While they aren’t engaging in DIY projects at quite the same frequency as homeowners, renters are an untapped audience for independent retailers. The Home Improvement Research Institute’s (HIRI) Renter’s Home Improvement Activity Study took a closer look at renters’ attitudes and habits when it comes to DIY projects.
According to the study, renters are looking for affordable, high-impact, quick improvements.
Renters focus their home improvement projects in the kitchen and bathroom, areas of the home where comfort reigns. HIRI’s Renter’s Home Improvement Activity Study found that 38% of renters choose to tackle DIY projects in the kitchen and 32% take on bathroom projects. Comparatively, 27% of homeowners choose kitchen projects and 24% of homeowners did bathroom projects.
Renters are also more likely to perform DIY projects themselves rather than turning to contractors. On average, the HIRI study found that 71% of renters did all their own DIY work compared to 55% of homeowners. Compared to homeowners, renters are also planning more DIY projects, with 56% of renters and 45% of homeowners looking to do home maintenance, 43% of renters and 30% of homeowners tackling home repair and 28% of renters and 25% of homeowners doing remodeling projects.
The Products That Renters Want
Renters currently prefer mass retailers and digital channels to find inspiration and shop and want guidance-focused content, something independent retailers already offer. Retailers can also tailor their product selection to target home renters by offering affordable, DIY products for those looking to make small, renter-friendly upgrades, including products like:
- Peel & Stick Wallpaper
- Mirrors
- Rugs
- Wall Art
- String Lights
- Floating Shelves
- Wall Decals
- Peel & Stick Backsplash
- Curtains
- Hardware
- Nail-Free Picture Hanging Tools
Getting Social With Renters
One of the easiest ways to reach renters to share that you carry the products they need for their home maintenance and remodeling projects is through social media. Waters Hardware in Manhattan, Kansas, uses this method to let its customers know that they have adhesive hooks for renters to be able to hang items on the walls without causing any damage.
Each year, Taylor Hardware in Belmar, New Jersey, a go-to spot for customers with summer vacation rentals, also utilizes social media to share the store carries the products—from lightbulbs to spare keys—renters need for their properties.
DIY CON Redefines the DIY Experience
This Fall, DIY CON will debut in Dallas from Nov. 6-8. DIY CON will combine hands-on workshops, community and creativity to redefine modern DIY experiences and projects, transforming the traditional trade show and inviting DIYers of all skill levels to try out premium tools, learn from leading creators, meet and greet with their favorite celebrities, TV personalities and DIY stars and leave with the confidence and skills to bring their next project to life.
“DIY CON is not the traditional trade show, but an immersive experience where attendees are the ones who roll up their sleeves and do it themselves,” says Hector Morfin-Chong, event director. “This isn’t about scrolling through finished projects online, but about being the person who dreams it, sketches it and builds projects that come to life. Whether you’re learning to lay tile, refining woodshopping skills or looking to build community in the DIY industry, we want every attendee to walk away inspired and ready to create.”
DIY CON attendees will enjoy hands-on workshops led by industry experts, spaces for collaboration, mentorship and shared creativity and interactive brand experiences with new products and tools designed to make challenging DIY projects feel fun and within reach. The event will feature an inspiring lineup of content creators who will lead workshops, speak at main stage sessions and share stories of transformation. This year’s guests and presenters include Drew and Jonathan Scott, the hosts of Property Brothers and Celebrity IOU on HGTV, YouTube DIY sensation Mr. Kate and DIY experts April Wilkerson, Dan Maxey, Ashley Tate Basnight, Sam Raimondi, David Hopkins and Anika Gandhi.
“We’re planning an exciting exhibitor list with the home improvement brands you know and love, as well as some you may have yet to discover. We’re developing free workshops led by pros so that you’ll leave the event with even stronger skills, opportunities to interact with A-Listers from the DIY community that may leave you a little starstruck and community hangouts for new connections,” says RX community and experience manager Dani Caruso. “This is the first convention of its kind: a celebration of makers, where we can all get messy, play with tools, get inspired and learn about our passions.”
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