Delay repairs or DIY? Homeowners who can't afford repairs worry their homes are less safe
Once homeowners are in the door, the down payment is spent, and focus shifts toward mortgage payments, it's not uncommon for repairs or upgrades to fall to the wayside. Between rising labor costs, material prices, and inflation, it's no secret home maintenance is expensive. This year, 71% of homeowners postponed renovations due to economic uncertainty, according to a survey by Guardian Service, which helps consumers shop insurance policies.
That's usually where home insurance comes in. However, nearly 1 in 4 homeowners admit they've skipped filing a home insurance claim because they worried their home would not pass inspection. It's an even more common fear among young homeowners, with 1 in 3 Gen Z reporting they've been afraid to file.
Close to a third of homeowners said they may wait a year or two before committing to major upgrades, and 15% said they're putting them off indefinitely. But the decision to live with a leaky ceiling or make peace with other problems in your home can have long-term consequences.
Jon Ruggiero, Guardian Service's vice president of sales, compared home repairs to going to the doctor for a checkup, getting your car's oil changed, or its tires rotated. Without proper maintenance, homeowners could face more costly problems down the line.
"Your home really is no different. It is the biggest investment you're ever going to make in your life. You want to make sure you're regularly checking in,' Ruggiero said. 'If you don't, you're more likely to put yourself in a situation where you have one of those extreme costs creep up.'
Beyond risking rising premiums or getting dropped by insurers, nearly half of homeowners said they are concerned delaying maintenance in 2025 has made their house less safe.
What repairs are homeowners postponing?
It's little surprise homeowners prioritize necessary upgrades, with 69% saying they're most likely to invest in safety or structural improvements first.
But home improvement budgets fell by an average of 42% this year, and two-thirds of homeowners said they eliminated theirs entirely, the survey found.
Aesthetic upgrades, like repainting or installing new flooring, are the first to go, with 48% saying they're postponing those projects. Homeowners most often delay bathroom and kitchen remodels next. Less than a quarter of homeowners said they are also postponing window upgrades, electrical or plumbing repairs, and roof replacements this year.
Even with summer heat waves and unusually high temperatures, 14% of homeowners said they're delaying an HVAC replacement.
Delay or DIY?
Homeowners are holding out for a time when making upgrades would be cheaper.
At 69%, most say they are waiting for inflation to decline. Some are delaying in hopes of lower material and labor costs. Some are watching to see if potential tax credits or reduced tariffs will make their projects less expensive in the future.
Others aren't willing to wait. While they may not have money to hire a contractor, 62% of homeowners surveyed are tackling critical repairs themselves. Young people are most inclined to DIY, with about 2 in 3 Gen Z and Millennial homeowners skipping professional help to save money.
'Gen Z has grown up in a world where they can go online and YouTube fixes,' Ruggiero said. 'They're more prone to trying to make themselves the expert and try to DIY a fix.'
Anthony Scheirer, a public insurance adjuster known as the @insuranceclaimguy online, reminded homeowners that if they make any significant improvements, they need to let their insurance company know.
Otherwise, those upgrades won't be covered and the homeowner would be left with gaps in their insurance policy. That often means it's on the homeowner to pay the entire cost of rebuilding an undisclosed addition if it's lost in a fire, for example.
Some projects, like installing a wood stove, may increase liability or risk. If an insurer is kept in the dark about them until the next time a homeowner files a claim, especially if the wood stove caused a fire for instance, it could affect the overall payout.
'If you have a situation where you didn't tell them of the improvement, you could literally lose hundreds of thousands of dollars because you didn't make them aware,' Scheirer said.
Tips to lower home insurance premiums
Some home improvement projects can actually lower the owner's insurance premiums.
While nearly half of homeowners say they would complete a delayed upgrade if that was the case, 71% said their insurer has not educated them about which upgrades could lower their monthly payment.
Some common projects to lower premiums include storm-resistant windows, a new roof, and fireproofing, according to Guardian Service. Ruggiero told USA TODAY that installing a smart thermostat or central security system are some of the easiest upgrades homeowners can make that may bring their insurance costs down.
But every policy is different. Ruggiero and Scheirer recommend reviewing yours with a qualified professional to see what changes could bring down your premiums.
Reach Rachel Barber at rbarber@usatoday.com and follow her on X @rachelbarber_
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Axios
17 minutes ago
- Axios
Ice cream hit by two scoops of inflation
We won't all just be screaming for ice cream on National Ice Cream Day this Sunday, we'll be screaming about its high prices. Why it matters: At the height of summer, prices for America's go-to frozen treat are hitting new highs, according to federal data. The big picture: The average price of a half gallon of ice cream was $6.49 in June, up nearly 6% from June 2024, per the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics via FRED released Wednesday. The price of a half gallon is up nearly 33% since June 2021, when it was $4.89. Zoom in: Soaring ingredient costs, extreme weather and hot demand are fueling the higher prices. By the numbers: Americans spent $289 on ice cream in 2024 and $170 in the first five months of 2025, according to data from Empower. Americans spent $31 on ice cream in May 2025, a 26.5% jump over April 2025, Empower found. Gen Z spent nearly double any other group, forking over an average of $63.20 in May. Millennials purchased $33, Boomers, $32.60, and Gen X, $25.10, in May, per Empower. The average American eats roughly 19 pounds of ice cream each year, or about 4 gallons, per the International Dairy Foods Association. National Ice Cream Day deals and freebies Dig in: Deals and freebies at certain restaurant chains on National Ice Cream Day can provide some relief from the inflationary pressures. The day is marked annually on the third Sunday in July. Here are some of the deals available on Sunday, July 20:
Los Angeles Times
17 minutes ago
- Los Angeles Times
Global Ambition: Los Angeles-Based Businesses Are Making Their Mark Around the World
Despite international trade and supply chain challenges, the international flavor and cross-border ambitions of the SoCal business community is true today more than ever, with a number of L.A.-headquartered companies doubling down on their efforts abroad - in Europe, Asia, Latin America and increasingly, the Middle East. From tech innovators and apparel giants to food & beverage leaders and infrastructure firms, L.A.-based companies are leveraging their hometown's global outlook and diverse workforce to expand into new markets. The city's proximity to the Pacific Rim, major international port facilities and its multicultural population have made it a natural springboard for companies with international aspirations. Here's a closer look at several L.A.-based companies that are successfully extending their reach well beyond California and the U.S., driven by insights into the industries and strategies that are driving global expansion. AECOM, headquartered in Downtown Los Angeles, is one of the world's largest infrastructure consulting firms. Now with more than 50,000 employees across over 150 countries, AECOM is a strong example of how an L.A.-based company can lead on the world stage. AECOM's expertise spans architecture, engineering, construction management and environmental services. The firm has already worked on high-profile international projects, including the London 2012 Olympic Park, Qatar's transportation systems for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and urban planning projects in China, Singapore and the Middle East. Los Angeles' reputation for infrastructure challenges and opportunities-everything from transportation to sustainable building - has served as a launchpad for AECOM's global expertise. As cities around the world wrestle with rapid urbanization, climate change and the need for smart infrastructure, AECOM's solutions, developed and tested in L.A., find eager markets abroad. Despite the fact that The Walt Disney Company is headquartered in Burbank, its cultural footprint is undeniably global - and it's a footprint that continues to grow. Through its movies, television shows, merchandise and theme parks, Disney has created one of the most recognizable and beloved brands on the planet. Disney's international ventures are immense. The company operates theme parks in Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Its media and streaming services - Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu - are rapidly expanding into markets across Europe, Latin America and Asia. In India, Disney has taken a dominant position through its acquisition of Star India, and by extension, its popular streaming platform Hotstar. This global dominance is not accidental. Disney tailors its storytelling, branding and marketing to fit local cultures while maintaining its core values of family-friendly entertainment. Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, is headquartered in Santa Monica. Though best known for its ephemeral messaging app popular among Gen Z, Snap's ambitions and user base are far from local. Snapchat is used by over 400 million daily active users around the globe, with particularly strong penetration in France, the U.K., Saudi Arabia and India. Snap has now established offices in London, Paris, Toronto, Dubai and Sydney to support its international growth. In India, where mobile-first communication reigns supreme, Snap has adapted its product and marketing to resonate with local trends and cultures. Snap's global approach also includes partnerships with regional content creators and localized augmented reality (AR) features that tap into everything from cricket fandoms in India to Ramadan celebrations in the Middle East. El Segundo-based Beyond Meat has redefined the plant-based food industry with its meat alternatives that look, cook and taste like real meat. While the company started in Southern California, its mission to combat climate change, reduce animal agriculture and improve global health has found eager audiences across continents. Beyond Meat now operates in over 80 countries, with strong footholds in Europe, China and Latin America. The company has formed strategic partnerships with global fast-food giants such as McDonald's, Pizza Hut and KFC to introduce plant-based items in international markets. Notably, Beyond Meat has opened a production facility in the Netherlands to better serve its European customers and reduce shipping-related emissions. In China, the company has partnered with Starbucks and Yum China to reach health- conscious, environmentally aware consumers in megacities like Shanghai and Beijing. Forever 21 started as a modest store in L.A.'s Highland Park neighborhood in 1984, but it quickly evolved into a fast fashion powerhouse. At its peak, the company operated over 800 stores in nearly 60 countries. Though the company has undergone restructuring in recent years, closing its U.S. retail locations, its global presence remains significant. Forever 21 has stores and online retail operations in markets including Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, South Korea and the Middle East. Its success in international markets has been tied to its ability to adapt to regional fashion trends while maintaining its core value of affordability. Global customers are drawn to the 'California cool' aesthetic that underpins much of its product line. Riot Games, based in West Los Angeles, is the creator of League of Legends, one of the most popular multiplayer games in the world. While the company was founded in L.A. and maintains its headquarters here, it operates offices in over 20 countries and has a dominant global presence in esports. In 2020, Riot launched Valorant, a tactical shooter game that has quickly gained popularity world- wide. Thanks to its cross-cultural design, robust online infrastructure and strong community-building efforts, Riot continues to thrive internationally while drawing from the deep pool of creative and engineering talent in Los Angeles. Riot's strategy emphasizes local engagement. The company runs regional competitions and events across Europe, Southeast Asia, China and Latin America. In South Korea and China - two of the largest esports markets - Riot has now developed partnerships with local broadcasters, gaming influencers and educational institutions to further entrench its brand. Headquartered in DTLA, Herbalife is a global nutrition and wellness company with a presence in more than 90 countries. The company sells dietary supplements, meal-replacement products and wellness solutions through a network of independent distributors. Herbalife has adapted its business model to fit different regulatory environments and cultural preferences. For example, in Latin America and Asia, Herbalife has launched localized product lines and tailored marketing strategies to appeal to regional wellness trends. The company now operates major manufacturing facilities in China, India and Brazil, helping to support its overseas supply chains and reduce production costs. Grindr, headquartered in West Hollywood, is the world's most popular social networking/dating app for the LGBTQ+ community. With users in nearly every country, Grindr has made an out- sized global impact from its L.A. base. The company's leadership has emphasized inclusion, privacy and safety - critical issues in countries where LGBTQ+ rights may be limited or under threat. Grindr has developed localization strategies that take into account language, laws and cultural sensitivities. It has also sup- ported advocacy campaigns around the world focused on health, civil rights and community empowerment. Being rooted in one of the world's most progressive cities has informed Grindr's voice and mission, enabling it to support LGBTQ+ users in both supportive and challenging environments. Originally founded in Irvine and now operating as part of Santa Monica-based Activision Blizzard, Blizzard Entertainment is behind some of the most iconic game franchises in the world, including World of Warcraft, Overwatch and Diablo. Blizzard has long focused on international markets, particularly in Asia, where gaming is a deeply integrated part of daily life. In China and South Korea, Blizzard's games have massive user bases, and the company has adapted content, servers and user experiences to meet local demand. The global esports scene for Overwatch and StarCraft is supported by infrastructure developed in L.A. but deployed globally, with tournaments held from Paris to Seoul. Blizzard's design ethos - melding cinematic storytelling with interactive gameplay - owes much to its proximity to the L.A. entertainment ecosystem - but is more and more frequently designed through a global lens. Global law firm Gibson Dunn's Downtown Los Angeles office, founded in 1890, is the firm's original office and one of the oldest law firms in the city. The firm's longstanding presence in Los Angeles has allowed Gibson Dunn to establish deep roots in the local community and well beyond. The firm's teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are tailored to every matter, however complex or high stakes. With more than 2,000 lawyers, spanning 21 offices worldwide and dozens of practice areas, the firm strives to operate as a unified whole. Gibson Dunn now has a market-leading, integrated practice in the Middle East servicing both regional and international clients across a variety of practice areas and industries. The team's 50-plus lawyers in the region practice English, New York, UAE (including DIFC and ADGM laws) and Saudi law. The firm has recently expanded significantly in the region, adding 15 new partners. This is the largest investment made by any international firm during this time. Several key factors make L.A. an ideal base for businesses with international aspirations: Los Angeles may be best known for its entertainment legacy, but today it's also a global business engine. From infrastructure and gaming to fashion and food tech, L.A.-based companies are showing how local ingenuity can scale to meet global needs. As digital connectivity, environmental challenges and cultural exchange continue to redefine global commerce, the world will increasingly look to L.A. - not just for inspiration, but for leadership. Judging by the trajectory of many of these companies, L.A. is ready to deliver.
Forbes
13 hours ago
- Forbes
7 Deadly Job Interview Mistakes To Avoid, Recruiters Say
Recruiters reveal the seven ways Gen Z is blowing their shot at their dream jobs and tips on what to ... More do instead. You've probably heard of the Seven Deadly Sins that are said to doom people. Now, job recruiters are naming the the seven deadly job interview mistakes that doom new graduates in a highly-competitive job market. We all make mistakes, but there's one mistake none of us can afford to make, and that's failing to ace a coveted job interview. Here are seven deadly job interview mistakes that can sabotage your future, no matter your generation, preventing you from landing the job of your dreams. The 7 Deadly Job Interview Mistakes Gen Z has been severely judged by employers and older predecessors, and their reputation in the job market is rapidly declining. But sometimes the criticisms leveled against them are too harsh, unfair and one-sided. Underneath the surface, many experts insist there's a young generation in need of support and direction to help prevent them from making deadly job interview mistakes. Some experts notice that younger employees go quiet or totally check out during one-on-one job interviews. Some people have labeled the look the 'Gen Z stare," but research suggests it's because 30% of Gen Z actually fear one-on-one chats with their managers. The team at Kraftshala surveyed 30 people serving as recruiters, team leaders, hiring managers and CEOs across seven partner companies that hire. To pinpoint Gen Z's biggest interview red flags that were costing them coveted jobs, the team asked recruiters questions like, 'What signals a lack of preparedness or seriousness?' or 'Are there any recurring traits or attitudes among Gen Z candidates that concern you?' and "What makes you decide not to move forward with an otherwise qualified candidate?' The survey revealed that Gen Z has an over-reliance on AI-generated answers that feel scripted and lack depth and real-life examples, plus overly casual language—and other behaviors that signaled a lack of professionalism. Kraftshala founder Varun Satia explains. 'Gen Z has immense potential, but our recent survey highlighted some shocking mistakes that are sabotaging their careers, like relying too heavily on AI, giving shallow responses or coming across as too casual. To stand out, they need to show genuine preparation, depth and professionalism in interviews.' Satia shared more detail on how seven recurring red flags on how Gen Zers are sabotaging their careers. Several employers in the survey found that Gen Z job applicants were using AI to complete test exercises and on-the-spot assignments given during interviews. One employer reveals that they could hear an AI chatbot's voice in the background uttering responses like 'great question!' According to the team, 'Discovering that a candidate used AI during the interview instantly indicates their incompetence to many employers and also raises worries that they'd put the company's confidential information in an AI system.' 'No job interview rule states that a candidate should know anything and everything about the company they are applying to,' Satia says. 'But, being well-researched and posing sincere questions about the company's work can earn you brownie points with the hiring manager. At least five employers noted that multiple Gen Z candidates were largely clueless about the company.' The team concludes that the most common complaint from every employer was that Gen Z is unable to talk about their skills and work experience in depth during interviews, despite having impressive resumes. 'Over 10 employers stated they had to guide the candidate multiple times with follow-up questions to get them to talk about their skills or try to nudge them to answer the main questions,' Satia notes. 'While this can be due to a lack of confidence, hiring managers sometimes write this as laziness and disinterest.' Team Leaders claim that they are more than happy to be flexible for a valuable employee. However, Gen Z's demands for flexible hours and even four-day work weeks during interviews raise red flags. 'A senior HR exec revealed that a candidate openly stated that being 10 minutes late to work should be acceptable without being questioned by the management. This doesn't seem like a huge deal at first glance, but it's not wise to say this to a hiring manager.' The team acknowledges that Gen Z's use of slang is one of their defining traits. They don't follow a strict corporate language. But the hiring team sees it as another indicator of un-professionalism. 'While they want to see someone who brings fresh breath to the company's work culture, using professional language during interviews proves, the applicant will be able to fit into their working environment. Some employers shockingly stated that a few Gen Z candidates even appeared for online interviews while still in bed.' Honesty is the best policy, except when you take it too far in a job interview, Satia points out. 'The HR doesn't want you to lie about your skills, but they have revealed that some Gen Z candidates took too much time to talk about their social media, mental health and even family issues during the interview. This is naturally a huge red flag in employers' eyes,' he states. Satia describes how one hiring team lead pointed out that a candidate claimed he put 'mental health above all else,' claiming he wouldn't show up to work if he didn't feel like it. 'Mental health needs to be a part of corporate conversations.,' Satia says. 'But the employer instantly deemed the candidate as 'unreliable' after hearing this.' Most hiring managers claim they are most likely to hire a candidate who sends a thoughtful thank-you note/email to them after the interview. Satia says it's a great opportunity to not just thank the interviewer for their time but to reiterate why you are a great fit for the job. It proves that you are truly interested in the job. Unfortunately, hiring teams point out that most Gen Z candidates fail to do this. A Final Wrap On 7 Deadly Job Interview Mistakes When you consider avoiding ahead of time the seven deadly job interview mistakes that job seekers commonly make, it can give you a leg up on landing your dream job in a highly-competitive job market.
