A study released in 2025 indicated that 71% of homeowners have postponed at least one home improvement endeavor this year. Common reasons for delaying larger projects include financial strain, inflation, and worries over employment stability. Concentrating on smaller projects and home upkeep can yield a good return on investment with minimal risks.
According to a recent analysis by Angi, a firm that connects homeowners with local service providers, the surge in inflation and interest rates, alongside economic unpredictability, have prompted numerous homeowners to defer not only major home renovations but also minor repairs.
“In our State of Home Spending Pulse Report, we discovered that 71% of homeowners have delayed at least one home project this year,” remarks Angie Hicks, the co-founder of Angi.
Many are feeling the squeeze, but they’re not alone. The study identifies the kinds of projects homeowners are delaying and the rationale behind these decisions. We consulted with experts to assess whether following this trend is advisable.
Angie Hicks is the co-founder of Angi (formerly known as Angie’s List), a national digital directory for home improvement. Cindy Raney is the founder of Cindy Raney & Team, a boutique real estate team in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Karen Kostiw is a licensed real estate salesperson for Coldwell Banker Warburg.
For years, Angi has released its annual State of Home Spending Report, analyzing spending patterns and forecasting for the year, with a particular emphasis on home enhancements and maintenance. The Angi State of Home Spending Pulse Report is a newer, more frequent survey that examines what Americans plan to spend on improving their existing homes or purchasing new ones.
“Given the constant changes, we realized we could conduct a ‘pulse’ check on homeowners to better understand how their home priorities have evolved throughout the year,” explains Hicks.
The latest pulse survey indicates significant shifts among homeowners since the beginning of the year. Angi polled 1,000 homeowners across the United States in April. All of the surveyed homeowners had engaged a professional for a home project, repair, or other maintenance tasks within the past year.
The report highlighted that 71% of homeowners have postponed at least one project this year, with reasons ranging widely but ultimately rooted in financial constraints and uncontrollable factors.
“Upon inquiry, homeowners attributed inflation (92%), economic uncertainty (89%), high interest rates (65%), and concerns over income or job stability (64%) as reasons for delaying projects,” Hicks notes.
Furthermore, nearly half of the surveyed homeowners (48%) expressed more stress now regarding necessary home repairs compared to January. Moreover, 62% of respondents reported greater concerns about affording regular home maintenance than they did at the end of 2024.
Large-scale projects are now being put on hold. Hicks mentions that the most frequently deferred projects include:
– Bathroom renovations (12%)
– Interior painting (10%)
– Window replacements (10%)
Experts have also observed delays in other renovations not detailed in the survey, such as kitchen remodels and roof replacements.
“These projects often necessitate substantial initial investment, extended timelines, and frequently some form of financing,” says Karen Kostiw, an agent with Coldwell Banker Warburg. “In today’s uncertain economic environment, characterized by rising interest rates, fluctuating construction material costs due to tariffs, and increased labor expenses, many homeowners are reluctant to spend and risk overextending themselves.”
These projects are more costly upfront and are not guaranteed to yield a profit, given the current state of the housing market. “Homeowners are increasingly worried about job security, making long-term investments seem riskier,” Kostiw adds. “In certain markets, slower sales cycles mean homeowners aren’t guaranteed an immediate return, making it harder to justify major renovations at this time.”
Yet, there are still projects that can be undertaken without the need for substantial funds.
“A simpler project to undertake now is painting the interior or exterior of your home,” suggests Cindy Raney, founder of Cindy Raney & Team. “The time frame is brief; you select a painter, and they often start right away. You know the total cost, and you can enjoy the feeling of a new home without embarking on a kitchen renovation during uncertain times.” Moreover, fresh paint offers a favorable return on investment.
Apart from major changes, 71% of those surveyed intend to focus on preventive maintenance in their homes to avoid more significant, costly issues in the future. “Many maintenance tasks are often overlooked. Activities like cleaning the refrigerator coils, cleaning the dryer vent, and replacing HVAC filters are crucial tasks that should be prioritized and can also prolong the life of your appliances,” Hicks says.
While maintenance may not appear as thrilling as new paint or appliances, these projects provide peace of mind and a return on investment.
“One of my key insights and something I’m encouraged to see is homeowners prioritizing maintenance. It’s a fantastic way to ensure that you’re preventing unexpected expenses and simply taking care of your home,” Hicks says.
In times of economic uncertainty, some home projects must be addressed. Deciding which to tackle first hinges on necessity.
“It’s crucial not to delay projects that are essential to your home’s integrity. Focus on necessities such as ensuring your roof is in good condition, maintaining your HVAC system, and cleaning the gutters. If these issues aren’t addressed, they can lead to costly problems later on,” says Angie Hicks.
Angi’s data indicates that neglecting to maintain the core functions of your home, such as fixing leaks, changing filters, or dealing with mold, can result in accumulating costs for seemingly unrelated tasks.
“If you’re contemplating a larger renovation like a kitchen or bathroom, it’s important to make sure you’ve thoroughly analyzed your budget and set aside about 20% of the total budget for unexpected expenses,” she adds.
Raney advises homeowners to prioritize essential projects over aesthetic ones. “Imagine if you need a new roof but opt to renovate your primary bathroom instead,” she says. “The roof could start leaking, leading to another significant issue that the homeowner must address.”
If you’re unsure about which projects to tackle, take a step back and get a comprehensive view. “I recommend walking around your home with a critical eye, making a list of things you’d like to do and things you must do, and then prioritizing the list,” Hicks says. “While it may be tempting to prioritize the like-to-dos, ensure that your structural, mechanical, and maintenance items are at the top of the list. Once you have the list prioritized, start budgeting and planning for how you can tackle each item throughout the year.”
While the majority of those surveyed are planning to defer major projects, that doesn’t mean you have to wait. If you have the funds and are not concerned about economic or employment stability, it may be the right time for you.
“I don’t believe you should wait,” says Jessica Duce of JDuce Design. “We spend more than half of our time at home, and interior design can positively impact your mental health. Make your home the best it can be, regardless of your budget.”
Keep in mind that costs may not necessarily decrease even if you wait. This was certainly the case post-pandemic. Experts suggest the same pattern is occurring with current tariffs.
“During COVID, the cost of many construction materials surged due to supply chain issues. Although those supply chain issues were resolved, prices did not decline,” says Lindsay Barton Barrett, a licensed real estate broker for Douglas Elliman. “Therefore, if we’re seeing anticipatory price increases due to tariffs now, I wouldn’t assume they’ll disappear over time. They may be here to stay, regardless of the tariffs’ fate.”
