DIY Statistics & Trends [2025]

DIY has pros and cons – projects take time, planning, and skill, yet they save you money on professional help and can leave you with a sense of pride.

We surveyed over 1,000 Americans to learn more about why people DIY. Results showed that nearly every homeowner has completed at least one DIY project, and 74% plan to start another in 2025. Turns out, it’s about more than saving money: social media catalyzes creative ideas, while platforms like YouTube and Google provide the knowledge needed to turn inspiration into reality. Better still, modern solutions like the Frontdoor app help homeowners chat virtually with experts.

Here's a closer look at how Americans are reshaping their home – and spending their time and money – through DIY projects.

Methodology

In November 2024, we surveyed 1,003 homeowners across the U.S. about their DIY experiences and future plans. 50% were women, 49% were men, less than 1% were non-binary or would rather not say. Respondents ranged in age from 18 to 95 with an average age of 45.

We also analyzed thousands of Google search terms relating to popular DIY projects from November 2023 - November 2024. We analyzed 5,122 terms and over 5.1 million search queries for all 50 states.

52% of DIYers Name Social Media as Their Inspo

DIY projects have become a nationwide sensation, with an impressive 98% of home-owning Americans tackling at least one DIY endeavor in their lifetime. Looking ahead to 2025, 74% plan to start a DIY project, and an ambitious 12% are even planning to flip a house.

A mix of social media and increased accessibility are helping them along. Over half (52%) of DIY enthusiasts name social media as their top source of inspiration. Cost savings are a factor for some, but 26% of those planning DIY projects in the near future have an annual income exceeding $100,000.

Today, projects are popular for men and women alike, with 7 in 10 men and 3 in 5 women considering themselves handy. No matter who initiates the work, nearly half of respondents (46%) will get help from a spouse with future projects. Furthermore, the outlook on DIY is becoming less of a chore and more of a rewarding project. Nearly 8 in 10 (77%) of Americans think DIY projects are fun and 83% feel empowered by working on them.

People start DIY projects at an average age of 28, and when it comes to roadblocks for starting new endeavors, time and anxiety take the cake. Next in line are finances, learning a new skill, and choosing materials and finishes. Of those stressed by DIY projects, a third are in the top earnings bracket (over $100,000 annually).

The Most Popular DIY Projects in Each State

To determine America’s favorite DIY projects, we analyzed related Google search data to see what types of DIY projects each state was Googling the most. The results are in - America’s most popular DIY projects are:

Chicken coops
Raised bed gardens
Storm shelters
Saunas
Outdoor Lighting

As homesteading begins to sweep the nation, it’s no surprise that chicken coops take the lead in warm-weather states like Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Texas. In second place are raised bed gardens - a popular choice for both senior gardening (it’s kinder on the knees) and urban areas with less plantable soil available. Raised bed gardens took the lead in midwestern states like Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Next were storm shelters – a necessity in states that suffer severe storms and tornadoes like Mississippi and Missouri. Saunas and outdoor lighting, sensible ways to improve home resale value, were the 4th and 5th most popular DIY options.

America Spent an Average of $804 on Their Last Project

In the last year, 7 in 10 Americans completed at least one DIY project, and 47% did so because they couldn’t afford professionals. Individuals completed an average of 3 projects total in the last year. Over 2 in 5 (42%) regret a DIY project, for reasons including: not turning out correctly (32%), taking too long (27%), costing too much (17%), or looking ugly (14%).

Even though time investment is a primary roadblock to getting started, 79% spent less than a month on their last project. All in all, 56% of Americans think DIY projects are stressful. The most stressed are our top earners making over $100,000 and the least stressed are in the $20,000 and under bracket.

While it may cost half what a professional would charge, DIY is still expensive. In the last year, people spent an average of $1,674 total and $804 on just the most recent project. No wonder top earners are the most likely to tackle them!

When DIY projects take a turn for the worse, Americans use a variety of resources for help and guidance. Online platforms play a pivotal role in problem-solving.

DIYers overwhelmingly rely on the internet when stuck, with 73% consulting YouTube and 60% turning to Google for solutions. More personal approaches include calling family (40%) or friends (33%), while only 15% opt to contact a professional. While it’s a leading source of inspiration, social media serves as a less frequent resource. Just 18% seek advice through social media when stuck.

The Growing DIY Movement

The DIY movement reflects a growing desire for hands-on problem-solving and personal skill development. Thanks to social media showing us trendy DIY projects, Americans are gaining DIY confidence, turning home improvement into a creative learning opportunity. As digital resources and community support continue to make these projects more accessible, DIY has evolved from a practical necessity to a rewarding hobby.

If you’re feeling inspired to start a project but feel scared of messing up or taking too long, you fit in with the rest of America! Planning is your best friend. Take some advice from our Frontdoor Experts before you begin:

"You can do it! Things might be harder than you expect, and usually always takes longer than the videos you see online, but if you hang in there you can complete any project." - Mike Payne, HVAC Expert

"Make sure to use the proper tools and equipment for your project and don’t be intimidated if something is new to you. Remember, you can learn as you go!" - Brett Labeka, Handyperson Expert

And here’s some wisdom from our survey-takers, too:

“Triple your expectations of how many times you will have to go to the hardware store”
“Set your expectations low and give yourself twice as much time as you think you'll need.”
“Always assume it is much harder and takes much longer than social media makes you think.”