The Home Projects Council conducted a recent survey of 507 homeowners in the United States and 45 per cent said they planned to spend $1,000 or more on outdoor do-it-yourself home-improvement projects in 2015.
In 2014, just 37 per cent of homeowners responding planned to spend at that level.
This year's survey responses also showed that building projects would be increasing at a greater rate over last year than landscaping, repair and maintenance projects.
The top DIY construction project was building a shed or storage structure, followed by pouring a concrete patio, steps or sidewalk, the survey showed. Next in line were installing a garden pond or bird bath, and building a deck or porch, patio or walkway, the council said.
"While home maintenance projects remain a priority, homeowners are becoming more comfortable and confident with more involved and complex home improvement projects," said Frank Owens, vice president of marketing for Quikrete Cos. and a member of the council.
The survey found that the biggest factor preventing homeowners from attempting or completing an outdoor project was the expense, followed closely by the time required.
--The Philadelphia Inquirer
