Survey reveals top 20 home maintenance tasks Brits neglect, risking costly repairs
Survey reveals top 20 home maintenance tasks Brits neglect, risking costly repairs
A study of 2,000 homeowners found that millions of people are avoiding vital home maintenance jobs, such as replacing showerheads and servicing boilers.
Summer is a good time to catch up on essential maintenance
(Image: Getty Images )
A survey of 2,000 homeowners has unveiled the top 20 neglected chores around the house, which include replacing shower heads, draught-proofing doors and windows, and cleaning vents and fans.
The study revealed that one in 10 adults think about these tasks daily, yet they rarely find the time to tackle them. Instead, a fifth of homeowners confessed that they prioritise the appearance of their homes over essential maintenance.
A third admitted they would rather focus on aesthetic tasks such as painting walls or hanging pictures, instead of functional ones like bleeding radiators or servicing boilers. The research revealed that two-thirds of homeowners would only address a home maintenance task if the problem became visible.
Jessica Rawstron, an engineer at British Gas, which commissioned the study, commented: "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."
Brits often put off simple tasks
(Image: Getty Images )
Jessica added: "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."
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"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," she said.
Four out of ten who experienced a malfunction around the house had procrastinated fixing it for a while, only for it to eventually break down completely. A third admitted this resulted in a larger, more expensive issue later on.
The main reasons people delay these minor tasks include lack of skills, cost, and time constraints. However, 21 per cent of those surveyed are concerned about making the issue worse.
British Gas has devised a home maintenance checklist, providing homeowners with useful reminders of when various tasks need to be carried out throughout the year. It includes optimal times to bleed radiators or setting a reminder to review thermostat settings and contemplate a smart tech upgrade.
Jessica added: "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 safeguards your property but also helps maintain its value.
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"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. "
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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