The most common home Maintenance jobs Brits put off – and why it’s time to tackle them

We all have those little jobs around the home we keep meaning to sort – but somehow never quite do. Whether it’s bleeding radiators or finally fixing that dripping tap, many of us are guilty of letting home maintenance tasks slide.

In fact, our poll of 2,000 UK homeowners revealed the 20 most postponed maintenance jobs in the home.

Which jobs are people most likely to put off?

From everyday annoyances to essential maintenance, here are the top 20 tasks that often fall to the bottom of the to-do list:

Top 20 home maintenance jobs people put off:

  1. Cleaning gutters
  2. Cleaning behind the fridge
  3. Fixing a leaky tap
  4. Fixing a squeaky door
  5. Replacing a toilet seat
  6. Servicing the boiler
  7. Bleeding radiators
  8. Installing a new tap
  9. Cleaning vents and fans
  10. Replacing kitchen appliances
  11. Replacing a light bulb
  12. Replacing a showerhead
  13. Repairing a roof leak
  14. Changing a door lock
  15. Installing a doorbell
  16. Installing curtain rods
  17. Repairing plasterboard
  18. Weatherproofing windows and doors
  19. Unblocking a sink or toilet
  20. Building a garden shed

Why do these jobs get delayed?

It’s not that we don’t notice them – in fact, 12% of people think about these tasks daily. So what are the most common reasons for delay?

Lack of skills
(27%)

Homeowners aren’t always sure how to start.
Cost concerns (26%)

Many worry about the price of repairs.

Lack of time
(25%)

Life is busy, and DIY takes a backseat.

Fear of making things worse
(21%)

Some would rather not risk it.

Why regular maintenance matters

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY-er or just starting out, ticking off these small jobs can make a big difference – keeping your home running efficiently and protecting its value in the long term.

Aesthetic jobs – such as painting walls or hanging pictures – often get prioritised over functional ones, such as bleeding radiators or servicing the boiler. But neglecting maintenance tasks can cost you more in the long run.

  • One in three people delay fixes until the problem becomes visible
  • 38% of homeowners say they ignored an issue – only for it to break completely
  • 31% admitted the delay ended up making the problem worse and more expensive

Summer is a great opportunity to get ahead on home maintenance – especially jobs like boiler servicing. Think of it as an MOT for your boiler. You’ll have peace of mind that your heating is ready before the colder months hit.

Keeping on top of the little things might not seem urgent, but it can save homeowners a lot of time, money, and stress. At British Gas, we have a range of HomeCare covers to keep you protected from big repair bills make sure your home stays running smoothly.

To help homeowners stay on top of these tasks, we have created a Home Maintenance Calendar – a month-by-month guide with seasonal reminders, from bleeding radiators to servicing your boiler.