Last updated: October 5, 2026.

DIY videos make almost any renovation look achievable in a weekend. The broader remodeling market tells a different story: homeowners are spending a smaller share of their improvement dollars on do-it-yourself work than they did in past decades.

What the New Research Shows

The Harvard analysis tracks decades of homeowner improvement spending. DIY’s share reached 26.9% in 2003, then trended lower. It briefly recovered during the pandemic but fell to a new low of 15.9% in 2023.

Professional work grew much faster over the same long period. From 1995 to 2023, Harvard reports that professional improvement spending increased far more than DIY spending after adjusting for the size of the market.

The Shift Is Not the Same for Every Project

Large discretionary projects such as kitchens, bathrooms, and additions saw a bigger move toward professional labor. Replacement work—such as roofing, windows, and HVAC—already had relatively low DIY shares because the work often requires specialized tools, permits, technical knowledge, or higher-risk access.

That distinction is useful. Painting a bedroom and replacing a roof are both “home improvement,” but they should not be evaluated with the same DIY mindset.

A Better DIY-or-Hire Test

Can a mistake create a safety problem?

Electrical, structural, gas, roofing, and some plumbing work can create serious hazards when done incorrectly. Safety risk should outweigh the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

Can a mistake damage something expensive?

A small error during flooring prep might cost time. A waterproofing error in a shower can damage framing, drywall, and rooms below it.

Do you own the right tools?

Tool rental, protective equipment, disposal, and transport can change the real DIY cost. Add those items before comparing your budget with a professional quote.

What is your time worth?

A project that saves $1,000 but consumes four weekends may still be worth doing—if you enjoy it and can finish safely. If the unfinished room disrupts the household for a month, the calculation changes.

Will permits or inspections apply?

Local requirements vary. Before starting major work, check whether permits, licensed trades, or inspections are required.

Hybrid Projects Can Be the Best Value

The choice does not have to be 100% DIY or 100% contractor. Homeowners can sometimes handle demolition, painting, cleanup, hardware installation, or simple finish work while leaving electrical, plumbing, structural, or waterproofing tasks to qualified professionals.

Before splitting the work, make sure the contractor is comfortable with the arrangement and that DIY work will not interfere with warranties or scheduling.

Why Professional Quotes Still Need Scrutiny

Hiring out a project does not remove the need to compare. Get a clear scope of work, materials, payment schedule, change-order process, warranty, and cleanup responsibilities. For larger jobs, compare multiple detailed quotes rather than only the bottom-line number.

Related reading: The 2026 home-remodeling outlook · Common remodeling mistakes to avoid · Where to focus a kitchen-remodel budget

The Bottom Line

DIY is not disappearing, but the market has shifted toward professional installation. Use that trend as a prompt to be selective. Keep low-risk, skill-matched projects for yourself and bring in qualified help when the consequences of a mistake are large.

Source: Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies — Home Improvement Spending Has Shifted Away from DIY.