DIY Home Improvement and Maintenance - US - September 2015
Overview
 
What you need to know 
The DIY home renovation market is on the rise in an improving economy as more consumers engage in discretionary projects to fix up their homes. Prospects for continued growth look good as the emerging generation of new DIYers engages in projects that allow them to add a personal touch to their homes and that make their homes safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient.

Definition 
This report builds on the analysis presented in Mintel’s DIY Home Improvement and Maintenance – US, May 2013, as well as DIY Retailing—US, April 2012, Home Improvement—US, February 2011 and DIY Home Improvement—US, May 2010. The focus of this report is do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement projects and products purchased directly by consumers and installed by them. DIY activities include repairs or additions to the home, including projects such as renovating a kitchen, installing a new bathroom, and installing central heating. Decorating includes activities such as internal and external painting. 

In addition to examining the household spending on DIY home improvement, this report presents and analyzes sales through the major DIY/hardware-type stores and, more specifically, the DIY market. Excluded are sales to professionals, as well as sales of professional services to consumers. However, discussion of the performance of the major retailers will include non-consumer sales.

Analysis of product segment expenditures is for DIY purchases and includes:

●	Interior additions, alterations, and replacements 
●	Kitchen and bathroom remodeling 
●	Exterior additions and replacements 
●	Systems and equipment additions/replacements 

Please note that the measurement of household DIY home improvement spending through consumer surveys results in different data from actual sales through DIY retailers. Both types of data are discussed in this report.

Where data allow, this report excludes:

●	Sales to professionals, as well as services and labor costs of home improvement professionals and building contractors
●	Garden-related products such as plants and growing media

Value figures in the Leading Retailers section are at retail selling prices (rsp) excluding sales tax unless otherwise stated.