10 home features that cost way more to maintain than you expect

Some home features look great on paper but are notorious for higher maintenance than most buyers realize. They’re not deal breakers, but knowing what you’re signing up for saves stress and money later. These features often need more upkeep, parts, or professional care than homeowners assume at first glance.

Swimming Pools

Pools are a luxury, but they’re also one of the most expensive features to maintain. Chemicals, equipment, and repairs add up quickly, and energy costs for heating or running pumps never stop. Even if you handle cleaning yourself, you’ll still pay for professional servicing at times. Before committing, it’s important to budget realistically for the ongoing upkeep.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood adds value, but it also takes constant care. Regular refinishing, polishing, and repairs from scratches or water damage cost more than most homeowners expect. Unlike vinyl or laminate, you can’t ignore damage — it only gets worse. Even with rugs in high-traffic areas, hardwood needs more long-term investment than other flooring types.

Roofs with Complex Designs

A roof with multiple slopes, dormers, or specialty shingles looks beautiful but comes with higher maintenance costs. Repairs are trickier, inspections take longer, and replacement is significantly more expensive. Even cleaning gutters can be harder with complicated layouts. The more elaborate the roof, the bigger the maintenance bill.

Large Lawns

A big lawn is appealing, but mowing, watering, and fertilizing quickly become costly. Water bills alone climb in the summer, and equipment maintenance adds to the expense. Hiring a lawn service doubles the cost. Many homeowners end up downsizing grassy areas with landscaping or native plants to keep maintenance reasonable.

Fireplaces and Chimneys

A wood-burning fireplace seems cozy, but chimney cleaning and inspections are non-negotiable. Skipping them can lead to fire hazards or costly repairs. Even gas fireplaces need servicing to ensure they’re venting properly. The maintenance is worth it for safety, but it’s far from the “low-cost” feature people sometimes assume.

Tile Showers

Walk-in tile showers look high-end, but they require frequent sealing and scrubbing to prevent mold and mildew. Grout lines in particular are maintenance-heavy. Without regular upkeep, you’re looking at regrouting or replacing tiles sooner than you’d like. Many people underestimate how much care tile showers need compared to fiberglass inserts.

Big Windows

Floor-to-ceiling or oversized windows let in natural light, but they also raise energy costs and need regular cleaning inside and out. Seal failures can lead to expensive replacements, especially with custom sizes. The initial wow factor often overshadows the fact that maintenance isn’t cheap or easy with large panes.

Finished Basements

Finished basements add living space, but they’re notorious for moisture issues. Even with waterproofing, basements often need dehumidifiers running constantly. If leaks or cracks develop, repairs can be major. Flooring and drywall in basements tend to need replacing more often, making them costlier to maintain than above-ground rooms.

Irrigation Systems

Built-in sprinklers are convenient, but repairs to lines, heads, or timers can be frequent and pricey. Winterizing systems properly is critical to avoid burst pipes, which add to annual costs. Many homeowners underestimate how much ongoing service irrigation systems require to keep working well.

High-End Appliances

Luxury appliances look impressive, but they often come with specialty parts and fewer technicians trained to fix them. That means higher repair costs and longer wait times when something breaks. Even basic maintenance, like filters and descaling, tends to cost more than standard appliances.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.