Homeownership is one of life’s greatest accomplishments.
…but it doesn’t stop once you get the keys.
Maintaining your home and improving it is what real adulting is all about. Every major repair, upgrade, and replacement is another milestone you should celebrate.
And there are a lot of milestones in homeownership.
From repairing your first leaky faucet to saying goodbye to your mortgage, certain milestones stand above the rest. Here are the big home milestones you should celebrate.
What You’ll Learn
- Why Celebrating Homeownership Milestones Is Important
- The Big Home Milestones You Should Celebrate
- Tips to Make Milestones More Memorable
- Planning Ahead For Major Home Upgrades
Why Celebrating Homeownership Milestones Is Important
Don’t you celebrate birthdays and wedding anniversaries?
You wouldn’t deprive yourself of marking major accomplishments. So why forego celebrating your victories as a homeowner?
Let me ask you this…
Milestones matter. They let you know you’re taking steps in the right direction.
Homeownership is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about working hard, staying committed, and watching your home evolve over time.
Chances are you’re spending well into the six figures on your home over your lifetime.
Hidden costs of homeownership reached $21,030 annually as of 2025. That includes maintenance and repairs, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and more.
Don’t those numbers make you want to celebrate when you save some money?
When you cross one of these milestones off your list, you’re improving your home and adding value. It also means you did adulting right!
Whether it’s an expertly replaced roof protecting your family or adding that backyard patio you always wanted… Your home tells the story of you and your family. Celebrating the milestones enriches that story.
The Big Home Milestones You Should Celebrate
Homeownership milestones range from small to significant.
While every repair and improvement is worth celebrating in its own right, some things stand out from the crowd.
Here are the major milestones every homeowner should celebrate.
Your First Major Home Repair
Think back to the first major repair you completed around your house.
Was it a leaky faucet? Did you have to learn how to replace your toilet? Whatever it was, completing that first repair is a big accomplishment.
You took ownership of your home that day.
Replace Your Roof
This isn’t just a big home improvement project. It’s usually one of the most expensive home improvements you’ll make.
Homeowners can spend anywhere between $9,000 and $30,000 on a new roof. But trust me when I say it’s worth every penny.
Your roof does more than just keep the rain off your head. It protects your entire home from the damage Mother Nature tries to dish out.
Not only will you appreciate smooth roof decking after your roof replacement, but you’ll also add value to your home.
Did you know that 25% of new homeowners replace their roof within 4 years of purchase?
It’s true!
Whether you had hidden roof damage at closing or your roofing contractor didn’t do a great job before you bought the home… One thing is for sure. Once you get that replacement behind you, you can cross it off your list.
Upgrading Your HVAC System
Let’s be honest. Nothing beats coming home to a comfortable house on those scorching summer days or freezing winter nights.
Upgrading your HVAC system is one improvement that never goes unnoticed. Your energy bills will go down, your comfort level goes up, and you may even see an increase in home value.
Your Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel
Kitchens and bathrooms are the heart of your home.
They’re where everyone gathers to spend time with each other. Upgrading your kitchen or bathroom improves your home every day.
From breakfast to baths, your family spends a lot of time in these rooms. Making them functional and beautiful makes your entire household happy.
Oh, and home buyers really love kitchen and bath upgrades. They typically generate some of the highest returns when selling.
Paying Off Your Mortgage
You did it!
You officially own your home. Making that last mortgage payment is a day to remember and celebrate.
How To Make These Milestones Special
Crossing one of these milestones off your list is exciting. But there are ways to make it even more memorable.
Take Before and After Pictures
Pictures capture memories better than words ever could.
Make sure you take plenty of before and after pictures of your home. You’ll want to look back on your progress someday.
And when it’s time to sell? These pictures will help you show off the value you added to your home.
Don’t forget to take pictures during the process too!
Hang onto any paperwork you receive too.
Celebrate The Milestone
Depending on the milestone you’ve hit, celebrate in appropriate ways.
You don’t need to throw a party every time you paint a room. But upgrading to a new kitchen or bathroom? Ordering pizza and opening a bottle of champagne is more than earned.
Helping others is one of the best ways to celebrate your successes. Hosting a housewarming party for new friends and family is a great way to spread the joy.
Share Your Success
Homeowners love hearing about your home victories.
Chances are they’re taking on some projects around their home too. Share what you learned along the way and what you’d do differently.
We all love a good takeaway, and your experience will help others moving forward.
Planning For Your Next Big Home Improvement Project
Wouldn’t it be great if your home kicked your calculator out to rot?
We can’t all be that lucky.
The best thing you can do for your home (and wallet) is plan for those large expenses. No one likes getting hit with emergency repairs.
Plan ahead, and you’ll protect your home and your budget.
Here’s how to prepare for those big-ticket items.
Start A Home Maintenance Savings Account
How much do you think the average homeowner should save for maintenance and repairs each year?
If you guessed anywhere from 1% to 4% of your home’s value, you’d be correct.
The average home in the United States is about 40 years old. That aging process doesn’t happen overnight. Your home will need just as much attention as you age along with it.
Saving for repairs and maintenance will alleviate a lot of stress when the time comes.
Schedule Annual Inspections
You can never be too careful when it comes to home maintenance.
Have your roof inspected every year. Schedule maintenance on your HVAC system before summer and winter arrive. And give your plumbing and electrical systems the old college try.
Finding a problem while it’s small is much cheaper than waiting for disaster to strike.
Learn About Contractors Now
Don’t wait for your roof to leak before you find a contractor.
Start your research now. Ask neighbors for recommendations. Check out reviews online. Create a shortlist of local professionals you can trust.
When that roof leak happens, you’ll be glad you did your homework.
Know What Needs Immediate Attention
Some home improvements can wait.
If your roof is leaking, that needs to be taken care of immediately. However, upgrading your kitchen can wait until you save up.
Knowing the difference will save you money and stress.
Wrap Up
Homeownership is about much more than a roof over your head.
It’s about growing as people and together as a family. Home improvements and maintenance allow you to watch your home change as you change.
Your roof protects your family from the harsh weather. Your HVAC system keeps you cozy year-round. And finishing touches like kitchen and bathroom remodels make living in your home enjoyable.
These milestones are worth celebrating.
Just remember…
Home Milestones You Should Celebrate:
- Your first big home repair
- Roof Replacement
- Upgrading your HVAC System
- Kitchen or Bathroom remodel
- Paying Off Your Mortgage
Don’t forget to start planning for your next big home milestone today.