**Survey Uncovers the Top 20 Home Maintenance Jobs Most Overlooked by UK Homeowners**
A recent survey has cast a spotlight on the home maintenance habits of Britons, revealing a concerning trend towards neglecting key household tasks. According to the findings, many UK homeowners routinely skip essential jobs—ranging from cleaning gutters to servicing boilers—putting themselves at risk of expensive repairs and avoidable home emergencies.
The research, which canvassed the views of 2,000 property owners, identified the top 20 chores that are most commonly left undone. The list includes replacing shower heads, draught-proofing doors and windows, and even such basic jobs as cleaning behind the fridge or fixing a leaky tap.
Despite widespread awareness of these tasks, with one in ten surveyed admitting they think about maintenance jobs every day, a significant proportion struggle to actually carry them out. Notably, a fifth of respondents admitted to prioritising their home’s cosmetic appearance—such as painting walls or hanging new pictures—over functional tasks like bleeding radiators or addressing minor leaks.
The reluctance to tackle these chores often stems from several factors. Many homeowners cited a lack of time, limited DIY skills, and concerns over the potential cost of mistakes. For some, the anxiety of making a problem worse was enough to put the job off entirely. However, experts warn that this procrastination can have significant repercussions.
Jessica Rawstron, an engineer for British Gas, which commissioned the survey, highlighted the long-term consequences of neglecting basic home upkeep. She commented: “While it’s easy to overlook minor issues, these small tasks can become major headaches if left unchecked. Ultimately, performing regular maintenance can save homeowners both money and stress by preventing problems from escalating.”
The study also indicates that reactive attitudes towards maintenance are widespread. Nearly two-thirds of homeowners said they would only address a problem once it became visibly apparent, such as a dripping tap developing into a significant leak or mould forming due to unaddressed damp. Notably, four in ten had delayed dealing with a home fault, only to find it later led to a full breakdown or a more costly repair.
With summer often considered an opportune time for undertaking maintenance work, experts suggest making the most of warmer weather to tick off forgotten jobs. “Treating your boiler to a summer servicing is like giving your car an MOT—it’s a chance to spot faults before winter arrives,” Ms Rawstron advised.
In response to the findings, British Gas has created a seasonal maintenance checklist to encourage better upkeep routines. The list includes reminders for bleeding radiators, checking thermostats, cleaning vents, and even exploring smart technology upgrades to improve home efficiency.
Maintaining a property is more than just about preventing inconvenient breakdowns; it’s also key to preserving the value of a home. “Small issues like a damp patch or squeaky door hinges may not seem urgent, but over time can contribute to much bigger problems,” Jessica Rawstron added. “Addressing these minor concerns now saves significant hassle and protects your investment in the long run.”
For those unsure where to begin, the survey’s top 20 neglected tasks provide a compelling starting point: from unblocking sinks and toilets to repairing plasterboard and weatherproofing windows. Other often-ignored jobs include installing new taps, replacing toilet seats, and tackling minor roof leaks.
Homeowners and renters alike are reminded that routine care is one of the most effective ways to avoid unexpected (and unwelcome) expenditure. As maintenance experts often say, prevention is invariably better—and cheaper—than cure.
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**Top 20 Home Maintenance Jobs Commonly Overlooked:**
– Cleaning gutters
– Cleaning behind the fridge
– Fixing a leaky tap
– Fixing a squeaky door
– Replacing a toilet seat
– Servicing the boiler
– Bleeding radiators
– Installing a new tap
– Cleaning vents and fans
– Replacing kitchen appliances
– Replacing a light bulb
– Replacing a showerhead
– Repairing a roof leak
– Changing a door lock
– Installing a doorbell
– Installing curtain rods
– Repairing plasterboard
– Weatherproofing windows and doors
– Unblocking a sink or toilet
– Building a garden shed
The message is clear: investing a little time in regular home maintenance today could save British homeowners serious money and disruption tomorrow.