The Home Depot wants to help young homeowners reduce their dwelling-related stress by becoming better-informed do-it-yourselfers.
The company has launched a New Homeowners Hub to equip the next generation of current and future first-time householders with resources including DIY guides, product recommendations and design inspiration.
From moving checklists and project guides to virtual workshops and design ideas, the online hub brings Home Depot expertise directly to young homeowners and other customers, the company indicated. The virtual workshops provide expert, step-by-step guidance on projects such as how to paint a room, replace light fixtures or install a faucet. In addition, a catalog of workshops teach the DIY fundamentals of home care including information about HVAC systems, plumbing and seasonal maintenance. Homeowners can access both livestream and on-demand options any time and at zero cost.
According to a survey conducted by Home Depot in partnership with Morning Consult, which sampled recent homeowners or potential homebuyers born between 1981 and 2005, home ownership is one of the most stressful milestones faced by young adults. Home maintenance, at 74%, and home improvement projects, at 68%, emerged in the survey as the most stressful aspects of homeownership.
The survey indicated that young people are willing to take on projects but lack the skills and know-how to tackle them:
- A New DIYer Generation of DIYers. Almost 80% of Millennials and GenZers surveyed said they are interested in doing household repair, design and décor renovations but only about a quarter feel “very confident” about taking on a home improvement project.
- Paint Versus Plumbing. Most survey respondents said they are most comfortable with redecorating, painting and routine yard work but more than half of the respondents were uncomfortable with electrical work, plumbing, roofing/siding and window/door projects.
- Internet Versus Parents. More young people would turn to YouTube or other online videos at about 70% to learn how to tackle DIY projects versus learning from a parent, family member or friend, at 61% of GenZers and 54% of Millennials.
- Point of Reference. Nine out of 10 Millennial and 92% of GenZ respondents said that they would find access to a centralized resource that provides guidance for first-time homeowners helpful.
“Our research has shown that lack of proper knowledge, tools and time were the top barriers for Millennials navigating home improvement projects, which is especially stressful for a generation of current and soon-to-be first-time homeowners,” said Molly Battin, Home Depot senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “Helping homeowners complete projects is part of our DNA, so it was a natural move to create an online resource designed to empower our customers with everything they need to confidently turn their first house into a home.”
