- Inspired by TikTok, Gen Z and millennials are taking on home renovations at much higher rates than their elder counterparts.
With high mortgage rates and the lasting effects of inflation, 55% of homeowners plan to take on more DIY home maintenance projects in 2025 as unexpected repairs strain budgets and drive creative solutions, according to a Hippo Housepower Report.
In 2024, 83% of homeowners faced unexpected repairs, nearly double the rate from 2023, and 46% of homeowners spent over $5000 on those repairs. As a result, more than half of homeowners surveyed are shifting from calling a contractor to taking on home repairs DIY style, hoping to trim costs and gain control over their home repair budgets.
It’s not just repairs driving the DIY boom. High mortgage rates and inflation are keeping would-be buyers in their current homes.
According to a Discover Home Loans survey, buying a new house is becoming an out-of-reach proposition for many. Eighty-four percent of homeowners say that high interest rates have impacted their decision to buy, while 46% say they are no longer looking to move at all. Fifty-seven percent of those surveyed are now planning DIY home improvement projects in 2025.
But DIY repairs are not just about saving money. According to a This Old House survey, your generation determines how willing you are to make repairs yourself. It states that 60% of millennials and 56% of Gen Z homeowners have renovation plans for 2025, compared to just 32% of baby boomers.
Gen Z and millennials are more likely to renovate for personal style and customization, while baby boomers are more likely to focus on upkeep and necessary repairs. According to Discover Home Loans, Gen Z homeowners save 11-15% more for renovations than other generations.
Social media has encouraged younger generations to pick up a hammer or paint roller. Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have made home improvements more accessible to the masses with step-by-step tutorials, encouraging homeowners to try everything from adding a tile backsplash or painting an entire bedroom to building custom furniture.
The same survey showed that the most likely updates to be made were bathrooms (53%), kitchens (51%), living rooms (37%), outdoor areas (32%) and bedrooms (29%).
Painting your front door can level up your curb appeal as well. Ashley Wali of Wanderlux states, “My 1920s home needed a refresh, so I changed the dull grey exterior to a crisp navy. I also painted the front door, taking it from glossy black to canary yellow. I couldn’t believe how much of a difference it made! The yellow added such a pop of cheerfulness. It makes the whole house appear more welcoming. I was nervous about using such a bright color but I love how it turned out.”
Michelle Price at Honest and Truly says, “We painted only three rooms in our house when we moved in 10 years ago, and the rest of our house has been looking dated. I accidentally found a rug I adore for our bedroom, but it didn’t go with the light lilac paint, so I finally got around to having it repainted. We chose a butter yellow that I absolutely love. It still keeps it bright and it’s surprisingly so much more cheerful and welcoming, and the rug looks great there now. I wish I would have done it when we moved in because this really helped make it feel like our home instead of just the house we live in.”
Updating their home esthetically by adding things like shutters or painting trim is not the only type of improvement homeowners are making. According to Hippo Housepower, 59% of homeowners indicated that energy efficiency and sustainability were top priorities in 2024.
These types of upgrades can help increase home values for future sales. Forty-one percent of homeowners renovating in 2025 will aim to increase their home value. Smart home technology, such as smart thermostats, is a top DIY upgrade for 59% of homeowners.
Hippo Housepower says 55% of homeowners see DIY as a way to free up funds for additional insurance coverage or home upgrades. Those brave enough to take on their own home repairs and upgrades have tools at their disposal to help them stay organized and on top of things. Apps like Hippo Home provide personalized maintenance checklists and home health insights.
Whether driven by unexpected home repairs or high mortgage rates, homeowners across all generations are making a clear choice — repairs over relocation for 2025. Homeowners feel empowered and can save thousands with a trip to their local hardware store. While calling in a professional when necessary is important, the DIY trend is here to stay.
