New Study Sheds Light on First-time Homeowners' Do-It-Yourself Habits
CHICAGO, July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- With home prices at a record low, many
first-time homeowners are taking the plunge and tackling projects
themselves rather than using outside contractors. In fact, a recent True
Value survey revealed that more than half of new homeowners roll up their
sleeves for home improvement to put their personal stamp on the space and
make it their own.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080714/AQM512)
To give these new DIYers the recognition they deserve, True Value is
kicking off the "DIY All-Star Contest 1st Home Edition." The DIYer who
demonstrates their home improvement skills the best will receive an
in-person consultation with Steve Watson, host of HGTV's "Don't Sweat It,"
and $5,000 to use at a local True Value store for their next project.
"On my show, I work with many first-time homeowners who want to tackle
projects themselves, but don't know how to get started," says Watson. "With
local expert advice, the right tools, and just a little elbow grease, new
homeowners are usually surprised by how much they can accomplish
themselves."
Weekend Projects for Novices and Experts Alike!
The True Value survey showed that nearly one in four first-time
homeowners are afraid they'll make a mistake when it comes to DIY projects.
To take the anxiety out of home improvement this summer, Steve suggests the
following starter projects, along with tricks of the trade to ensure
impressive end results. For the more experienced do-it-yourselfers, Steve
also offers ideas that will take these projects up a notch.
Spice Up Your Kitchen
-- Beginner Project Idea: Nearly half of first-time homeowners find
this room to be the biggest disaster area in the house. Changing the look
of the room can be as simple as painting kitchen cabinets and updating the
hardware. A tip for new homeowners -- don't prime or paint the doors while
they're closed to prevent sticking.
-- Challenge: To make a decorative statement, create a tile backsplash
that not only adds character, but also protects from spills and splatters.
Paint Like a Pro
-- Beginner Project Idea: One of the quickest ways to brighten the look
of any room is with a fresh coat of paint; in fact, more than three out of
four first-time homeowners would take on this project themselves. To make
it look like a professional job, prime and then apply the first coat of
paint in 6-foot square sections, using a zigzag pattern of overlapping
W-shaped strokes. Steve suggests starting with the ceiling first and then
moving onto the walls.
-- Challenge: More experienced DIYers can use custom finishes and
designs (such as striping, diamonds and color blocking) to add visual
interest.
Ready, Set, Storage
-- Beginner Project Idea: Create instant storage options by installing
adjustable shelving or building a closet organizer to maximize space. A
smart idea is to attach the shelves to the supporting brackets for added
stability.
-- Challenge: Installing sliding closet doors hides items away and
gives rooms a fresh new look.
Cultivate a Green Thumb
-- Beginner Project Idea: More than 70 percent of first-time homeowners
would install energy-efficient light bulbs to help the environment, but not
many realize this project can extend to the outdoors as well. Set up
energy-saving accent lighting to improve a home's curb appeal. For
additional ways to make an impact, True Value offers the Greener
Options(TM) product line that includes hundreds of eco-friendly items.
-- Challenge: Building a compost bin is an easy do-it-yourself project
that only takes chicken wire and wood or metal stakes to install. Plus,
it's not only good for the environment, but will help yards stay "green" by
preventing plant diseases, reducing the need for fertilizer and
revitalizing soil. Steve's favorite tip is to line the bottom of the
compost bin with two garbage bags to minimize leakage.
Kicking off the "DIY All-Star Contest 1st Home Edition"
In 2007, True Value searched for America's home improvement all-star
through the "Do-It-Yourself All-Star" Contest. This year, True Value's "DIY
All-Star Contest 1st Home Edition" gives first-time homeowners the chance
to show off a home improvement project they completed to enhance their new
home and make it their own.
From July 14 through Aug. 22, 2008, visit
http://www.StartRightStartHere.com to submit a short essay, along with up
to three photos or a five-minute video, that show why you -- or another
first-time homeowner you know -- deserve to be named True Value's DIY
All-Star.
Then from Sept. 4 - 18, 2008, America will be able to vote for their
favorite from among 20 semi-finalists on StartRightStartHere.com. The grand
prize winner will be announced in early October and will receive an
in-person consultation with Steve Watson and $5,000 to use at a local True
Value store.
Visit http://www.StartRightStartHere.com for contest rules and
regulations. Explore the site's "Idea House," filled with step-by-step
project ideas, shopping lists and additional do-it-yourself tips from
Steve.
About Steve Watson and True Value
True Value has teamed up with Steve Watson, home improvement expert and
host of HGTV's hit show "Don't Sweat It," to help first-time homeowners and
do-it-yourselfers start projects off right and accomplish them in just a
weekend. Steve learned the tools of the trade when he worked in
construction as a teenager. Later he started his own remodeling business
focusing on residential home improvement.
About True Value
True Value Company, headquartered in Chicago, is one of the world's
largest member-owned wholesale hardware cooperatives with sales of
approximately $2 billion in annual revenue. The cooperative includes
approximately 6,000 independent retailer locations operating under the
store identities of True Value, Grand Rental Station, Taylor Rental, Party
Central, Home & Garden Showplace and Induserve Supply. Additional
information on True Value Company and its retail identities is available at
http://www.TrueValueCompany.com.
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