Half of Brits lack funds for emergency home repairs, as expert warns of importance of proper maintenance
Millions of Brits would not be able to afford repairs to their home should an emergency occur, according to brand new statistics released today.
According to the research from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, 50 per cent of households have less than £1,000 saved in the bank. And with the average price of emergency home repair coming in at a four figure cost, it seems that many Brits would struggle to resolve a problem.
Shockingly, 15 per cent have absolutely nothing at all saved, and more than a third (34 per cent) have less than £500 saved.
Common problems that can require an urgent remedy include broken boilers, burst pipes, leaks, and faulty wiring. The cost for immediate, urgent repair is higher than planned maintenance, and can more than triple if the emergency repair is required out of regular working hours.
The MyBuilder.com data shows that for millions of Brits, an emergency home issue would be impossible to finance, leading to potential debt or remaining living in an unsafe environment.
The data comes from a larger study looking at knowledge and attitudes to home maintenance. The figures also show that 42 per cent of Brits don't know what is and isn't covered under their home insurance.
Many emergency issues in your home can be avoided with proper maintenance. Autumn is an important time to get these jobs done, such as boiler servicing and clearing out debris from gutters.
Andy Simms, from MyBuilder.com, said homeowners can minimise the likelihood of needing an emergency callout. “
“For millions of homeowners across the UK, a bill for unexpected home repairs is insurmountable.
“It's a stressful situation to be in, but the good news is that many issues can be avoided with proper maintenance.
“It's also a good idea to consider checking what your insurance covers and considering emergency home cover if you think it's useful.
“But prevention is always better than cure, so ensure that you complete all essential home maintenance before a problem arises.”
Essential maintenance jobs
Get your boiler serviced
While you may think it's safe to skip a service, annual maintenance for your boiler is essential. Not only will it identify any serious issues before it breaks, it can keep your system running optimally, lowering your bills.
Check your guttering
Blocked gutters are a common issue at this time of year, as autumn causes leaves to fall. But if left, blocked gutters can cause leaks and is often a reason for insurance companies to refuse a pay out should leak damage be caused.
Check your roof
It's not unusual for roof tiles to become worn and broken, or even fall off once they break. Replacing them is essential or your roof will leak in rainfall. Book a tradesperson to come in and give your roof a once over to ensure it's in good repair.
Insulate your pipes
Burst pipes can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage should they flood your home, and insulating them can help prevent this. Pay special attention to areas where your pipes are outside the house.
Get your chimney swept
If you have a working fireplace, it's vital to get it swept every year. A blocked chimney could not only lead to costly damage, but also is a danger to life. Toxic emissions and house fires are both serious repercussions of a neglected chimney.
