Top maintenance jobs Brits put off - with one in 10 thinking about them daily
A poll of 2,000 homeowners has revealed the top 20 home maintenance jobs Brits put off which can often lead homeowners paying more to fix them.
A survey of 2,000 homeowners has unveiled the top 20 neglected maintenance jobs around the house. This includes replacing shower heads, draught-proofing doors and windows, and making sure vents and fans are clean. The study also found that one in 10 adults think about these tasks on a regular basis but rarely act on them.
A fifth of homeowners confessed that they are more concerned about the appearance of their house than its underlying maintenance. The study discovered nearly a third prioritise aesthetic tasks such as painting walls or hanging pictures over functional ones like bleeding radiators or servicing boilers.
Jessica Rawstron, an engineer at British Gas, which commissioned the study, stated: "Keeping on top of the little things around the house might not seem urgent, but it can save homeowners a lot of time, money, and stress in the long run.
"Summer can be a good time to catch up on home maintenance tasks that have been forgotten or delayed, with boilers serving as a prime example – especially before colder weather returns.
"Think of it as an MOT for your boiler – it helps identify and resolve any potential problems early, and by booking one in the summer you can have peace of mind that your heating is in full working order before you need it during the colder months."
According to the research, two thirds of homeowners would only take action on a maintenance task if the problem became visible. For 38% of people, neglecting the problem meant it was too late to fix, and it left them with a bigger, costlier problem down the line.
The top reasons people put off these little jobs are lack of skills (27%), the cost (26%), and a lack of time (25%). But 21% of those polled via OnePoll worry about making the issue worse.
British Gas has devised a home maintenance checklist to provide homeowners with useful reminders for when tasks need to be carried out throughout the year – whether that's the optimal time to bleed radiators or a reminder to check the thermostat settings and contemplate a smart tech upgrade.
Jessica commented: "A dripping tap or a patch of damp may seem minor now but left unchecked they can quickly turn into much bigger, and more expensive, problems. Regular maintenance not only protects your property but also helps preserve its value.
"Whether you own or rent, staying on top of small fixes is one of the simplest ways to avoid nasty surprises and keep your home running reliably and efficiently. With seasonal offers available, summer is a sensible time to make sure everything's in good working order before colder weather returns."
TOP 20 HOME MAINTENANCE JOBS BRITS PUT OFF:
Cleaning gutters
Cleaning behind the fridge
Fixing a leaky tap
Fixing a squeaky door
Replacing a toilet seat
Servicing the boiler
Bleeding radiators
Installing a new tap
Cleaning vents and fans
Replacing kitchen appliances
Replacing a light bulb
Replacing a showerhead
Repairing a roof leak
Changing a door lock
Installing a doorbell
Installing curtain rods
Repairing plasterboard
Weatherproofing windows and doors
Unblocking a sink or toilet
Building a garden shed
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