A study released in 2025 revealed that 71% of homeowners have postponed at least one home improvement project this year. Common reasons for delaying larger projects include financial limitations, inflation, and worries about job stability. Concentrating on smaller projects and home upkeep can yield a favorable return on investment with minimal risks.
Increased inflation and interest rates, combined with economic instability, have prompted numerous homeowners to delay everything from extensive home renovations to minor repairs, as indicated by a recent investigation from Angi, a firm that connects homeowners with local service providers.
In Angi’s “State of Home Spending Pulse Report,” it was discovered that 71% of homeowners have postponed at least one home project this year, according to Angie Hicks, the co-founder of Angi.
Many homeowners are experiencing financial strain, and the study identifies the types of projects they are delaying and the reasons behind these decisions. We consulted with experts to determine whether homeowners should follow this trend.
Angie Hicks is the co-founder of Angi (formerly Angie’s List), a national digital directory for home improvement. Cindy Raney is the founder of Cindy Raney & Team, a boutique real estate firm in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Karen Kostiw is a licensed real estate salesperson for Coldwell Banker Warburg.
For several years, Angi has issued its annual “State of Home Spending Report,” analyzing spending patterns and forecasting for the year, with a focus on home improvements and maintenance. The “State of Home Spending Pulse Report” is a newer, more frequent survey that examines what Americans plan to spend on enhancing their current 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 were shifting throughout the year,” Hicks explains.
The latest pulse survey indicates that significant changes have occurred among homeowners since the beginning of the year. Angi polled 1,000 homeowners in the United States in April. All of the homeowners surveyed had engaged a professional for a home project, repair, or other maintenance tasks within the past year.
The report noted that 71% of homeowners have delayed at least one project this year, with the reasons varying but all ultimately stemming from financial constraints and factors beyond the homeowners’ control.
“When asked, homeowners cited inflation (92%), economic uncertainty (89%), high interest rates (65%), and concerns about income or job stability (64%) as reasons for delaying projects,” Hicks states.
Moreover, nearly half of the surveyed homeowners (48%) report feeling more stressed about necessary home repairs now than they did in January. Additionally, 62% of respondents expressed greater concern about affording regular home maintenance now compared to the end of 2024.
Major projects are being put on hold. Hicks notes that the most commonly postponed projects include:
– Bathroom renovations (12%)
– Interior painting (10%)
– Window replacements (10%)
Experts are also observing delays in other renovations not mentioned in the survey, such as kitchen renovations and roof replacements.
“These projects typically require a substantial upfront investment, longer timelines, and often some form of financing,” says Karen Kostiw of Coldwell Banker Warburg. “In today’s uncertain economic climate, characterized by rising interest rates, fluctuating construction material costs due to tariffs, and higher labor expenses, many homeowners are hesitant to spend money and overextend themselves.”
These projects are more expensive initially and are not guaranteed to yield a profit, considering the current state of the housing market. “Homeowners are increasingly concerned about job security, making long-term investments feel riskier,” Kostiw adds. “In some markets, slower sales cycles mean homeowners aren’t guaranteed an immediate return, making it more difficult to justify major renovations at this time.”
However, there are still projects you can undertake without breaking the bank.
“An easier project to undertake now is painting the interior or exterior of your home,” says Cindy Raney, founder of Cindy Raney & Team. “The time frame is short; you select a painter, and they typically start right away. You know the total cost, and you can enjoy the feeling of a new home without undergoing a kitchen renovation during uncertain times.” Fresh paint also offers a good return on investment.
In addition to major changes, 71% of those surveyed plan to focus on preventive maintenance in their homes to avoid more significant, costly issues in the future. “Many maintenance tasks are often overlooked. Tasks like cleaning the coils under your refrigerator, cleaning the vent in your dryer, and replacing your HVAC filters are essential and can also extend the life of your appliances,” Hicks notes.
While maintenance may not seem as exciting as new paint or appliances, these projects provide peace of mind and a return on investment.
“One of my biggest takeaways and something I’m encouraged to see is homeowners prioritizing maintenance. It’s a great way to prevent surprise expenses and take care of your home,” Hicks says.
Even during the most uncertain economic times, some home projects must be addressed. Deciding which to tackle first depends on necessity.
“It’s crucial not to delay projects that are integral to the integrity of your home. 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 more costly problems later,” Angie Hicks advises.
Angi’s data shows that neglecting to maintain the core functions of your home, such as fixing leaks, changing filters, or addressing the root cause of mold, can lead to accumulating costs for seemingly unrelated tasks.
“If you’re considering a larger renovation like a kitchen or bathroom, it’s important to analyze your budget and allocate about 20% of the total budget for unexpected expenses,” she adds.
Raney encourages homeowners to prioritize essential projects over those focused on aesthetics. “Imagine if you need a new roof but instead choose to renovate your primary bathroom,” she says. “The roof could start leaking, causing another major problem that the homeowner must address.”
If you’re unsure about how to decide, 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, then prioritizing the list,” Hicks suggests. “While it may be tempting to put some like-to-dos at the top, make sure your structural, mechanical, and maintenance items are prioritized highly. Once you have the list prioritized, start budgeting and planning for how you can tackle each item throughout the year.”
While most surveyed homeowners are planning to wait to tackle major projects, that doesn’t mean you have to. If you have the funds and aren’t concerned about economic or employment stability, the time may be right for you.
“I don’t think 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 the case after the pandemic. Experts say the same is happening with current tariffs.
“During COVID, the cost of many construction materials soared due to supply chain issues. Although those issues were resolved, prices did not fall,” says Lindsay Barton Barrett, a licensed real estate broker for Douglas Elliman. “So, if we’re seeing anticipatory price increases due to tariffs now, I would not assume they’ll disappear over time. They may be here to stay, regardless of the tariffs.”
