The 1% maintenance rule is a commonly recommended guideline for budgeting home maintenance expenses. It suggests that homeowners should set aside approximately 1% of their home's value each year to cover ongoing maintenance costs. For instance, if your house is worth $300,000, you would aim to save about $3,000 annually specifically for maintaining your property. While this figure may not capture all potential repair or renovation expenses that could arise in any given year, it provides a starting point for budgeting and helps create a financial cushion dedicated to maintaining the long-term value of your home.