As has been true during every rough economic environment to date, stores that cater to DIY home improvers are still seeing consistent sales. Companies such as Lowe´s, Home depot, and ACE hardware report a consistant stream of new customers looking to remodel their home in some way.
According to the article by Matt Danelo, a recent Harvard University study claims a 12.1 percent decline in these types of projects will occur by fall of this year (2009).
Despite those statistics, local level stores claim home improvement projects are still on par with past years. While larger projects like new construction are dipping, projects like bathroom remodeling are still alive and well. The only difference now is that consumers are more cost conscious, aiming to do cheap home improvements with the highest esthetic and/or value return.
The article goes on to say that Frank Mchaney, a manager for ACE Hardware, says that this time of year people want fresh looks in their home. They want things like new paint, to keep with the mood of spring.
These days, the majority of homeowners are hiring out only a portion of the work… opting to do as much as they can for themselves. Its theorized that big bix DIY stores have played a part in this shift of mentality in the American homeowner.
Still, as always, “… there´s always a demand for quality.” And its always wise to hire out more complex things like electrical work, structural work, plumbing, or hanging cabinets.
It does make sense, however, to do cosmetic things like painting or fixtures on your own.
The five most popular DIY projects today?
1. Painting
2. Spring flower beds
3. Replacing doors
4. Light switches
5. New toilets
Read the entire article here.