Hamilton Herald Masthead

Editorial


Front Page - Friday, April 12, 2019

Realtor survey: Homeowners more likely to take on D.I.Y. remodels




Homeowners looking to add personality and individuality to their home are more likely to undertake a do-it-yourself remodel than hire a professional, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2019 Remodeling Impact Report: DIY.

The report also shows that cash-strapped millennials are the most likely of any generation to take on a DIY project.

The report examines the differences between remodeling when hiring a professional compared to homeowners who pursue do-it-yourself projects. The report also differentiates between projects that were undertaken to benefit the homes of consumers and those that benefit consumers’ pets.

In fact, a recent study from the National Association of Realtors showed that nearly half of all animal owners surveyed (52%) undertook home renovations to accommodate their animal. The most popular projects included building a fenced yard (23%), adding a dog door (12%) and installing laminate flooring (10%).

Homeowners reported a “joy score” of 9.9 for projects done themselves, the report found. That’s compared to a score of 9.6 for projects completed by professionals.

Joy Scores range from 1 and 10, and higher figures indicate greater joy from the project.

DIYers also expressed a greater sense of accomplishment with a finished project, with 97% of respondents indicating a major or minor sense of accomplishment, compared to 93% of those who hired a professional.

Nearly three-fourths – 73% – of Generation Y and millennial consumers, 51% of Generation X and 50% of younger boomers choose to DIY home projects, compared to 9.6% for projects completed by professionals. Seventy percent of the silent generation – those born between the mid-1920s and mid-1940s – indicated that they hired a professional to complete their project – the highest of any generation.

Anyone taking on remodeling projects should speak to a Realtor for guidance on getting the most bang for the buck on resale. Realtor have unique and instrumental insights into which projects and upgrades bring the most value to your home. That’s Who We R.

Greater Chattanooga Realtors is “The Voice of Real Estate in Greater Chattanooga.” A regional organization with more than 2,000 members, Greater Chattanooga Realtors service Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee and Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. More information at www.gcar.net or 423 698-8001.