Homeowners delay repairs, face safety and financial risks

"Nearly half (45%) said their homes are less safe due to unaddressed repairs, while 39% say they knew their roof needs to be fixed but have yet to address it. The report, based on national survey data, reveals a widespread procrastination epidemic that effects the vast majority of homeowners. More than 90% have outstanding repairs on their to-do list, with the average deferred project costing about $5,650 to complete."

"The financial consequences are steep. More than 40% of homeowners said they've paid for major repairs that could have been avoided with routine maintenance. Bold North's data shows that a $200 roof repair can escalate to $15,000 to $50,000 if ignored, while a leaky pipe repair of $150 can cause $7,000 in damage from mold and water infiltration. Emergency repairs average more than $1,200 compared to roughly $100 for preventative maintenance."

"Generational and regional differences also emerged. Baby boomers are the most consistent when it comes to maintenance, while Gen X and millennial homeowners are struggling to keep up with about half admitting to falling behind. First-time homeowners are especially affected. Nearly 70% said they feel overwhelmed by home projects and spend extra time on maintenance without making progress. Residents in the eastern U.S. reported higher rates of deferred maintenance than those in the West."

Nearly half of homeowners (45%) say their homes are less safe because of unaddressed repairs, and 39% know their roof needs fixing but have not acted. More than 90% have outstanding repairs, with the average deferred project costing about $5,650. Financial pressures drive delays: 60% cite finances, 92% blame inflation, and 89% cite economic uncertainty. Only 41% could afford a $500 repair and 28% could pay $1,000 out of pocket. Deferred maintenance leads to emergency spending and much larger bills; routine neglect can turn small fixes into tens of thousands of dollars. Baby boomers maintain more consistently; Gen X, millennials, and first-time owners fall behind. Seventy-one percent prioritize preventative maintenance; 92% want to learn repair skills.

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