As autumn settles in, the season of football and Halloween decorations also brings a practical reminder for homeowners: now is the time to tackle maintenance before winter freezes your options. A recent ConsumerAffairs survey shows that 67% of homeowners who postpone repairs end up paying more, and the average household still needs about $3,200 in fixes.
Labor shortages drive wages up
Nearly 90% of contractors report difficulty finding qualified tradespeople, creating strong demand for skilled workers. Between May 2025 and April 2026, wages for specialty‑trade contractors rose roughly 5%, a trend compounded by increased immigration enforcement actions that have reduced the labor pool.
Tariffs and material costs add pressure
Tariffs on aluminum and steel jumped to 50% in 2025, and similar duties now apply to certain copper imports. Canadian steel and aluminum also face a 50% tariff. The National Association of Home Builders noted a median 6.7% increase in material costs over the prior 12 months, reflecting these trade policies.
Transportation and insurance costs climb
Higher gasoline prices are raising transportation expenses for delivering building supplies. At the same time, insurance companies are tightening underwriting standards, leading to higher premiums for contractors and homeowners alike, according to Nicholas Riley, owner of Driftwood Builders Roofing.
Weather‑related demand spikes
Severe weather events have increased demand for reconstruction and repair services across the country, says Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communication for the Insurance Information Institute. Delaying maintenance can turn a small repair into a major, costly project.
Key home systems and their lifespan
Proper upkeep can extend the life of major components: water heaters (6‑12 years), central AC units (7‑15 years), asphalt shingle roofs (15‑20 years), furnaces (15‑25 years), gutters (20‑40 years), and plumbing (up to 50 years). Neglecting these systems often leads to premature failure and expensive replacements.
Proactive maintenance saves money
Insurance analyst Beth Swanson of The Zebra advises a bi‑annual HVAC check‑up to avoid surprise failures. For example, a 23‑year‑old furnace that still runs well could be replaced now at current prices rather than waiting until 2028, when costs are likely higher.
Real‑world cost of deferred roof care
Riley recounts a customer whose roof accumulated leaves and debris in a valley, causing water to leak into the decking and drywall. The repair bill totaled $6,300, including tile removal, decking replacement, valley repair, ice‑and‑water protection, and drywall work. “$6,300 could have been saved by simply cleaning off the leaves,” Riley notes.
Impact on homeowners insurance
Neglected maintenance can affect insurance coverage. Insurers may view damage from ongoing neglect as preventable, potentially leading to claim denials or higher premiums. Ruiz warns that significant deferred maintenance can make it harder to obtain or renew coverage.
Seasonal checklist for homeowners
Before winter arrives, prioritize these tasks: tune up your furnace and HVAC system, shut off outdoor faucets, seal drafts around windows and doors, clean gutters, patch foundation cracks, and test smoke and carbon‑monoxide detectors. Aim for an annual roof inspection in the fall or after severe storms.
Taking care of these items now helps protect your home’s value, avoids surprise expenses, and keeps your insurance coverage intact.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
