup. Phones and tablets are fine for checking numbers and quick entries.
- No macros, add-ins or internet connection needed once it's downloaded. Apple Numbers isn't supported.
Lifespans and costs are typical estimates, not promises, and not financial advice. Replace them with your own quotes when you have them.
Questions
Are the costs right for my area?
They're typical starting points. Prices vary a lot by region and home, so type in your own numbers or quotes.
Does it need the other tools?
No. It works on its own. Its Recommended monthly home reserve can go into the Home Budget and Bill Planner.
Is there a blank version?
Yes. Every download has two files: one filled with examples so you can see how everything works, and a blank copy ready for your own household. Your rates and settings come filled in as a starting point, so change them to match yours.
Can I change the formulas?
The gray formula cells are locked so they can't be erased by accident. If you really want to change one, open Review in Excel and choose Unprotect Sheet. There's no password.
Does it work in Google Sheets?
Yes. Upload the file to Google Drive and open it with Google Sheets. The math works the same. Locks don't carry over, so just type in the yellow cells.
How do Free Lifetime Updates work?
Whenever we release a new version, you can download it free from your account, forever. We'll email you when there's something new.
