Australia’s over 50s are facing a combined repair bill of $5.57 billion to fix the more than 17 million defects in their crumbling homes, according to research by Apia, the leading insurance provider for over 50s.
A third (35%) of the respondents aged over 50 in the national survey* reported that they can’t afford to get a tradesperson in to fix the problems.
The most common issues reported were leaking taps (41%), trees that need to be trimmed for safety reasons (39%), cracks in walls (38%), insect or vermin infestations (33%), and blocked drains (27%).
A third (33%) of over 50s say they can just live with all those little things around the home that have gone wrong, but that dripping tap may turn in to a flood , according to David Skapinker Apia spokesperson.
“Today’s annoying complaint is tomorrow’s house of horror,” Mr Skapinker continued.
“It’s worth investing the time and money to ensure your dripping tap doesn’t become a flood that could ultimately end up costing you thousands.”
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Estimated cost of repair if a tradesperson called to do the work. Note: if there is a price range, most conservative figure always used. |
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Dripping/leaking tap |
Plumber attendance with minimum callout fee approximately $180.00 |
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Blocked drain |
Plumber attendance with minimum callout fee ranges from approximated $180 - $460 |
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A leaking pipe |
Plumber attendance with minimum callout fee approximately $180 |
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A leaking appliance such as dishwasher/washing machine |
Plumber/technician attendance with minimum callout fee approximately $180 |
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A toilet that does not flush |
Plumber attendance with minimum callout fee approximately $180 - $240 |
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Power outlet/socket not working |
Electrician with minimum callout fee approximately $200 |
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Small cracks appearing in walls |
Assuming a simple patch and paint job with no structural issues approximately $400 |
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Trees that need to be trimmed for safety reasons |
Approximately $400 - $600 |
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Insect/vermin infestation |
Pest controller to inspect and treat approximately $240 |
The national bill could be substantially reduced if people did a bit of DIY, however nearly half (43%) say they don’t have the skills to fix the problems around their home, and a quarter (27%) say it just isn’t worth the hassle. Sadly, one in ten (10%) say they just don’t want a tradesperson in their home.
“If left for long periods, issues such as cracks appearing in walls, insect or vermin infestation or overgrown trees, could have serious consequences for both the dwelling, and for the health and safety of the occupants,” Mr Skapinker added.
“Individually many of these issues don’t seem so bad, but the fact that they are occurring on such a massive scale suggests there is a home safety crisis on the horizon,” Mr Skapinker continued.
“It is a pretty sad state of affairs when older Australians cannot afford the upkeep on their home. It’s even sadder when they don’t trust people to have someone in to do the work for them”
If a tradesperson were called in to resolve all the issues with homes of the over 50s:
- The cost to fix all the toilets that don’t flush would cost $220 million
- Assuming there is no structural damage, repairing small cracks in walls would cost more than $1.09 billion.
- Trimming trees that pose a safety issue would cost approximately $1.12 billion
For further information and to arrange interviews, please contact:
David Skapinker
Senior Communications Advisor, Apia
T: 02 8121 1404
M: 0467 801 922
E: David.skapinker@suncorp.com.au
Notes to editors:
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Percent of over 50s who report needing repairs done to their home |
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Dripping or leaking tap |
41% |
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Trees that need to be trimmed for safety reasons |
39% |
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Small cracks in walls |
38% |
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Insect or vermin infestation |
33% |
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Blocked drain |
27% |
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Leaking pipe |
20% |
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Toilet doesn’t flush |
17% |
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Power outlet or socket doesn’t work |
16% |
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Leaking appliance such as dishwasher or washing machine |
15% |
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Reason people over 50 say they have not undertaken repairs to their home |
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I don’t have the skills to do it |
43% |
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I can’t afford to get a tradesperson in |
35% |
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I can live with the problems |
33% |
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The hassle of getting a tradesperson in is not worth the time and effort |
27% |
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I don’t want a tradesperson in my home |
10% |
About the Survey
*Newspoll Market & Social Research conducted an independent internet survey of 3,121 Australians, 18 years of age and older, across a full national sample in 2012. Sample size of those aged over 50 in this survey is 1,238. Data was collected in line with ISO 20252 – Market, Social and Opinion Research and has been weighted with current ABS population demographics to ensure any extrapolation of results is representative of age, gender and area.
Number of Australians aged over 50 calculated as 7,199,582: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 3101.0 - Australian Demographic Statistics, Sep 2011, http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/3101.0Sep%202011?OpenDocument
Apia is a specialist insurance provider for people aged over 50. Providing a wide range of home and contents, car, caravan, motor home, boat and life insurance solutions tailored to the over 50s life stage, Apia has a network of 28 branches across Australia serving almost 700,000 policy holders. For more information on Apia visit www.apia.com.au
Australian Pensioners Insurance Pty Limited ABN 14 099 650 996 (Apia) acts as agent and authorised representative of Australian Alliance Insurance Company Limited ABN 11 006 471 709, the issuer of the general insurance products
