A poll of 2,000 homeowners revealed the top 20 overlooked tasks around the home, with replacing shower heads, draught-proofing doors and windows, and cleaning vents and fans also featuring on the list.
According to the survey one in 10 adults think about these jobs on a daily basis but rarely get around to actually doing them. A fifth admitted they care more about how their house looks than the maintenance below the surface.
Nearly a third (31%) prioritise aesthetic tasks like painting walls or hanging pictures over functional ones like bleeding radiators or servicing boilers.
Jessica Rawstron, engineer at British Gas, which commissioned the research, said: “Keeping on top of the little things around the house might not seem urgent, but it can save homeowners a lot of time, money, and stress in the long run.
“Summer can be a good time to catch up on home maintenance tasks that have been forgotten or delayed, with boilers serving as a prime example – especially before colder weather returns.
“Think of it as an MOT for your boiler – it helps identify and resolve any potential problems early, and by booking one in the summer you can have peace of mind that your heating is in full working order before you need it during the colder months.”
According to the research, two thirds of respondents would only take action on a home maintenance task if the problem became visible.
Meanwhile, 38% of people who have had something go wrong around the home had been putting off fixing it for ages, only for it to then break completely. A third admitted this left them with a bigger, costlier problem down the line.
The top reasons people put off these little jobs are lack of skills (27%), the cost (26%), and a lack of time (25%). But 21% of those polled via OnePoll worry about making the issue worse, while 15% have looked at the weather forecast and decided to wait for a different day.
British Gas has created a home maintenance checklist to give homeowners handy reminders for when tasks need doing throughout the year – whether that’s the best time to bleed radiators or a date in the diary to sense check the thermostat settings and consider a smart tech upgrade.
Jessica added: “A dripping tap or a patch of damp may seem minor now but left unchecked they can quickly turn into much bigger, and more expensive, problems.
“Regular maintenance not only protects your property but also helps preserve its value. Whether you own or rent, staying on top of small fixes is one of the simplest ways to avoid nasty surprises and keep your home running reliably and efficiently.
“With seasonal offers available, summer is a sensible time to make sure everything’s in good working order before colder weather returns.”