Call a contractor? No, thanks!
One of the many benefits of being a homeowner is the ability to change your home to suit your tastes—but armed with DIY Network, HGTV and YouTube, more homeowners are taking on the work themselves, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2019 Remodeling Impact Report.
DIY Equals Happy Homeowners
From complete control to personal pride in the project, do-it-yourself home improvements are more often satisfying, according to the report. In comparing "Joy Scores"—a happiness meter on a scale of 1-10—DIY home improvements scored a 9.9, while professional projects scored a 9.6. Ninety-seven percent of DIY homeowners felt "a sense of accomplishment" in their project.
From the report, the three most common DIY home improvements were:
- Closet Renovation
- Basement Finishing
- Hardwood Refinishing
Additionally, homeowners are more likely to DIY for their pet than for themselves, the report shows. The most popular projects include built-in beds and dishes, and a pet pool.
Whether you DIY or hire a professional, if you're considering a remodel, consult with your REALTOR®, John Smaby, 2019 NAR president, recommends. He or she can advise you on the best improvements to make.
"One of the pleasures of homeownership is the ability to take on projects to customize a house that truly make it your own," says Smaby. "Those taking on remodeling projects to get the most bang for their buck on resale should speak to a local REALTOR®, as they have unique and instrumental insights into which projects and upgrades bring the most value to homes in your area."
Here are more findings from the report:
For more information, please visit www.nar.realtor.
