Expert Tips to Get a Low-Maintenance House

Whether you’re buying or renovating a home, here’s how to end up with low maintenance.

Durable finishes, smart systems, and thoughtful layouts contribute to a home that lives easier and ages better. Whether you're buying or renovating, you'll want to prioritize efficiency, durability, and ease of upkeep for every material and feature. If it seems overwhelming, start with one room and ask, “How can I make this space more resilient?”

Here are eight actionable ways to create a low-maintenance house — and get your weekends back.

1: Start With Surfaces That Last

Certain finishes look stunning on day one but demand too much over time. Natural stone countertops, open shelving, and high-gloss cabinetry might be showstoppers in a listing, but they’re maintenance traps in disguise.

Here are low-maintenance surfaces to substitute for higher-maintenance ones:

• Instead of marble, use quartz or porcelain: Quartz doesn’t require sealing and resists stains. Porcelain offers a similar look and is more scratch-resistant.

• Instead of carpet or hardwood floors, use engineered wood, luxury vinyl plank, or porcelain tile: They resist scratching, moisture, and wear. LVP offers the look of wood with less worry.

• Instead of glossy black fixtures, use brushed nickel or matte finishes: These options resist fingerprints and clean up easily.

• Instead of open shelving, use flat-panel or Shaker cabinetry: Cabinet doors keep dust and grease off dishes while preserving a tidy look.

• If you’re remodeling, opt for low-sheen paints like eggshell or satin in high-traffic areas. They hide scuffs better than other choices.

2: Choose Big Tiles and Less Grout

Smaller tiles mean more grout lines, and grout is a pain to clean.

• Low Grout Options for Less Cleaning

• Large format porcelain tiles, 24 inches by 24 inches, are available in matte or polished finishes and offer a seamless look with fewer grout lines.

• Vinyl tile planks resist water, are easy to install, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

• Solid-surface countertops with integrated sinks eliminate caulk and seams, making kitchens and bathrooms easier to keep spotless.

Sealing grout can strengthen tile grout to prevent moisture, stains, and odors from penetrating. It's required for cement grout, but optional for other type, according to Angi. Investing the time to seal grout usually means less cleaning and upkeep, but the process takes time. Some sealer products call for applying two layers and keeping the area dry and with no foot traffic for 48 hours.

3: Buy Appliances With Easy Upkeep

A low-maintenance house incorporates appliances with simple interfaces and durable materials. Options include stainless steel, smooth cooktops, and minimal buttons.

Features That Support Low Maintenance

• Self-cleaning ovens with hidden heating elements

• Front-loading washing machines with mildew-resistant gaskets

• French door fridges with easy-to-clean glass shelves

• Dishwashers with removable filters and hard food disposers

• Avoid appliances with touchscreens unless you’re tech-savvy. Touchpads can malfunction over time and often require costly repairs.

Get information more quickly by bookmarking your online appliance manuals, according to maintenance pros. Most manufacturers offer digital care guides and part replacement videos.

4: Use Smart Home Technology

If you choose wisely, smart home tech — whether inside or outside — can save time and prevent disasters. 

Smart Technology That Cuts Effort and Damage

• Leak detection sensors, like Flo by Moen or Phyn Plus, can catch drips before they cause damage.

• Smart thermostats optimize energy use and reduce HVAC strain.

• Central vacuums eliminate lugging a canister around the house.

• Avoid gimmicky gadgets that require constant updating or complex installation. Choose tech that integrates with systems you already use, like your phone or virtual assistant.

5: Transition to Hardscaping

Your yard should be a haven, not a chore. Hardscaping — such as paver patios, gravel paths, and rock gardens — is a low-maintenance house option. 

Before hardscaping, consider factors such as climate, drainage, heat retention, and material durability. Porous pavers, for instance, allow water to drain through, which can reduce runoff issues. Stone and concrete tend to last longer than wood, but may get hotter underfoot.

If you want grass and greenery, you still have low-maintenance options.

Opt for a Yard That's Low Maintenance

• Choose native plants: They require less water, fewer chemicals, and less care.

• Swap high-maintenance turfgrass for low-grow fescue, clover, or buffalo grass: These require less mowing and watering.

• Install a drip irrigation system: It’s more efficient than sprinklers and helps reduce weed growth by targeting water at the roots of the plants you want to grow.

• Use mulch liberally: It retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and gives beds a finished look with little effort.

6: Emphasize Benefit to Buyers

Low-maintenance homes do more than feel better; they sell better. 

Demonstrate Low Maintenance When You Sell

• Keep a binder of all upgrades and maintenance work.

• Use neutral, durable finishes that appeal to a wide audience.

• Make sure the listing emphasizes updates like new roofing, HVAC, or siding.

• For yourself, create a digital home maintenance calendar. Apps like Centriq or HomeZada help you schedule tasks and store receipts.

7: Make Changes That Are Long-Term Wins

Many low-maintenance choices cost more initially but often save money in the long run. 

Investments That Cost More but Pay Off

• Fiber cement siding lasts decades and resists pests and moisture.

• Composite decking doesn’t require staining or sealing.

• Metal roofing lasts 40 to 70 years and withstands severe weather.

• Even smaller investments — like weather stripping, water sensors, or no-paint window trim — can add up to big savings in time and money.

8: Get Real With Time and Cost Estimates

It’s easy to underestimate how long routine tasks will take or how much a high-maintenance change will cost in the long run.

How to Calculate Maintenance Expenses and Time

• Use an online maintenance calculator to estimate upkeep for specific materials or appliances.

• Ask contractors for life expectancy and maintenance schedules before committing to new installs.

• Track your time and expenses for three to six months. Note how long you spend on home care tasks. Then ask yourself what you’d rather be doing.

• Understanding the time and cost implications can help you make more confident, informed decisions when buying or upgrading your home. Those decisions will lead you to a low-maintenance house.