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Over-50s warned on home maintenance problems

Wednesday, 14 September 2011 12:00 AM

Five million repair jobs around the home are being left undone, according to new research by Saga that says 39 per cent of Brits over 50 have outstanding home maintenance problems.

Dripping taps, blocked drains and leaking pipes are the top three issues. And Saga estimates that the total national cost of resolving them could be £900 million, with tradesman charging up to £168 to fix a leaking pipe, £137 for a blocked drain and £84 for a dripping tap.

The company, which specialises in financial services for the over-50s, is hoping that the research will help persuade home owners to opt for its new Saga Home Response cover for home maintenance and emergency issues.

The top five reasons why people do not fix things around the home are lacking the confidence to do it yourself (nominated by 38 per cent), being short of money (35 per cent), not wanting to do it yourself (30 per cent), willingness to live with the problem (28 per cent) and worry about unknown tradesmen (20 per cent).

Roger Ramsden, chief executive of Saga Services, said: “Too many people are suffering in silence and if left unchecked, today's nasty niggles could lead to tomorrow's homes from hell."

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