Avoidance doesn’t help when it comes to owning a home. In this week’s Home News by MyFixitUpLife, we’re sharing three recent studies that show how avoiding an issue doesn’t make it better. Many Americans are delaying maintenance, avoiding aging-in-place updates, and stressing from moving to a new home.
Delayed maintenance is causing avoidable repairs.
When the sofa is so cozy and our phones have endless entertainment, it’s easier than ever to avoid home improvement projects. And if you are thinking…gulp…yeah, that’s me, you aren’t alone. About 65 percent of homeowners say they have ignored a home task during the last five years. But delaying can cost you—Big time. Nearly 29 percent admit that delayed maintenance tasks caused avoidable repairs. And according to Hippo home insurance, 92 percent of homeowners had to spend money on unexpected repairs last year. About 36 percent spent $3,000 or more on those unexpected repairs.
What can you do?
Well, we always say to make a list of what you need to accomplish around the house. Then keep it in a place that the grown-ups can easily access. It could be on the kitchen counter, tacked on a message board, or in a shared task list on your phones. That way you can easily access the list, prioritize what needs to be done each week, and mark them as done.
Check out our Homeowner Guide for ideas on how to care for your home.
Can we close the gap on realistic Aging-in-Place?
There’s a gap between how many Americans want to age in place and how many are actually prepared to age in place. According to a survey by AARP, 75 percent of 50+ Americans want to stay in their homes. However, only 34 percent of adults between 50 and 80 think their current home can support aging needs.
What can you do?
Aging-in-Place might sound like it’s just for older people, but it’s really for everyone. Think about where you want to live when you are older. Not many would choose a nursing home. As a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, I always tell homeowners to start implementing aging-in-place features now as you are updating your home. Don’t delay. Modifications can also help support any short-term injuries or other limitations that might happen before you get older.
To help you get started with aging-in-place, check out our articles on aging-in-place.
Moving stress is a major factor when it comes to home buying.
Did you know that nearly 38 percent of Americans say that moving stress is the big obstacle to buying a new home? That’s right. BPG Inspections just released a new study that details how moving causes headaches like 17 percent have gone into debt due to a move and 13 percent say moving is the most stressful life event. And nearly 1/3 say that moving cost more than they expected.
What can you do?
Plan ahead, be realistic with your time, and budget. Scrolling homes for sale online can be fun. It’s nice to daydream about the possibilities out there, and maybe you’ll be more organized and your family could be healthier and happier in a new house. While that could be true, it also could just be a fantasy. Be practical about the reasons for the move, and make sure you have enough money set aside to move and set up a new home.
Explore our tips on how to prepare for a move to a new home.
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