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Home Improvement Projects Bring the Family Together
 According to a recent Dremel “Do-It-Yourself” Index Survey, 44% of men believe that working on home improvement projects with other family members strengthens the relationship, while only 31% of women feel the same way.
“When people think of family activities, they’re much more likely to think of a card game or game of catch in the back yard instead of working on a project together, like building a tree house or fixing a squeaky door,” said Beverly DeJulio, host of Handy Ma’am® and the first lady of home improvement. “The survey reveals that men perceive home repair projects to be self-satisfying and want to share the experiences with family members.”
DeJulio herself said she finds home improvement to be a great activity for men and women alike. When her grown children, their spouses and grandchildren visit one another, they make a point of helping each other with whatever needs to be done around the house.
DuJulio, a 30-year veteran of the DIY industry, offers some simple tips on how a family can work together on their next at-home project:
- Decide who is the “captain” of the team — the person responsible for researching the project and reading the directions.
- Take turns being a “doer” and a “gofer” on the team. Let doers work on their favorite part of a project, while the gofer assists in any way possible, such as fetching supplies. The gofer should never criticize the doer, and the doer should appreciate the gofer, because it takes a lot more time to do a project alone.
- Listen to what everyone thinks about the project. Even inexperienced team members can offer a different perspective that might help get the project completed more efficiently.
- Gather tools and materials before starting the job. If the project requires a trip to the store, make a list and go as a team.
- When working with children, make sure their tasks are appropriate for their age and that they all feel equally involved. They enjoy helping their parents and derive a strong sense of accomplishment from a completed project on which they worked. For safety, be sure to supervise children when working with tools.
“At-home projects — from crafts and home repair to hands-on school projects that everyone participates in — can offer a unique bonding experience,” said DeJulio. “Enjoy and appreciate that special time with your family. The time spent together will not only make memories, but will also strengthen family relationships for years to come.”
The inventor of the high-speed rotary tool in 1935, Dremel is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation in Mount Prospect, Ill. Bosch is a member of the National Council of the Housing Industry — The Leading Suppliers of NAHB.
This feature is solely for educational and informational purposes. Nothing on this page should be construed as policy, an endorsement, warranty or guaranty by the National Association of Home Builders of the featured product or the product manufacturer. The National Association of Home Builders expressly disclaims any responsibility for any damages arising from the use, application or reliance on any information contained on this page.
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