43% of homeowners have delayed home improvements and maintenance due to inflation. Here's why that's risky

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For homeowners, big projects and purchases may be another casualty of rampant inflation, new research suggests.

Overall, 60% of homeowners in a recent survey are less comfortable making large purchases for their home or household because of rising prices, according to Hippo Insurance’s 2022 Homeowner Preparedness Report. And 43% either strongly (14%) or somewhat (28%) agree that inflation has caused them to delay planned home improvement or maintenance projects.

The poll used to generate the study was conducted April 29 to May 1 among 1,915 U.S. adults, by Ipsos on behalf of Hippo.

With inflation up 8.6% year over year in May — more than expected and the fastest pace since 1981 — households are facing price increases in everything from groceries and gas to rent and clothes, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Generally speaking, demand continues to outstrip supply, which is hampered in many cases by supply-chain issues.

Residential housing construction costs are up 19% from a year ago, according to the National Association of Home Builders. This can translate into higher costs for home improvement projects, depending on the specifics.

(The housing market appears to be cooling, however, in the face of higher interest rates and home prices that have skyrocketed. The median list price of a home in the U.S. is $447,000, up 17.6% from a year ago, according to Realtor.com.)

The cost of financing renovations or improvements also is getting more expensive, with interest rates expected to continue ticking upward as the Federal Reserve uses higher rates to battle inflation.

‘Not all home repairs are created equal’

However, delaying some projects can be risky. Putting off routine maintenance can lead to bigger repair outlays down the road. Last year, homeowners spent an average of about $4,000 on home repairs, the Hippo survey showed.

While it’s wise to have money set aside for maintenance and repairs, you can also take steps that may help avoid costly fixes. For instance, be sure to know where the main shutoff is for water. If you discover a leaking line from your refrigerator or washing machine, turning off that valve can prevent worse water damage.

“Start with a routine inspection of your home,” said Courtney Klosterman, consumer trends expert at Hippo. “Take note of any visible imperfections, such as cracks in the foundation or damp areas, which could be an early sign of mold.”

From there, Klosterman said, create a list of must-dos and nice-to-dos, so you can work through your list over time.

“Prioritize issues that are known to be costlier to repair such as water leaks and any structural issues around the house,” she said. “Not all home repairs are created equal, so it’s important to look for signs that a project needs to be addressed quickly.”

For example, malfunctioning critical systems, such as a broken down hot water heater or an electrical short should be prioritized, Klosterman said. That’s also when licensed professionals should be called on to fix the problem.

If you’re unsure where to start when it comes to key home maintenance, you can find checklists online, including at sites like Hippo or Homeadvisor.com.