Putting Off Even Small Home Repairs Could Cost Homeowners Nearly $2K More Today

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.

There’s no set cost for postponing a home repair, but you could end up paying to fix both the original problem and the damage it caused. 

“That’s why it’s important to get active leaks assessed promptly while the problem is still manageable,” Hicks explains.

What to do if you can’t afford a repair right away

If you can’t pay for a repair immediately, start by understanding how urgent the issue is. If it’s a potential safety concern or involves water coming into your home, don’t ignore it. 

“Get an assessment from a qualified professional so you understand the problem, what can safely wait, and what options are available to you,” says Hicks. 

From there, prioritize essential repairs, get written estimates, and ask whether the work can be broken into manageable phases that can fit into your budget. 

While you may believe completing a repair on your own can save you money—like 40% of the homeowners in the survey—it could actually have the opposite effect.

According to the survey, 52% of DIY projects had gone wrong and ultimately required professional help. And homeowners spent an average of $1,171 beyond their original budget to correct DIY mistakes.

“DIY could be a great way to save money on certain projects, but it’s important to know your limits,” explains Hicks.

Friedman points out that any repair involving electrical work, plumbing, or roofing is probably better left to professionals. 

“You run into more physical risk, more consequences if a repair doesn't work, and issues of permitting and inspection,” Friedman says.

Before starting a DIY project, be realistic about your skills, the tools required, and the time it will take to finish the work. If a mistake could damage another part of your home or create a safety issue, it’s often worth bringing in a pro from the start. 

“Paying to correct a mistake can quickly erase the savings you were counting on,” Hicks adds.

Why being proactive could pay off

One of the best ways to avoid putting off repairs is to plan ahead and build good habits right off the bat.

Hicks recommends assessing your home at least once a year and writing down everything that requires attention. Prioritize items by structural issues, mechanical systems, routine maintenance, updates, and additions. Then, build your budget around those needs. 

“As a general rule, you should set aside 1% to 2% of your home’s value each year for repairs and improvements. This helps you stay on top of issues, account for everyday maintenance, and avoid costly surprises,” Hicks adds.