Global Market for DIY and Home Improvement Products to Reach US$716.2 Billion by 2015

According to a recent report from Global Industry Analysts, Inc. (GIA), the global market for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) and home improvement products is expected to maintain steady growth over the next few years primarily driven by factors such as the rise of the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) culture, widespread availability of easy-to-install/use products and increase in recession induced cautious spending habits of financially strained customers.

DIY, a multibillion-dollar industry has been experiencing steady growth over the last few years. Growing popularity of DIY concept can be put to perspective by the rapidly increasing number of products and services, including books, websites, television programs, tools and accessories that are being designed and served especially for DIY tasks. Widespread availability of easy-to-use products for home repair, crafts and decorations and gardening activities also augurs well for the market.

Home improvement segment continues to be one of the major end-use markets for DIY solutions, contributing a significant share in the market’s revenues. Media, especially television has been playing a major role in developing DIY consumer base by telecasting shows on home remodelling and repairs. Market for DIY solutions in the home improvement segment got a major boost during the recent economic recession as cost-wary individuals preferred spending their leisure time at home doing household chores to spare overhead spending, thus increasing their use of DIY tools.

Consumers’ focus on renovating their home for enhancing the aesthetic value of the property and sustain its commercial value for a longer period of time will continue to benefit DIY market in this segment. Besides home improvement, the automotive and landscaping markets also generate considerable demand for DIY solutions. Factors such as growth in number of vehicles plying on roads, increase in average life of vehicles, and subsequent wear and tear of parts and accessories will continue to fuel demand for Do-it-Yourself (DIY) solutions in this segment, including those used for repairing and maintaining automotive electronic components. Lawn and garden improvement also presents growth opportunities for DIY hardware.

The research report titled “DIY Industry: A Global Outlook” announced by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., provides a collection of statistical anecdotes, market briefs, and concise summaries of research findings. The report offers a rudimentary overview of the industry, highlights latest trends and demand drivers, in addition to providing statistical insights. Regional markets briefly abstracted and covered include US, Canada, Europe (France, Germany, Turkey, and the UK), Asia-Pacific (Japan, and India) Latin America and Israel. The report offers a compilation of recent mergers, acquisitions, and strategic corporate developments. Also included is an indexed, easy-to-refer, fact-finder directory listing the addresses, and contact details of companies worldwide.

For more details about this comprehensive industry report, please visit –
http://www.strategyr.com/Do_It_Yourself_DIY_Industry_Market_Report.asp

Resource:  PRWeb, Global Industry Analysts, Inc

Seal the Deal! How Simple Caulking Can Save Money and Energy

Caulking in your kitchen and bathroom is not a task to be overlooked. Caulking can keep water from seeping behind walls and into floors in the bathroom and kitchen. Any point of entry for moisture should be sealed, such as around sinks, between the tub and wall, and the area where the toilet meets the floor.

Any areas requiring outside sealing should be caulked inside as well for energy efficiency.

This includes woodwork around exterior doors, windows and receptacles such as dryer vents. A little effort goes a long way and can save you money!

Project Steps:

1.  Identify the area that you are caulking.

2.  Scrape away damaged and old caulk with a utility knife, mini scraper or 5-in-1 tool.

3.  Select a waterproof, flexible caulk because the joint will probably expand and contract with changing weather conditions. You will also need to take into account whether the caulk will adhere to aluminum or wood.

4.  Once you select the caulk, it is extremely important that you prepare the surface properly.

5,  Read the directions on the tube before beginning work because some caulks require that the surface be primed first. In addition, these directions will tell if you are dealing with toxic substances and should take safety precautions.

6.  Place your caulking tube into your caulking gun and identify the seam size before cutting the tip off your tube of caulk; cut tip at a 45 degree angle. A standard cartridge of caulk will give you approximately 25 feet of 1/4” bead.

7.  Caulk your seam with a steady and consistent movement. It gets easier with practice!

8.  Dip your finger in water then drag it along the bead of caulk on your surface for a sealed and finished look.

9.  When finished, plug the hole in the caulking tube with a large nail.

For more information, refer to page 99-100 in The Tomboy Tools Guide to Home Improvement.

A Colorful, Storage-Savvy Kitchen Makeover from Salvaged Finds

A little digging and a lot of creativity is all it takes to transform a mass of misfit materials into a beautiful kitchen escape.

Restore Renovation

It's easy to renovate a kitchen on a dime when you know the right places to look. The foundation pieces for this kitchen were scored at secondhand stores, such as Habitat for Humanity ReStore. With everything from paint, flooring, appliances, electrical and plumbing supplies, to doors, windows, and accessories, resale stores are a great place to find items at a fraction of the original price. A little creativity transforms these odds and ends into a storage-packed, super functional, and pretty kitchen and breakfast nook that is perfect for a busy family.

What great finds have helped in your renovation?  Share them with us!