Four out of five homeowners who completed home maintenance projects in the past year still paid a professional for at least one home service, according to Hiri. This reveals a crucial shift in the home improvement market for 2026: a blend of self-sufficiency and professional reliance. The percentage of homeowners using both DIY and contractors rose from 20% in 2024 to 24% in 2025, according to Hardware Retailing.
Homeowners actively engage in DIY maintenance projects, but they simultaneously increase their reliance on professional services for specific tasks. This isn't a simple DIY-or-pro choice; it's a nuanced approach to home upkeep. This tension now defines the market.
The home improvement market will likely see continued growth in hybrid service models. Retailers and service providers must cater to a consumer who blends self-sufficiency with professional expertise. This shift demands specialized, not generalized, professional services.
The Enduring Appeal of DIY and the Market's Scale
- The home improvement market was estimated at 936.67 USD Billion in 2024, according to Market Research Future. This immense market size proves widespread consumer engagement.
- 44% of homeowners tackled a home maintenance project over the past year, Hiri reports. These figures confirm DIY remains a powerful force, laying the groundwork for the emerging hybrid model.
Why Professionals Are Still Essential
Two-thirds to three-fourths of jobs in technical categories like HVAC, pest control, plumbing, and electrical are completed by a professional, according to Hiri. This reveals the limits of typical DIY capabilities; specialized skills are non-negotiable here. Middle-income seniors, largely Baby Boomers, invest approximately $6,500 annually in professional home services, Hiri states.
These facts show complexity, specialized skills, and specific demographic needs drive professional engagement, even among active homeowners. Businesses neglecting this demographic's need for reliable, specialized assistance miss a significant, stable revenue stream.
The Evolving Consumer Mindset
84% of homeowners who did not hire a home services professional in the past 12 months had used one previously, according to Hiri. This disproves the idea of a purely DIY homeowner. Homeowners are pragmatic decision-makers, adapting their approach based on project needs and past experience. The 'never hired a pro' homeowner is a rare and shrinking breed. The market rapidly shifts toward a default hybrid model, where most homeowners comfortably engage both DIY and professional services, even if not simultaneously for every project.
Sustainability and the Future of Home Improvement
The 'Make It Zero' initiative unveiled its strategy for a low-carbon, circular economy in the DIY sector at the Global DIY Summit, reported by DIY International. This points to a future where environmental considerations are integral, not just project completion.
As hybrid service models take hold, future innovations will likely integrate sustainability into both DIY products and professional services. This will shape consumer choices and product development, driving demand for eco-conscious solutions.
Common Questions on DIY vs. Pro
What factors influence homeowners to choose between DIY and professional services?
Homeowners weigh project complexity, specialized skills, and time constraints. The growing blend of DIY and professional services shows they seek efficiency and expertise, not just cost savings. This results in more informed decisions on what to tackle themselves or outsource.
By Q3 2026, retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's are projected to refine their offerings for this hybrid model. Product lines and in-store services need to align with homeowners' selective engagement strategies. This adaptation will be critical as the market moves beyond purely DIY solutions.
