A resurgence of the DIY spirit

(ARA) - While economic factors have slowed consumer spending in the home improvements category in recent years, new reports, including one from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, show homeowners are planning to invest in their homes once again.

What's more, data shows that these homeowners are looking to bypass the professionals when possible and take common home repair projects into their own hands.

"It can be both empowering and cost-effective for homeowners to tackle simple home maintenance projects themselves," says Susan Fisher, director of brand management at Delta Faucets. "The key to success for these homeowners is understanding what projects they can accomplish on their own, and having clear and detailed information at the ready."

Do-it-yourself (DIY) skills can often times be passed down through the generations. But, for those who didn't learn how to tackle projects from their parents, there is an abundance of resources available online. Many of today's DIYers can turn to the Internet for expert advice and video demonstrations for a range of projects.

Fisher says Delta Faucet just launched a new series of videos to help DIYers with common household plumbing projects. The Delta brand reviewed data from its consumer response teams, identified the most popular questions asked by consumers, and then developed step-by-step videos that address those top questions. Now, a consumer looking for guidance installing a kitchen faucet, changing a showerhead or uninstalling a bathroom faucet, for instance, can find easy instructions online at www.DeltaFaucet.com/videogallery.

Other top companies have taken notice of this consumer trend as well. Manufacturer-sponsored videos are popping up on YouTube.com and brand websites across the gamut, from brands such as Schluter tile and Trex decking. And the dramatic growth of online how-to resources such as www.Howcast.com and www.ehow.com further demonstrate that yearn for do-it-yourself information. There are professional and amateur videos to provide tips for tasks from painting interior walls, to replacing exterior shutters and virtually anything in between.

Manufacturers say this shift toward providing online content is all about working with homeowners and putting forth the right products and tools to help them accomplish household maintenance projects. They caution, however, that homeowners should be realistic about their abilities and not attempt to take on a project that should really be handled by a professional.

In general, any home improvement project that requires behind-the-wall access or involves moving or tampering with wiring or waterways is best left to the pros.

Courtesy of ARAcontent