Millions living with household faults ‘because they lack time to fix them’

Homeowners are living with cracks in walls and ceilings, flaky paint, and wonky kitchen cupboards because they don’t have time to get them fixed.

A study of 2,000 adults, on the property ladder, revealed the top 50 issues they’re living with including doors that don’t shut properly, mouldy grout, and hot and cold taps fitted the wrong way round.

Homeowners have been living with such concerns for typically six months – but the longest issues have existed for five years.

Reasons for putting up with such imperfections included no longer “seeing” them around the home (18 per cent), falling to the bottom of the to-do list (16 per cent), and simply accepting them as a quirk of the property (13 per cent).

Also among the list were stained floors and carpets, unfinished painting jobs, and creaky doors.

The research, commissioned by Checkatrade, found common causes of issues were weather-related incidents such as a flood (14 per cent), as well as failed DIY attempts (12 per cent) and drunk accidents (11 per cent).

The living room is typically the area of the home with the most imperfections, with an average of four.

But more than a third (37 per cent) believe every home has its own little issues and imperfections.

Mike Fairman, CEO at Checkatrade, said: “With so many UK homeowners living with imperfections and issues in their homes, it’s no surprise some have been around for as long as five years.

“Whether it is doors that won’t shut properly, or finally getting round to finishing that paint job, we’re all familiar with adding such things to a never-ending to-do list.”

As a result of home issues, one in six (16 per cent) have felt embarrassed to invite guests round, while 15 per cent have had to spend more money on the project then originally planned, and 11 per cent have had arguments with family.

A quarter even point out imperfections to visitors, to avoid any accidents.

Almost three in ten (28 per cent) admitted they have good intentions of sorting out imperfections in their home – but never have time.

And a further 28 per cent know they need to call in a professional, but haven’t got round to it.

But 14 per cent have had to call in an expert to finish or fix the job, leaving homeowners feeling relieved (32 per cent), but also embarrassed (16 per cent).

An average of £1,139 has been spent by the typical homeowner addressing concerns around the home so far this year – whether doing it themselves, or paying an expert.

But when it comes to existing issues, those polled predict it will take them another eight months before getting round to fixing them or calling in a professional.

Motivation for addressing issues sooner would include putting their home up for sale (30 per cent), or hosting a big event such as Christmas or birthdays (22 per cent).

And a quarter of those polled, via OnePoll, have noticed more issues in their property since spending more time in it during lockdown or working from home.

Despite their own home imperfections, many admitted they’d be put off a potential future abode due to the likes of cracks in walls and ceilings (22 per cent), doors that don’t shut properly (16 per cent), and wonky kitchen cupboards (15 per cent).

Mike Fairman added: “We know not everyone is able to hire a professional, so we have created a wealth of expert advice, how-to and cost guides to assist you in your home improvement projects on the Checkatrade blog [https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/news/live-with-it/]

“Meanwhile, for those imperfections and issues that do require an expert, make sure they are verified to ensure a job well done.”