17 of the 23 home improvement projects analyzed in the 2024 Cost vs. Value report showed an improved return on investment, according to NAR. This directly counters the notion that rising costs erode project value. Homeowners now realize tangible financial gains, making strategic improvements more appealing.
Homeowners face rising costs and challenges for home improvement, but the financial and personal returns on ambitious DIY projects are increasingly compelling. Property owners continue to enhance their homes and secure investments, even under economic pressure.
Homeowners will likely continue investing in DIY projects, prioritizing long-term value over short-term hurdles. This approach grants control over budgets and outcomes, securing superior property returns. Home improvement and repair spending is expected to remain above $600 billion through 2025. Home improvement and repair spending is expected to remain above $600 billion through 2025, confirming sustained market activity.
The Enduring Value of Sweat Equity
In 2025, DIY methods accounted for 52% of all home improvement completions, according to HIRI. DIY methods accounting for 52% of all home improvement completions in 2025 confirms a strong belief in DIY's financial and practical advantages. Homeowners are actively taking control of their property enhancements.
DIY projects like deep cleaning flooring, applying fresh paint, installing new kitchen tile or a backsplash, upgrading outlets and fixtures, performing lawncare, and integrating smart home technology offer substantial ROI, based on NAR data. Homeowners planning home improvement activity in 2026 anticipated spending approximately $7,117 for projects, HIRI reports. Homeowners' anticipated spending of approximately $7,117 for projects in 2026, coupled with proven ROI, suggests DIY is shifting from simple maintenance to a strategic path for significant value creation. The anticipated spending of approximately $7,117 for projects in 2026 and proven ROI confirm homeowners choose DIY for financial benefits and investment control.
Navigating the Rising Costs and Challenges
About 45% of homeowners were challenged by project costs in Q2 2026, a notable increase from 33% last year, according to The Farnsworth Group. About 45% of homeowners being challenged by project costs in Q2 2026, a notable increase from 33% last year, necessitates careful planning and budget management.
About 63% of homeowners completed repairs in Q2 2026, a decrease from 69% last year, The Farnsworth Group states. Despite growing financial burdens, strategic, value-driven project selection becomes crucial. The decrease in homeowners completing repairs in Q2 2026 (63% from 69% last year) reflects homeowners prioritizing projects with higher perceived ROI over simple repairs, aligning with improved returns across many projects. It implies a growing demand for renovation-focused DIY skills, not just basic repair knowledge, as homeowners seek to maximize every dollar spent.
Beyond Repairs: The Drive for Renovation and Future Investment
Home renovations are holding steady at 36%, comparable to the preceding quarter and the same quarter in 2025, The Farnsworth Group reports. Home renovations holding steady at 36%, comparable to the preceding quarter and the same quarter in 2025, confirms homeowners view properties as evolving assets, beyond basic maintenance.
57% of Renovation Ready Homeowners believe their home improvement spending will increase in the next 12 months, according to HIRI. Additionally, 50% of homeowners planned interior projects for the next 12 months, HIRI notes. The belief of 57% of Renovation Ready Homeowners that their home improvement spending will increase in the next 12 months, and 50% of homeowners planning interior projects, confirms homeowners view homes as dynamic assets for enjoyment and long-term investment. They are willing to invest more, likely enabled by DIY's cost-saving potential. The focus on interior projects, with 50% of homeowners planning such projects for the next 12 months, further implies a desire for personalization and optimizing daily living spaces, not just curb appeal or resale value.
The Empowered Homeowner: Seizing Control and Value
Home maintenance drives demand, with 72% of homeowners completing such projects in the past quarter, The Farnsworth Group reports. The top reason for home improvement activity in 2025 was home maintenance or repair, a driver for 76% of homeowners, according to HIRI. The consistent figures of 72% of homeowners completing maintenance projects in the past quarter and 76% citing home maintenance or repair as a driver in 2025 underscore the fundamental and ongoing need for property upkeep, which homeowners increasingly address through DIY.
If current trends persist, homeowners leveraging ambitious DIY projects for renovations will likely continue to see significant financial and personal returns, solidifying DIY as a core strategy for property value growth.
