71% of Homeowners Are Delaying Repairs—Here’s Why You Shouldn’t
Most homeowners love the idea of home improvement projects—at least the part where they get to enjoy the finished product. A new kitchen. A spa-like bathroom. Or perhaps a backyard oasis with an outdoor kitchen.
But even the “fun” projects are easy to put off. Between the time commitment, the mess, the scheduling headaches, and the rising costs of materials and labor, it’s no surprise those Pinterest boards stay digital.
Which is why the less exciting stuff—such as basic home maintenance like fixing a small leak, dealing with slow drainage, or replacing aging systems—is even harder to prioritize. It’s not fun. It’s not flashy. And it rarely feels urgent…until it is.
According to a recent Forbes article, nearly three out of four homeowners (71%) have delayed a planned home project this year due to inflation, higher interest rates, and economic uncertainty.
So if you’ve been putting off some maintenance or repairs around your home, you’re not alone. Life’s expensive right now, and many households are rightfully being cautious.
But the article also warns that postponing certain types of work—particularly maintenance that affects the health, safety, or structural condition of a home—can come with serious consequences, both financially and otherwise.
What’s Getting Delayed…and What Shouldn’t Be
It’s totally understandable why homeowners gravitate toward projects that add visual appeal or everyday enjoyment. Who wouldn’t prefer dreaming about a kitchen upgrade or new outdoor entertaining area over replacing insulation or dealing with a crawl space?
But while it’s fine to daydream about the fun stuff, it’s the foundational items—literally and figuratively—that deserve attention first.
Unlike a dream kitchen or fancy tilework, many of these foundational fixes don’t need to follow trends or fit a personal design style. Their value is more universal to you as a homeowner, and to potential buyers in the future. Well-maintained systems may not earn compliments—but they’ll keep you safe and comfortable while you live there, and help prevent inspection drama and last-minute price reductions when you sell.
Yet, unsurprisingly, the Forbes article pointed out that most homeowners are prioritizing kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces when imagining unlimited budgets. However, the article also makes it clear that the bigger risk isn’t skipping an upgrade—it’s ignoring maintenance.
Here are some examples of issues that tend to be pushed aside but shouldn’t be:
- Small plumbing leaks or slow drainage
- Damaged or aging roof
- HVAC systems not functioning efficiently
- Electrical issues or outdated panels
- Cracked or shifting foundation
- Gutter and drainage problems
- Termite or pest issues
- Rotting wood or deteriorated siding
- Mold or ventilation problems
You don’t need to knock everything out in one weekend, and (thankfully!) not every item will apply to every home. But these are the kinds of things that, if ignored, don’t just sit quietly in the background—they get worse, more expensive, and far more noticeable during a home inspection.
How to Start Tackling Projects Without Getting Overwhelmed
The hardest part about dealing with home maintenance is often just figuring out where to start. When everything feels like it needs attention—and budgets feel tight—it’s easy to do nothing at all. But a smart plan doesn’t have to mean a massive upfront investment. It just takes a little strategy.
Begin with a walkthrough of your home, inside and out. Look for issues you’ve grown used to or have quietly ignored—things like water spots, sticking doors, loud HVAC cycles, or signs of moisture near windows. Then, sort what you find into three basic categories:
- Must-do-now: anything posing a safety risk, showing active damage, or impacting major systems
- Needs attention soon: aging or worn components that are functional for now but may not be for long
- Nice to fix later: cosmetic updates or minor annoyances that aren’t urgent
From there, you can tackle projects in phases based on your time and budget. If something seems big or intimidating, break it down. A roof replacement, for example, may not be in the cards right now—but a professional inspection and some spot repairs might buy you time and peace of mind.
When it comes to budgeting, a few smart moves can go a long way:
- Watch for seasonal deals or times when contractors are less busy—they’re often more flexible on pricing.
- Set up a small monthly maintenance fund—$50 a month may not seem like much, but it adds up and helps soften the blow of unexpected repairs.
- Bring in the pros when needed. Even a simple inspection (like HVAC or roof) can help you plan ahead, rather than waiting for a full system failure.
And don’t forget: your real estate agent can be a great resource, even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon. Agents often know the go-to local tradespeople, understand what future buyers will care about most, and can help you prioritize with an eye on long-term value.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Tackling one issue at a time, with a little planning and some smart shortcuts, can help you stay ahead of bigger, more expensive problems down the road.
The Takeaway:
It’s easy to put off home maintenance—especially the unglamorous stuff. And right now, with higher costs and a lot of economic uncertainty, most homeowners are doing just that.
But ignoring small issues doesn’t make them go away. It usually makes them bigger. And when it’s time to sell, they’ll still be there—just more expensive and more likely to turn buyers off.
The smartest move is to take care of things steadily over time, starting with the most important items first. Your future self (and your future buyer) will thank you. And if you ever want help knowing where to start, your real estate agent is just a call away.
