The True Cost of Avoiding Home Repairs: Why Waiting Can Cost More Than You Think

Todd Spahr
19 hours ago
2 min read

Most of us have a list of things around the house we’ll “get to someday.” A wobbly step, a

loose railing, a leaky faucet. Life is busy, money is tight, and if it’s not an emergency, it’s easy to push repairs down the road.

But here’s the truth: when it comes to safety and health, waiting often costs more — sometimes a lot more — than taking care of a problem early.

A Small Fix Can Prevent a Big Fall

A few years ago, we helped a homeowner whose back steps had rotted out. She told us she’d been avoiding that side of the house for months because she didn’t feel steady walking there. A small repair and one new handrail later, she said, “I finally feel safe again.”

That one fix cost a few hundred dollars.

A hospital stay from a fall? Around $35,000 on average.

A move to assisted living after losing mobility? About $54,000 a year in Pennsylvania.

When you start to do the math, it’s clear: simple home repairs aren’t just about comfort — they’re about prevention, independence, and peace of mind.

What the Research Shows

We’ve seen it firsthand, but national studies back it up:

The National Center for Healthy Housing found that home hazards like loose flooring, missing handrails, and poor lighting are leading contributors to in-home falls.
In a recent Falls Prevention Cohort Study, repairs like ramps, grab bars, and floor fixes reduced falls by 73% inside homes and 85% at entryways.
And according to the Coalition for Home Repair, small safety upgrades can delay or even eliminate the need for long-term care — saving families and health systems thousands.

Home Repairs Are Health Care

When we repair a floor or build a ramp, it’s not just about the structure — it’s about what it means for the person living there. It’s one less trip to the ER. One more year at home. One more morning waking up where memories live and neighbors stop by.

It’s why we believe in this work so deeply. Because behind every repair is a story of restored independence, dignity, and hope.