In a perfect world, homeowners would tackle repairs as soon as issues arise. The reality, however, is that most put them off.
In fact, the recent "Home Oops" report from Angi found that 30% of respondents knowingly delayed a repair that worsened. And among those who did, 83% paid more than they would have if they addressed it promptly, with an average additional cost of $1,645.
“In my experience, most people postpone home repairs because they’re simply unaware of them or don't realize that they're getting worse,” says Rafi Friedman, CEO of Coastal Luxury Outdoors in Jacksonville, FL.
It's also becoming more common for homeowners to delay repairs for financial reasons.
“Inflation is up, and it's hit the construction and home improvement sector especially hard,” Friedman adds.
If you can’t afford a home repair right away, don't panic. There are steps you can take to manage costs and prevent the issue from worsening.
The price of delaying repairs
When you’re juggling other essential expenses, like your mortgage, groceries, gas, and utilities, it’s easy to push a home repair to the bottom of the list. The challenge, however, is knowing which issues can safely wait and which ones need immediate attention.
The survey found that plumbing leaks (40%) and roof issues (33%) were the repairs homeowners put off most often, and unfortunately, they’re exactly the types of problems you want to catch early.
“Water is your home’s worst enemy. A small plumbing leak can damage floors and walls, or lead to mold, while a leaking roof can damage insulation, ceilings, and other parts of the home,” says Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi.