Ty Pennington is a big believer in the do-it-yourself movement.
The outspoken host of the hit ABC show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition — who adds official spokesman for the National Home Show in Toronto to his resumé later this week — thinks that the recession will only serve to make DIY more popular.
“Houses in general and way people look at them will change,” Pennington told Metro. “With things being tighter than they used to be, people are focusing more on what’s really important.”
While people were looking at houses as investments before, “it’s about making it your nest” now, he said.
“People are personalizing their homes, making it fit their own family’s needs. They’re turning the dining room into an office or a kid’s play area.”
People are also putting more focus on their kitchens, said Pennington.
“When things get tight, people eat in more,” he said. “I think people will spend more time at home fixing dinners and having family over.”
While he’s sure people will be inspired by different things at the show, Pennington — who authored home improvement guide Ty’s Tricks: Home Repair Secrets Plus Cheap and Easy Projects to Transform Any Room — said there are things everyone can do, and things that should be left to the pros.
“If it doesn’t have to do with electrical and plumbing, then absolutely, people can do it themselves,” said Pennington.
If you go…
The National Home Show runs at the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place from Feb. 20-March 1. Admission is $15 for adults and $11 for seniors and youth, with an additional $3 discount online.
