Ace survey says Internet has become go-to information source

Ace Hardware, the Oak Brook, Ill.-based co-op, is promoting the results of a survey it conducted that shows one in four Americans plan to tackle home improvement projects in the next six months, and that consumers say they plan to spend an average of $1,000 on these projects.

The survey revealed that the Internet has taken over as the chief information resource for two out of three homeowners (66 percent), a “dramatic increase” from 41 percent, reported in 2005. Others ask family (49 percent) and friends (46 percent) in seeking advice on a variety of topics.

In addition, Ace says that 25 percent of homeowners agreed that enhancing the value of their home and improving their quality of life are the primary reasons for starting home improvement projects. More women (18 percent) than men (11 percent) cited wanting a change as a third reason to take on a project.

“People are investing in their homes, but the survey results demonstrate that it’s as much about enhancing the value for the future as it is about improving their current quality of life,” said Lou Manfredini, an Ace spokesman and the co-op’s “Helpful Hardware Man.”