Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Market research firms The Farnsworth Group and the Home Improvement Research Institute have released their final COVID-19 tracker report, highlighting the many ways in which the pandemic has affected home improvement DIYers and pros.
Take a look at the latest insights to learn how the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a major influence on project planning and spending. Review findings from May for more information on how key trends are influencing the industry.
How COVID-19 Is Affecting DIYers
Home improvement activity remains strong with DIYers. In June, 69 percent of surveyed DIYers say they started a home improvement project in the past month, down slightly from 72 percent in June 2020.
Additionally, 77 percent of DIYers say they neither canceled nor stopped DIY projects in the last month, with only 13 percent saying COVID-19 prompted them to cancel or stop planned projects.
More than 4 out of 10 DIYers say they had not planned to start these projects before COVID-19, highlighting the ways in which the pandemic has motivated many to rethink their living spaces. DIYers continue to say being at home more often is the top motivator for starting new DIY projects, followed closely by having more spare time.
In-store purchasing continues to be the leading way to source projects for DIYers, with 89 percent saying this is their preferred method. Ordering online with at-home delivery was the second most common option.
Nearly 3 out of 4 DIYers plan to start a new project within the next few weeks, the data shows.
How COVID-19 Is Affecting Pros
In June, only 57 percent of pros reported project delays because of COVID-19, the lowest figure recorded since the organizations began their COVID-19 tracker in March 2020.
Like DIYers, pros are also preferring to shop in stores to procure building materials, with 82 percent of pros reporting this option.
30 percent of pros report project requests were “somewhat higher” in the past month, while 29 percent say project requests were “about the same as expected.” Pros say the main reason behind their project requests is that homeowners are at home more often, followed by homeowners searching for health and safety solutions for their homes.
Roughly 4 out of 10 pros are somewhat concerned about the impact COVID-19 spikes may have on their businesses, with more than half of respondents saying their main concern is the health and safety of their staff.
