Disrepair Britain: One in 10 Homes Neglected and May Be at Risk
Halifax Home Insurance reveals a quarter of homeowners have ignored a serious maintenance issue
(firmenpresse) - LONDON, ENGLAND -- (Marketwired) -- 10/02/13 -- More than one in 10 homes in Britain are at risk of falling into disrepair, according to new research.
The Halifax Insurance Home Maintenance Monitor has revealed that 11% of Britain's homes are in need of major improvements, while half require minor works(1).
Despite more than a quarter of homeowners (28%) professing to be home maintenance enthusiasts, almost a third (31%) say they only have the skills to carry out basic cosmetic improvements - such as painting or grouting - lacking the confidence to undertake even straightforward maintenance which could prevent problems such as damp in the longer term.
TV DIY expert, Ben Hillman, said: "By making a number of small maintenance checks throughout the year homeowners can save both time and money, and ensure their home is well maintained. For example, it can cost GBP 40 to have gutters cleaned, whereas replacing damaged gutters can cost over GBP 550, and even more in terms of hassle."
According to the analysis of UK estate agent listings, Home Insurance,Hartlepool's homeowners top the list of towns and cities with housing in disrepair.
Wrekin in Shropshire closely follows, with the second highest number of 'wrecks' on the list. The report showed that homeowners in Aberdeen keep their properties best maintained, while Peterborough came out on top in England, and Newport in Wales.
(1) Major improvements classified as requiring professional to do the work, minor improvements can be carried out by homeowners with relative ease
The report reveals that homeowners are more likely to have carried out aesthetic DIY work such as painting or decorating (86%) and assembling furniture (77%) than to have tackled bigger home maintenance issues such as cleaning gutters (55%) and repairing fittings or cracks (63%).
The research also examined homeowners' attitudes to DIY and found that 70% prefer to tackle simpler tasks than more complex ones. Nearly a quarter (23%) admitted they ask for their parents' help with maintenance jobs, while 23% admit to having ignored a serious home maintenance task in the past.
Homeowners' main reasons for neglecting maintenance work included being 'too busy' (41%), not having the right tools (36%) and fear of causing injury to themselves or others (29%) - with women nearly twice as worried as men.
In the past five years, homeowners have spent an average of GBP 5,841 on home improvements to their properties. More than one in 10 (11%) have spent over GBP 10,000, with one in 20 having splashed out over GBP 20,000.
Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager at , said: "We all invest a considerable amount of time and money in our homes, so it's worth making sure this investment is adequately protected, yet more than a quarter of people (27%) are unaware of what is and isn't covered by their home insurance policy. By failing to properly maintain the property, homeowners risk invalidating their insurance policy, potentially running up hefty bills if something goes wrong as a result of neglect."
Ben Hillman continued: "Cosmetic quick-fixes are often the popular choice but a lack of awareness may lead homeowners to avoid problems that could have a more serious impact.
"With older properties comes a greater need to maintain, and the research found that three quarters of properties are over 20 years old - suggesting that home maintenance should be much higher on the homeowner's agenda."
Ben Hillman will be answering questions regarding home maintenance on 28 August. Visito find out more.
Keeping your property maintained: advice from Halifax Home Insurance
Inside:
Outside:
Maintenance v replacement costs(2)
For more information visit
Notes to editors
ENDS
The research was conducted by One Poll in July 2013 on a nationally representative survey of 2,000 homeowners aged 18 and over living in the UK. The survey was conducted by an online poll.
Additional research was conducted using estate agent listings by Calnea Analytics (June-July 2013).
Halifax Home Solutions is underwritten by Lloyds TSB General Insurance Limited and has a 5 Star Defaqto rating. Halifax Home Options is underwritten by a panel of insurers in order to source a competitive premium for customers.
About Ben Hillman
A member of Peter Andre's 60 Second Makeover team, Ben won the 'The Next Big Thing' in Interior Design competition in 2010. He runs an interior design business and UK television credits include This Morning, Auction Party and The Renovation Game.
(2) BuildingSheriff.com, accessed 29 July 2013
Contacts:
Halifax Press Team
Ben Marquand
01422 332833 / 07881 311199
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Datum: 02.10.2013 - 12:51 Uhr
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News-ID 302159
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