Study: Fewer Americans to engage in DIY projects

BALTIMORE A new study by Vertis Communications revealed that fewer Americans plan to engage in "do it yourself" (DIY) home improvement projects in 2008.

Of the 81% of Americans planning home improvement projects in 2008, only 44% indicated they would "do it themselves," down from 56% in 2006. Further, 37% indicated plans to have someone else do the home improvement work for them, up from 30% just two years ago.

Additionally, the survey found the down economy has not drastically impacted Americans' overall desire to take on the three most common home improvement projects. Landscaping, interior painting and remodeling a kitchen and/or bathroom are nearly as popular in 2008 as they were in 2004. Thirty-nine percent of household decision makers indicated they will paint their homes this year, compared with 40% in 2004. The percentage who will landscape and those who will remodel a bathroom or kitchen dropped only one point, respectively from 35% to 34%, and from 18% in 2004 to 17% in 2008.