What It Really Costs To Maintain a Luxury Home During Winter
Written by
J. Arky
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
If you have ever dreamed of owning a mansion or high-end house, get ready to pay some additional costs when it comes winter time.
That’s because during the cold season there are some extra upkeep expenses that all luxury homeowners must prepare for in order to keep their property intact and running through spring time. What does it really cost to maintain a luxury home during the winter?
GOBankingRates asked some real estate and home repair experts how much the bill would add up, as well as the estimated range per job.
Snow and Ice Management
It may cost between $3,000 to $8,000 in a winter for large houses to hire professional snow removal for areas like driveways, walkways and private roads, according to Bill Ferris, the president at Decor Outdoor.
“The sooner the snow is removed, the less damage it will suffer from freeze-thaw, and the less liability risk there will be for expensivesurface finishes,” commented Ferris.
Pool and Spa Winterizing
If your property includes a pool or spa, properly closing and winterizing these features is essential to prevent major damages and expensive repairs noted Dawson Boyer, the owner and broker at Providence Hill Real Estate.
“The investment to properly winterize a pool or spa is generally $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the size and features,” Boyer shared.
Heating System Inspection and Optimization
Ferris highlighted that the cost of annual boiler, furnace and radiant system service ranges from $400 to $1,200 for larger homes.
“During the winter, these systems are overloaded, resulting in even small inefficiencies escalating quickly,” Ferris went on to describe. “Winter maintenance also promotes efficient heating, prevents breakdowns and preserves equipment.”
Protecting Exterior Surfaces and Storing Furniture
Covers, storage and seasonal treatments for furniture can cost $1,000 to $4,000 on top of the price of the furniture based on Ferris’ professional experience.
“Wood, metal and stone can be damaged by winter moisture and temperature fluctuations,” added Ferris. “It is possible to extend the life of finishes and reduce the need to refinish or replace them after winter.”
Total Costs
Looking at the total amount luxury homeowners might need to spend during the winter months, a mild bill would come close to $6,400 while the high end might be in the range of $18,200. Rest assured, you’ll need deep pockets to keep your hands warm and the temperature steady inside your luxury home if you choose to buy one and maintain it during the winter months.
More From GOBankingRates
