Colorado homeowners feel the weight of their to-do lists more than most of the country, , which found that home-related stress runs notably higher in Colorado and the broader Mountain Region than the national average.
This stress is often fueled by local challenges like hailstorms, which can damage roofs and siding, and freeze-thaw cycles that can crack driveways and cause leaking basements.
The report shows that 69% of homeowners — both nationally and in Colorado — currently have unfinished maintenance or repair tasks they’re putting off.
But the emotional toll of that backlog appears steeper in Colorado.
Responsibilities cause stress
Nearly a quarter of Colorado and Mountain Region homeowners (24%) say homeownership responsibilities rank among their top sources of stress, compared with 18% nationally, putting it on par with career and relationship pressures.
That stress shows up in tangible ways. In Colorado and the Mountain Region, 35% of homeowners say the anxiety leaves them feeling restless or tense, versus 32% nationally.
Another 28% say home-related worries are constantly on their mind, and 23% report itap worsening their mental health.
About 13% have even considered moving because of the pressure, slightly above the 12% national figure.
One bright spot: Colorado homeowners report losing sleep over home stress less often than the rest of the country — 19% compared to 28% nationally.
Much of the anxiety appears tied to cost. Sixty percent of Colorado and Mountain Region homeowners estimate their deferred maintenance backlog could cost $5,000 or more to address, compared to 50% nationally.
Despite that price tag, 80% of Colorado respondents haven’t made financial or practical changes to tackle the root problem, mirroring a similar pattern nationally (78%).
Interestingly, the reasons Colorado residents value homeownership differ from the rest of the country.
Nationally, the top reason homeowners say ownership is “worth it” is the stability it provides for their family (32%).
In Colorado and the Mountain Region, the leading reason is the sense of control owning a home provides over one’s living environment (35%), followed by stability and permanence (33%), building equity and wealth (32%), and pride in personal achievement (32%).
Staying ahead of the backlog
Courtney Klosterman, home insights expert at Hippo, recommends homeowners take a proactive approach rather than letting maintenance pile up.
She advises reviewing insurance coverage annually to ensure policies reflect a home’s current value and any recent upgrades, and recommends looking into optional riders for risks specific to a homeowner’s location and home age.
In Colorado, for example, riders for wildfire or hail coverage, sewer and drain backup, and equipment breakdown may make sense given regional hazards. This is particularly relevant as Hippo’s separate 2026 Housepower Report found more homeowners noticing increased heat waves and stronger winds in their area.
Klosterman also suggests budgeting 1% to 4% of a home’s value annually for maintenance, noting that only about a third of homeowners currently set aside such savings. For example, if your home is valued at $500,000, that means putting aside between $5,000 and $20,000 each year for regular upkeep and unexpected repairs.
Creating a written emergency plan, which just 35% of homeowners currently have, can also help reduce stress when disaster strikes.
On the maintenance front, Klosterman points to four areas worth regular attention: plumbing and water fixtures, HVAC systems, electrical systems, and water heaters, along with exterior checks of roofing, gutters, windows, doors, and siding before seasonal weather shifts.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this postap preparation.
