Survey says: DIY is in demand
A consumer survey conducted by Lowe's finds eight out of 10 homeowners are planning a lawn or garden project in the next 12 months that they will do themselves.
The economy is one reason for the resurgence of do-it-yourself projects, but another reason is the simple fact that homeowners say they enjoy working on the projects.
Approximately 32% of DIY-ers cite "pleasure" as the reason they're planning a project, while 35% say it's to save on total project costs.
For 84% of respondents, lawn and gardening projects are the top DIY project. A close second is interior painting (82%), followed by exterior painting (65%), installing a new floor (56%) and remodeling or adding a new bathroom (55%).
"Purchasing a home is one of the largest single investments a person will make during his or her lifetime. In good times and bad, homeowners remain committed to preserving their investment by maintaining and improving their homes," said Larry Stone, Lowe's president and chief operating officer. "While time constraints encouraged many people to say 'do it for me' in recent years, perhaps the silver lining of the current economy is that homeowners can save while they rediscover the fun of doing projects themselves."
The survey involved more than 500 homeowners. Other findings include:
• About 80% of consumers mowed their own lawns in the past and plan to keep doing so. • In the next 12 months, approximately 37% of homeowners surveyed who plan to remodel their kitchen say will do part themselves and hire a pro for the rest.