How has the American DIY market changed?

The Farnsworth Group surveyed do-it-yourselfers in the United States about what has changed in the way they research, find, select and purchase building materials. The results of this study have now been published in the Building Products Customer Guide 2023, along with findings from builders, contractors and architects.

The American home improvement market represents nearly 100 million households (both renters and homeowners). According to a market analysis conducted by IHS Markit on behalf of the Home Improvement Research Institute, the home improvement market will be worth nearly $6 billion in 2022. The Farnsworth Group predicts that there is potential in the DIY market in 2023, especially with the target group of DIYers, as they tackle more repair, maintenance and remodelling projects.

Among other things, the study shows that there are significant differences in project research and product buying behaviour between the three main generations of DIY customers: baby boomers, Gen X and millennials. Baby boomers, for example, tend to do less research before going to the home improvement store because they rely on their experience, the paper says. For members of Gen X, on the other hand, quality and price are bigger factors, while millennials complain mainly about problems with material availability.

The study also looks at the differences between the sexes and ventures an outlook for the current year. You can read a detailed report here shortly.