It is crucial people are proactive in carrying out maintenance work in their home, one industry expert advises.
Although the economic downturn may mean some Brits are trying to put off such projects in an effort to save money, William Davies, managing director at Aspect Maintenance, claims that doing so is only likely to result in greater expense further down the line.
"Failing to repair quickly can result in permanent damage and therefore a replacement cost," he states.
Ensuring pipes are in good condition could be a particular area for DIY enthusiasts to concentrate on as Mr Davies points out that leaks can cause "significant damage" to a home.
Indeed, he claims it can take several months before the effects of a long-term leak can be spotted.
Such comments follow recent research by HomeServe revealing that 1.67 million Brits have seen leaks from their flats damage neighbouring properties – or vice versa – over the past five years, with the average cost of repairing such damage standing at £1,933 per home.
Written by Thomas Morris