Survey: Fewer Americans Taking on DIY Projects

Baltimore, Md. 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. However, 37% indicated plans to have someone else do the home-improvement work for them, up from 30% just two years ago.

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.