Renovations have slowed, but homeowners who delay key repairs could end up spending more than they save by waiting.
Spending on home improvements and repairs is only expected to grow by 1.5% by the third quarter of 2027, according to Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies. Given the high cost of labor and materials these days, this is no surprise.
But if you’re trying to cut back on home projects to save some cash, it's important to understand which ones are truly optional and which ones actually need immediate attention.
“Not every project needs to happen right away. Your home doesn't have to look brand-new to be safe, comfortable, and in good shape,” says Jeri Goodkin Dausey, president and certified general contractor at SBC in Miami Beach, FL.
By knowing how to prioritze your budget, you can protect your home’s condition and value without draining your savings.
Projects you can safely delay
There are quite a few projects you can delay without hurting your home, as long as everything is safe and working properly.
“Sometimes, waiting can save you quite a bit of money in the short term,” Dausey explains.
Here’s what you can put on the back burner until you have more funds at your disposal.
Contractors working on a kitchen are a lot more expensive than they once were. (Realtor.com/Getty Images) Kitchen and bathroom makeovers
If your cabinets, countertops, and fixtures are still in decent shape and everything works, there's no need to rush into a complete remodel.
“Let's say you were planning to spend $25,000 on a renovation but could take care of the immediate issue with a $500 repair instead. That's $24,500 you can hold onto for now,” says Dausey.
Painting and decorative updates
A fresh coat of paint or new trim can make a significant difference in your home’s aestehtics, but these are usually things that can wait if the walls and surfaces are in good shape.
“If you put off a $4,000 paint job and just spend $200 on a few touch-ups, you've kept another $3,800 in your budget,” Dausey explains.
Dmitri Popescu, general manager at Olympic Decks in Seattle, echoes Dausey’s thoughts.
“Repainting a room because you dislike the color or replacing an undamaged backsplash can generally wait. There’s no need to spend your money on a temporary makeover,” Popescu explains.
Replacing floors just because they're dated
Not loving the look of your floors doesn't necessarily mean you need to replace them. If they're safe, stable, and free of water damage, you may be able to live with them a little longer.
“Putting off an $8,000 replacement and spending $300 on maintenance leaves you with $7,700. Just be sure to check out loose tiles, soft spots or areas that are lifting,” says Dausey.
Outdoor extras and upgrades
An outdoor kitchen, new landscaping, or a bigger patio might be nice to have, but they're not necessities. If everything outside is safe and in good shape, these projects can wait.
“Delaying a $15,000 cosmetic upgrade in your backyard frees up a lot of money for other things. Just don't overlook problems like poor drainage, hazardous trees, or an unsafe deck,” advises Dausey.
Repairing an electric water heater is necessary but expensive. (Getty Images) How to determine what to put off
These expert tips can help you decide whether a project can wait:
Be honest about the purpose of the project
Ask yourself, does this project actually protect my home, or is it simply for aesthetics?
“Cosmetic upgrades can wait, but projects that protect the structural integrity and long-term value of your property can't,” says Roxanne Conrad, chief operating officer at Premium Service Brands in Charlottesville, VA.
Determine if cold weather will exacerbate the problem
Clogged gutters and unstable exterior surfaces like missing shingles and unsealed windows, for example, can be an issue.
“They can lead to much larger problems down the road if neglected for too long,” Conrad says.
Acknowledge how long the issue has been around
If you’ve noticed the issue a while ago and it’s worsening, it likely deserves your time and money.
“Catching problems early is almost always easier and cheaper than repairing them as they fail,” Conrad explains.
Remember that not everything needs to be done at once
Take care of what keeps your home safe, dry, and in good shape, and don't feel pressured to tackle every cosmetic project right away.
Keith Ostendorf, project developer at Next Stage Design + Build in San Jose, CA, recommends phasing.
“Some homeowners move forward in phases, which spreads out the spending and can cut the costs of moving out, since work in one part of the house can happen while the family lives in the rest,” he adds.