The costs of homeownership don’t stop at the mortgage payment, which means that you’re on the hook for any repairs and renovations that inevitably need to happen. And while you might be planning ahead for a splashy kitchen renovation, you may forget to set aside dough for the “oops” factor, when something else goes horribly wrong at home. Those unexpected oops repairs are likely to cost you more than $1,000 to fix, and it’s not a matter of if, but when, according to Angi’s new “Home Oops Report,” which asked a thousand homeowners about the unexpected costs they’ve encountered in their homes.

Unexpected repairs can add up

The findings: 78% of homeowners reported at least one “oops” project, defined as a DIY project gone awry, secret issues a former homeowner hid, or something breaking, with most reporting more than three oopsie-daisies over the course of their homeownership. And the costs add up. According to the survey, homeowners spent an average of $3,166 over three years to fix failed DIY projects, with more than half of those surveyed requiring pro help to make it right.

A sign that it pays to get a home inspection before you buy: 28% of homeowners reported finding and fixing a previous homeowner’s mistakes, which often impact home safety. More than half said a previous homeowner made an “oops” on a plumbing issue, while electrical issues (38%) and water damage or mould (33%) were other commonly hidden issues. Of course, there are “oops” issues that sometimes happen out of the blue, like the homeowner who shared that a raccoon crashed through their ceiling. A third of homeowners reported unforeseen weather-related repairs, while wildlife accounted for another 20% of issues.

But some “unexpected” repairs are actually large projects that could have been much cheaper to address if tackled before they became emergencies. The price of procrastination? An average of $1,645 in extra fees to fix the issue. Roofing and plumbing issues were the most common culprits for delayed repair and added expenses. Basically, if water’s involved, get it fixed fast.

Preventing a big repair bill

While you can’t prevent every potential oops from happening, taking a few preventative steps can help you keep costs of the inevitable oops from blowing out your budget.

Don’t skip the home inspection when you’re buying your home. Even if you don’t want to make the sale contingent on the results of a home inspection, it’s good to have a pro walk you through any potential issues so you know what might need to be addressed immediately. A thorough inspection can reveal hidden problems that could become expensive surprises later.

Be honest about your DIY skill level. Those DIY videos may make it look easy, but many major DIY projects can easily spiral out of your control if you’re not particularly handy. Know when to call a professional, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The cost of a professional is often far less than the cost of fixing a botched DIY job.

Inspect your home regularly. Take a tour of your house every month to look for any potential issues, whether it’s a loose piece of siding, a spot of mould on a basement wall, or signs of an insect infestation. If you catch it early, you may be able to stave off a bigger problem. Keep a checklist and note anything that looks off, then address it promptly.

Keep your emergency fund stocked. You may want to create a separate “home repair” budget to have on hand to address any issues that crop up. Aim to set aside a small amount each month so that when something goes wrong, you’re not caught off guard financially.

The bottom line

Homeownership comes with inevitable surprises, and “oops” repairs can cost thousands if left unaddressed. The good news is that many of these costly problems can be prevented or minimised with a few smart habits. Get a home inspection before you buy, be realistic about your DIY abilities, inspect your home regularly, and keep an emergency fund ready. By staying proactive and prepared, you can protect your home and your wallet from the most common and expensive mistakes.