From leaky roofs to outdated electrical systems, essential home upgrades are piling up, and American homeowners are hitting pause. Faced with soaring material costs, inflation, and rising interest rates, many are making tough decisions that could have long-term consequences.
Guardian Service surveyed over 1,000 homeowners to understand how financial pressure is reshaping home maintenance priorities and whether delays are quietly putting homes, and their value, at risk.
Key Takeaways
- In 2025, 71% of homeowners postponed renovations or repairs due to economic uncertainty. Millennials (74%) were the most likely generation to have done so.
- Nearly a third of homeowners say they’re willing to wait another 1–2 years for major upgrades, while 15% are putting upgrades off indefinitely due to economic uncertainty.
- Home improvement budgets dropped by 42% on average in 2025, and 62% of homeowners DIY’d critical repairs themselves to avoid the cost of hiring professionals.
- Nearly 1 in 4 homeowners admit they’ve skipped filing an insurance claim because they’re worried the condition of their home could trigger an inspection or result in denial.
- Insurance education is lacking: 71% of homeowners say no one told them upgrades could lower premiums.
- 49% of homeowners say delays in maintenance may have compromised their home’s safety in 2025.
Postponed Home Projects Amid Economic Uncertainty
Whether it’s replacing a roof or updating plumbing, home upgrades are being pushed further down the priority list in 2025.
Due to economic uncertainty, 71% of homeowners have delayed home renovations or repairs this year. Millennials led the trend, with 74% admitting to putting off essential projects, compared to baby boomers (71%), Gen Z (71%), and Gen X (67%). The average homeowner has delayed a needed repair for 8.4 months. Nearly a third said they’re comfortable waiting another one to two years before making major upgrades. Even more concerning, 15% said they’re putting them off indefinitely, citing financial strain as the reason.
On average, home improvement budgets dropped by 42% this year, with 40% of respondents saying higher mortgage rates or property taxes have made home maintenance more difficult. Gen Z homeowners felt the pinch the most of all age groups, with 59% saying these rising costs have impacted their ability to care for their homes. Nearly half of homeowners (49%) believed that maintenance delays compromised their home’s safety in 2025.
Rather than seeking professional help, many homeowners (62%) tackled critical fixes themselves to save money. Younger generations were especially likely to go the DIY route, with 67% of Gen Z and 63% of millennials taking on major repairs without hiring a contractor.
Deferred Repairs Are Hurting Insurance Coverage and Home Value
Beyond aesthetics, home maintenance is also closely tied to homeowners insurance eligibility and your property’s resale value.
Nearly 1 in 4 homeowners admitted they’ve avoided filing an insurance claim because they were afraid their home’s condition might trigger an inspection or even a denial. Gen Z homeowners were the most cautious, with 33% holding back on claims due to concerns about how their homes would fare under scrutiny. Among other generations, 24% of baby boomers, 23% of millennials, and 20% of Gen X said they’d done the same.
A surprising 20% of homeowners were unaware that putting off repairs could negatively affect their property’s value or insurability. For some, the consequences are already hitting home — 13% said they’ve had trouble renewing their homeowners insurance, while 11% were charged higher premiums because of damage or outdated features.
Why Homeowners Need Better Guidance
Many homeowners simply aren’t getting the information they need to make smart insurance decisions. In fact, 71% said no one had ever told them that making certain home upgrades, such as installing storm-resistant windows or replacing an aging roof, could lower their insurance premiums.
More than half of Gen Z (55%) said they had no idea that safety-focused upgrades could save them money on insurance, a higher rate than any other age group. Even among older generations, 46% of respondents were unaware of the potential benefits. This lack of education creates a missed opportunity. Not only could strategic home improvements help protect families, but they could also ease financial pressure in the long run by reducing premium costs and improving a home’s long-term value.
Inside the Renovation Pause
In 2025, the rising cost of living is affecting more than groceries and gas. It’s also impacting how Americans care for their homes. With the majority delaying needed upgrades, and many unaware of the insurance implications, households may be risking more than they realize. As costs continue to influence decision-making, better access to home insurance education and proactive guidance could make all the difference for safety, finances, and peace of mind.
Methodology
We surveyed 1,004 homeowners in May 2025 to explore how inflation, rising costs, and insurance challenges are shaping home maintenance decisions across America. The generational breakdown was as follows: 7% Gen Z, 45% millennials, 33% Gen X, and 15% baby boomers.
About Guardian Service
Guardian Service makes shopping for homeowners insurance easier, more affordable, and less stressful. With a customer-first approach and zero-commission agents, we help families protect what matters most by finding the best-value providers and constantly re-shopping your insurance for you to save you time and money. From home upgrades to policy guidance, Guardian is here to help you make confident and informed decisions every step of the way.
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