40% Of Homeowners ‘Stressed Out’ By Home Maintenance Costs

• November 18, 2016|
• News|
• Darren Clarke

Owning your own home is desirable for many but there are of course pros and cons to taking that first step on the property ladder, with home maintenance seemingly one of the biggest cons at the moment.

New research from LV has found that 40 per cent of homeowners admit to being stressed out by how much home maintenance actually costs, with 18 per cent saying they lose sleep with worry about it. What’s more, 18 per cent of those who do own their own home say they think it is a ticking timebomb of problems.

And while many say that we live in a nation of DIY enthusiasts, the survey also found that 48 per cent think they don’t have the necessary skills or knowledge to carry out maintenance work around the house. And 31 per cent say they have put off essential work in the last year.

Given that the average homeowner will spend over £1,850 a year on home maintenance (climbing to £2,460 for those with period properties), it’s perhaps unsurprising that so many people are worried about the costs.

Similar research from Lloyds Bank, released back in June, showed that outdoor home maintenance is also a concern for many, with people opting to prioritise the interiors of their homes when it comes to spending money. Issues include buildings falling into disrepair, yards and gardens being used as dumping grounds, and untidy gardens and outdoor spaces.

“Keeping up with home maintenance can be a tough and time-consuming job, so it’s understandable that many homeowners might ignore problems or put off important work. Our Home MOT guide is designed to help homeowners understand the most important maintenance tasks and provide advice on how to tackle them. It’s important to keep on top of maintenance as ignoring problems in the home can lead to more serious issues developing, and damage from wear and tear is typically not covered by home insurance,” managing director of home insurance at LV= Selwyn Fernandes said.

The most common issues people face were double-glazing problems, gutter and drainpipe concerns, and outdated wiring. Having a look at the MOT guide could prove quite fruitful for homeowners, but the insurer has also suggested a few top tips to help you keep your house in good nick.

For example, it advises walking around the outside of your house to see if there’s anything leaning against external walls as this can result in damp. Airing rooms regularly can help to prevent condensation and you should check the grouting and sealant around your bath and shower as if it comes apart you could find you have a water damage problem.

Those of you looking to buy windows in Stockport should get in touch with our friendly and experienced team here at Malbern Windows today.