Half of homeowners ignoring vital repairs

Northern Ireland homeowners are being warned that ignoring essential property repairs could lead to spiralling costs of almost £50,000.

New research has revealed that almost half of homeowners here have postponed significant repairs as soaring living costs continue to bite.

A survey of 800 householders by CompareNI.com revealed that 47% are leaving vital maintenance tasks unaddressed, such as leaks, electrical faults, damp or mould treatment and even structural problems.

But experts are warning that putting these issues off could potentially result in huge costs down the line, as initially small problems typically become much worse.

Almost a third (29%) of people have held off on fixing a broken-down boiler, while nearly one in five (18%) are overlooking mould or mildew, which can lead to serious health problems.

Some 14% have yet to address structural defects in their homes, while over one in 10 (11%) are ignoring electrical faults and 9% have left leaks unresolved.

Difficulty finding tradespeople is the biggest barrier to carrying out repairs, with 28% saying it puts them off getting the work done. A further 27% pointed to the cost of materials as the main reason for delaying work, while 20% said the cost of labour was too high.

Worryingly, almost two-thirds (61%) of respondents said they have attempted DIY fixes rather than hiring a professional.

Despite this, some 39% admitted they were unaware that they could be invalidating their home insurance by trying to carry out repairs themselves.

Insurers may refuse to pay out on claims if damage is linked back to poor-quality work, unsafe installations or undisclosed renovation work.

Delaying home repairs isn’t just a financial issue – it could also put the safety of everyone living at the property in jeopardy.

One in four householders (25%) are concerned that delaying repairs could pose a safety risk for their household, with 13% saying they have stayed in a property despite knowing a repair issue could be dangerous.

Leaks can cause mould to develop, which can lead to respiratory issues and is especially dangerous for children and people with underlying health conditions such as asthma or allergies.*

Electrical faults, including loose connections or exposed wiring, should be addressed immediately as this can lead to electric shocks and increase the risk of fires. These types of repairs are high risk, so always call a licensed professional.

While it may be tempting to try and fix a boiler if it breaks down, this is a task that should also be left to trained engineers. Tampering with a boiler could lead to gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning or even explosions. In the UK, it is illegal to work on gas appliances, including boilers, unless you are a Gas Safe registered engineer.**

Ian Wilson, home insurance expert and Managing Director at CompareNI.com said: “Many homeowners are having to make tough choices right now as household budgets continue to be squeezed by rising food and energy costs, so when faced with unwelcome home repairs, it is understandable that these can get pushed down the list of priorities.

“However, there are a few key reasons why certain home maintenance issues should not be overlooked and are best resolved sooner rather than later.

“For one, many minor issues can have a domino effect that may escalate into a major problem over time. A neglected leak could eventually destroy flooring or ceilings, damage electrics and cause mould, leading to a significant repair bill.

“It is not just about the financial cost, as delayed repairs can create real safety issues for anyone living in the property.

“What’s more, neglecting to maintain a property can lead to insurance claims being rejected. The same is true when it comes to DIY, as many policies exclude damage caused by dodgy repair jobs, leaving homeowners unprotected and having to foot the bill, which could run into the tens of thousands.”

Five of the most expensive home repairs:

Subsidence

The cost of fixing subsidence can range from a few hundred pound up to an average of £12,500, if underpinning is needed. Spotting the signs of subsidence and tackling it quickly can mean huge savings on repair costs. Common indicators include cracks in walls, wallpaper wrinkling, doors and windows not closing properly, uneven floors, and warped walls.

Replacing a roof

Water stains or damp spots on ceilings or walls could be a sign that a roof needs repaired or even replaced. Homeowners should also look out for cracked, sagging or missing tiles. While the cost of a new roof can vary widely, the average cost in the UK is around £7,000.

Electrical issues

Flickering lights, cracking or buzzing sounds and burn marks near sockets are signs a house may need rewiring. The most reliable way to check is with an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). The price of rewiring a house depends on the size of the property and the complexity of the job, but an average 3-bedroom house is likely to cost around £6,225.

Plumbing problems

Low water pressure, slow drainage, gurgling water or strange odours can often point to bigger underlying problems with the plumbing. The average cost of new plumbing installation in a 3-bed property is £19,000.

Damp and mould

The cost of damp proofing a property in the UK typically sits at around £5,000, depending on the type and severity.

CompareNI.com can help households compare and find savings on their home insurance. 

References:

*https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/damp-and-mould-understanding-and-addressing-the-health-risks-for-rented-housing-providers/understanding-and-addressing-the-health-risks-of-damp-and-mould-in-the-home–2

**https://anheating.co.uk/can-you-fix-a-boiler-yourself/

***https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/subsidence-repair-costs/

****https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/roof-replacement-cost/

*****https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/rewire-house-cost/

******https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/plumbing-installation-costs/

*******https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/damp-proofing-cost/

Average cost of home repairs:

HOME REPAIR	POTENTIAL COSTS
Subsidence	£12,500
Roof replacement	£7,000
Rewiring	£6,225
Plumbing problems	£19,000
Damp and mould	£5,000
Total Potential Cost	£49,725

Survey results:

SURVEY QUESTIONS

Has the cost of living crisis delayed your plans to carry out home repairs?

Yes – 46%

No – 42%

N/A – 11%

What type of home repairs have you put off?

Boiler/heating system – 29%

Damp or mould treatment – 18%

Structural issues – 14%

Electrical work – 11%

Plumbing issues (eg leaks) – 9%

N/A – 20%

What is currently the biggest barrier to you carrying out home repairs?

Difficulty finding tradespeople – 28%

Cost of materials – 27%

Cost of labour – 20%

N/A – 26%

Are you concerned that delaying home repairs could pose a safety risk to your household?

Yes – 25%

No – 58%

N/A – 18%

Have you ever continued living in a property despite knowing a repair issue could be dangerous?

Yes – 13%

No – 73%

N/A – 14%

Have you ever attempted DIY fixes instead of hiring a professional for a repair?

Yes – 61%

No – 32%

Yes – 8%

Dd you know that DIY mistakes could invalidate your home insurance?

Yes – 54%

No – 39%

N/A – 7%

SURVEY: CompareNI.com’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 800 respondents during April 2026, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.