In many parts of the country, the tight housing market makes it difficult for consumers to purchase a new home. And, as the economic boom moves into its ninth consecutive year, updating and improving their homes has become a part of consumers' everyday lives. Personal Style Drives Home Improvement Americans' sense of style and taste is having an impact on their homes. Fifty-five percent of those surveyed reported purchasing new items for their homes, like plants or closet organizers, at least once a month. In addition, 'change in personal taste' was the main reason for tackling larger home improvement projects for 50 percent of respondents.
Personal style is also a growing source for home improvement ideas.
The survey also found that 72 percent of consumers planned to handle home improvement projects on their own, up from 67 percent in 1999. Topping the list of planned home improvement or decorating projects is interior decorating, cited by 43 percent of Americans. Landscaping and gardening showed the largest increases of 11 percent and 10 percent, respectively. In addition, the number of people planning to makeover their bathrooms this year doubled to 31 percent. Americans Saving Up for Home Improvement Survey results showed that 79 percent of Americans plan to pay for their home improvement projects with cash, up from 69 percent in 1999.