New research has found UK homeowners forked out an average of £2,864 on home maintenance in 2022, 5.8% higher than the year before.
These works include major issues such as electrical wiring, damp, brickwork faults, and boiler issues, as well as smaller ones like gutter blockages, missing roof slats, and dripping radiators.
The research by Insurance brokers Alan Boswell reveals the costliest home maintenance issues to carry out when renovating a house and recommendations to keep costs down.
Which are the most expensive repairs?
1. Poor and old wiring - £3,000 - £6,500
Poor or old wiring is the most expensive home repair, potentially costing British homeowners a hefty £3,000 to £6,500 to carry out rewiring. There are extensive risks associated with faulty and old wiring and are often the cause of house fires across the country.
To prevent electrical fires, Heath Alexander-Bew, of Alan Boswell Landlord Building Insurance, said: “Get an electrical inspection done by a licensed electrician to recognise early wiring problems and reduce the risk of costly emergency call-outs.
“Opt for copper wiring instead of aluminium which will be more cost-effective in the long run and reduces the risk of overheating.”
To find a decent local electrician, it's worth making sure you check out their qualifications before agreeing to hire them.
2. Peeling paint and penetrative damp - £2,200 - £5,000
Peeling paint due to excess moisture is the second costliest house repair. It costs a professional between £2,200 and £3,200 to fully repaint a damaged house. If damp is involved, the costs can soar up to £5,000.
Heath said: “Keep good home ventilation through open doors and windows, and improve airflow by leaving gaps between furniture and the walls.
“If dampness has already set in, try injecting a damp-proofing cream or buy a dehumidifier - as cheap as £1 (or £2.49 for one off Amazon) - to absorb excess water.”
3. Brickwork defects - £1,900 - £5,000
In third place is brickwork defects, which usually occurs through age, moisture build-up, poor fitting, and other factors. It can lead to higher energy bills thanks to draughts and can cost between £1,900 and £5,000 to repair.
For minor brickwork damage, Heath suggests using a moulded mortar replacement to fill small holes. However, with bricks that are too damaged, safe removal and replacement is the best option. You can check out our DIY guide on removing a brick from a wall, if you are competent.
4. Boiler failure
Boiler failure can cost between £500 and £3,000 to repair or replace. Getting your boiler regularly serviced can identify small problems before they become big expensive ones. Choosing a new boiler is often expensive but necessary if you old one is condemned.
Which are the cheapest repairs?
Missing roof slats can be the cheapest home issue to fix, at just £120 to £220. Roofs with missing slats can happen to any home, usually due to high winds. Storm damage is often covered by insurance. You can check out our types of roof tiles article if you need any guidance.
Heath suggests: “Missing roof slats can cause flooding from rain and lead to structural damage to the house, ruining valuable possessions. It’s important to recognise a roofing issue early before things deteriorate.
“In addition, carry out seasonal roof cleaning to avoid costlier repair fees due to moss growth, as well as gutter blockages caused by leaves and debris.”
Other less-expensive repairs include poor ventilation (£0 - £1,000), obstructed gutters (£240 - £300) - see our guide on gutter cleaning products -, clogged water pipes (£150 - £300), and leaking radiators (£120 - £240).
Is there a way to save money with home repairs?
Heath says some simple preventative measures can keep costs down.
“Clean gutters and have your boiler serviced regularly, replace faulty wiring and take proper precautions to keep your home damp-free - doing so will save you thousands of pounds and days of stress heading into the new year,” he said.
“It’s also important to remember that a poorly maintained property could cause issues if you need to claim off your insurance. ‘Wear and tear’ is not something you can insure against.”
