A new study examines which outdoor projects
DIYers would love to do . . . but probably won't.
When it comes to picking outdoor DIY projects, we found it interesting that homeowners opt for functionality over form - and even finances, according to a new survey of U.S. homeowners. That's music to our pragmatic ears.
By a wide margin, homeowners say they prefer functional projects (57%) over those that just look good (28.3%) or have financial value (14.7%).
But just because DIYers desire a project, that doesn't mean they're going to strap on a tool belt and actually do it. The survey also reveals the most-wanted projects a DIYer is least likely to do: High-skill/high-effort projects, like building a deck or privacy fence (http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/fences/fencing-guide-options/), probably will never make it off the DIYer's wish list.
When it comes to picking outdoor DIY projects, we found it interesting that homeowners opt for functionality over form - and even finances, according to a new survey of U.S. homeowners. That's music to our pragmatic ears.
By a wide margin, homeowners say they prefer functional projects (57%) over those that just look good (28.3%) or have financial value (14.7%).
But just because DIYers desire a project, that doesn't mean they're going to strap on a tool belt and actually do it. The survey also reveals the most-wanted projects a DIYer is least likely to do: High-skill/high-effort projects, like building a deck or privacy fence (http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/fences/fencing-guide-options/), probably will never make it off the DIYer's wish list.
The most-desirable projects promise to make
outdoor time more fun; but the ones homeowners probably will do are the
easiest, like planting a garden or spreading around some landscaping pebbles.
Take a look at these numbers crunched by the
Home Projects Council, a group of home improvement experts that sponsored the
online survey of 1,278 homeowners planning outdoor home improvement projects in
2013.
Top-5 Desirable Outdoor Projects
1. Plant a garden (49.1%): Anyone with a shovel and some seeds can try this project, though
it'll take some experience to grow temperamental veggies, like tomatoes
(http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/plants-trees/how-grow-your-best-tomatoes-ever/).
2. Landscaping with pebbles, stones, or
rocks (28.3%): Attractive landscaping
(http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/landscaping-gardening/landscaping-home-value/)
adds value to your home by boosting curb appeal
(http://www.houselogic.com/home-topics/curb-appeal/). And it doesn't take much
effort to spread pea gravel in garden paths to add color and texture.
Tip: Edge your
path to keep the gravel from spreading.
3. Build a deck
(http://www.houselogic.com/home-topics/how-to-add-a-deck/) (22.8%): A deck is a great way to create outdoor living space, especially
when your yard is sloped. Deck maintenance
(http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/decks/deck-care-and-maintenance) is
easy, too: A coat of sealer will keep it looking good.
4. Create a fire or BBQ pit (20.5%): This retro project evokes 1950s dads flipping burgers over a
handmade brick pit. Today, you're more likely to install a gas grill
(http://www.houselogic.com/photos/appliances/grills-gone-wild/slide/pretty-in-pork/)
in the pit, which makes the stainless steel seem less industrial and more
homey.
5. Build a patio or walkway with pavers
or bricks (19.2%): These stone hardscapes are
elegant, functional, and long-lasting.
Top 5 Projects DIYers Wouldn't Do on a Bet
Hey, a guy can dream, and then hire a pro to:
Hey, a guy can dream, and then hire a pro to:
•Build an outdoor kitchen
(http://www.houselogic.com/home-topics/outdoor-kitchens/).
•Pour concrete slabs for patios,
steps, or sidewalks.
•Install a garden pond.
•Resurface a concrete driveway,
sidewalk, or patio (http://www.houselogic.com/outdoors/patios/).
•Build a deck (http://www.houselogic.com/home-topics/how-to-add-a-deck/).
Article From
HouseLogic.com
By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon
Published: August 01, 2013
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