The High Cost of 'I'll Get to It Later': Mercury Insurance Identifies Small Home Repairs That Can Become Big Expenses

Routine maintenance and early repairs can help homeowners prevent minor problems from turning into costly damage

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Every homeowner has a list of small repairs that can wait until next weekend. Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY) is reminding homeowners that some of those seemingly minor problems can become much more expensive when "I'll get to it later" turns into weeks, months or even years.

A slow drip, clogged gutter or damaged roof shingle may not feel urgent, particularly when everything else in the home appears to be working normally. But homes have a way of making small problems bigger when water, weather and time are involved.

"Home maintenance is easy to postpone because many problems don't look serious when they first appear," said Adam Bakonis, Director, Homeowner Product Management at Mercury Insurance. "The problem is that water and weather can continue causing damage in places homeowners may not see. Addressing a small issue early can often help prevent a much larger repair later."

Mercury recommends putting these common "I'll get to it later" repairs closer to the top of the list:

1. That small roof problem

A missing, cracked or damaged shingle may seem insignificant, but a roof's first job is keeping water out. Once moisture gets beneath the roof covering, damage can potentially extend to the roof deck, insulation, ceilings, walls and interior finishes.

Roof repairs vary widely depending on the problem, materials and extent of damage, with relatively minor repairs at the low end and major repairs reaching thousands of dollars.

Don't wait: Check the roof after severe weather and periodically look for missing or damaged shingles, deteriorated flashing and other visible signs of trouble. Homeowners who are uncomfortable inspecting a roof should hire a qualified professional.

2. The drip under the sink

A slow plumbing leak is easy to tolerate when the only obvious symptom is an occasional drop of water. The trouble starts when that water reaches cabinets, drywall, flooring or other materials over an extended period.

Professional plumbing repairs typically cost a few hundred dollars depending on the problem and location. Waiting until a leak has damaged surrounding materials can turn a plumbing repair into a much larger home repair project.

Don't wait: Periodically look beneath sinks and around toilets, water heaters, washing machines and dishwashers for moisture, discoloration, corrosion or warped materials. Know where the home's main water shutoff valve is and how to use it.

3. The gutters you meant to clean

Gutters aren't just there to keep rainwater from dripping off the roof. They move water away from the roof, siding and foundation.

Professional gutter cleaning typically costs considerably less than repairing the problems that uncontrolled water can contribute to. Clogged, leaking or damaged gutters can allow water to overflow against fascia and siding, collect around the foundation or find its way into the home.

Don't wait: Keep gutters and downspouts clear and make sure downspouts direct water away from the house. Watch for sagging sections, leaks, standing water and places where water spills over the edge during rain.

4. The cracked caulk around windows, doors and wet areas

Caulk isn't particularly exciting, which may explain why homeowners can go years without looking closely at it. But sealant around windows, doors, tubs, showers and other moisture-prone areas helps keep water where it belongs.

Cracked, separated or missing sealant can allow moisture to reach walls, framing and other materials hidden from view.

Don't wait: Inspect caulk and weather seals periodically and repair deteriorated areas before water has an opportunity to get behind them.

5. The HVAC maintenance you skipped

Heating and cooling systems work hard, and neglecting basic maintenance can make them work even harder. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, while small mechanical problems can worsen if they aren't identified.

Routine maintenance also provides an opportunity for a technician to identify worn or failing components before a homeowner is dealing with a system that won't operate on the hottest or coldest day of the year.

Don't wait: Replace or clean filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations and have systems inspected and serviced as appropriate for the equipment.

6. The tree branch hanging over the house

Dead, damaged or overgrown branches can become much more than a landscaping problem when wind or severe weather arrives. Limbs near roofs, windows, vehicles and utility lines deserve particular attention.

Vegetation around a home can also create additional risk in wildfire-prone areas.

Don't wait: Regularly inspect trees for dead or damaged limbs and use a qualified tree-care professional for work involving large trees, heights or branches near structures and utility lines.

The cheapest damage may be the damage that never happens

Preventive maintenance isn't a guarantee against property damage, but it can give homeowners an opportunity to find vulnerabilities while they're still manageable.

"Think of maintenance as protecting the investment you've already made in your home," Bakonis said. "You don't have to tackle everything at once. Start with anything involving water, the roof, plumbing or another issue that could continue causing damage while you wait. Those are the jobs where sooner can make a meaningful difference."

Homeowners should also understand the difference between insurance and maintenance. Homeowners insurance is generally designed to protect against covered sudden and accidental losses, but it generally isn't intended to pay for deterioration, wear and tear or damage caused by a lack of maintenance. Coverage varies by policy and circumstances, so homeowners should review their policy and speak with their insurance agent if they have questions.

Mercury recommends homeowners create a simple maintenance schedule, inspect their property regularly and address problems promptly when they appear. Sometimes the most expensive item on a home repair list isn't the biggest project. It's the small one that stayed on the list too long.

For home maintenance tips, visit the Mercury Insurance Resource Center.

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.

Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

Media interested in receiving updates from Mercury can learn more at the Mercury Newsroom.

SOURCE Mercury Insurance