As inflation and labor costs drive up home maintenance expenses, two in five homeowners are turning to AI home repair tools for help. A recent survey by Guardian Service, an insurance company, found that more than 40% of respondents had used ChatGPT and similar tools for repair or maintenance guidance.
Homeowners who followed AI advice reported saving an average of 47% on repair and upkeep costs, and 29% said their maintenance stress decreased. The largest savings came from simpler jobs—appliance repairs (51%), plumbing (49%), and handyman tasks (46%)—that skilled individuals could attempt with AI instruction.
Among age groups, younger respondents were the most proactive: Gen Z homeowners reported 50% usage of AI for home fixes.
The survey also highlighted risks of relying solely on AI. About 22% implemented AI repair suggestions without consulting a professional, and roughly one in four delayed calling an expert when AI labeled a problem “non-urgent.”
Experts caution that while AI can provide useful general guidance, it has limits where specialized skills are required. Attempting to fix complex appliances such as boilers, air conditioners, or refrigerators without professional oversight can cause more damage and higher costs. Work involving electricity, gas, or structural components can pose serious safety hazards. In practice, only 13% used AI to guide electrical work—suggesting most still recognize the need for licensed pros.
Despite rising adoption, 79% said they trust human experts more, and 68% worry AI might give incorrect or unsafe advice. Only 17% fully followed AI instructions, while 74% applied them selectively.
Specialists say AI can help with pre-repair research, comparing service providers, and reviewing insurance options. Still, they advise using it as a reference—not a replacement for professional expertise.
BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]
