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Updated about 6 years ago,
Why aren't people saving a lot for Capex?
I hear people say they only save 5-10 % for Capex, and I'm not understanding how that is enough. Even if you just replaced high ticket items like roof, HVAC, water heater, etc., don't you still need to set money aside for the full lifespan of those items? Example for 1100 sq property in mid-expensive area:
Expense | Total Replacement Cost | Lifespan (years) | Cost per Year | Cost per Month |
Roof | $5,000 | 25 | $200 | $16.67 |
Water Heater | $750 | 10 | $75 | $6.25 |
All Appliances | $600 | 10 | $60 | $5.00 |
Driveway/Parking Lot | $2,000 | 50 | $40 | $3.33 |
HVAC | $4,000 | 20 | $200 | $16.67 |
Flooring | $2,000 | 10 | $200 | $16.67 |
Plumbing | $2,500 | 30 | $83 | $6.94 |
Windows | $2,000 | 50 | $40 | $3.33 |
Paint | $800 | 5 | $160 | $13.33 |
Cabinets/Counters | $2,000 | 20 | $100 | $8.33 |
Structure (foundation, framing) | $10,000 | 50 | $200 | $16.67 |
Components (garage door, etc.) | $2,000 | 10 | $200 | $16.67 |
Landscaping | $300 | 10 | $30 | $2.50 |
Septic | $0 | 25 | $0 | $0.00 |
Well | $0 | 25 | $0 | $0.00 |
TOTAL | $33,950 | N/A | $1,588 | $132.36 |
So that's $132 per month, best case, which if Rent is $1000, that's at least 13% of rent, assuming new EVERYTHING in the house. So usually would require more than 13%.... but I never hear anyone saving this much.
Do most people end up eating into their cash flow to pay for future capex repairs? This is what I don't want - but I also don't want to be grossly overestimating either.
What do you guys think about my numbers or my assumptions - am I way off??