Millennial Homeowners Are Sitting on a Gold Mine of Deferred Repairs—Here Are 5 Ways Retailers Can Respond 

A new national survey from Ace Hardware Home Services reveals a striking opportunity for hardware retailers: 87 percent of millennial homeowners have at least one unfinished home repair project, and 84 percent admit they’ve delayed tackling them. As this influential generation ages into full homeownership, their repair habits—and hesitations—could shape hardware retail for years to come.

The top pain points? Electrical issues (66 percent), HVAC problems (62 percent), and plumbing repairs (60 percent) are the most commonly delayed. Despite a strong DIY ethos often attributed to millennials, the survey found that 63 percent of them prefer to hire professionals for critical fixes. More than half say that their unfinished tasks directly affect their daily lives—and 57 percent have avoided using areas of their home due to unresolved maintenance issues.

And while confidence with smaller DIY projects remains fairly strong—three out of four respondents feel comfortable painting a room—just 36 percent say they’d feel confident installing drywall. Nearly 30 percent have abandoned projects mid-way.

For hardware retailers, this data underlines a growing demand for accessible, tangible solutions that bridge the gap between DIY enthusiasm and professional execution. Here are five ways how retailers can respond to this shift in homeowner behavior:

Offer vetted service options. By referring or partnering with trusted local contractors—especially for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work—retailers can become a valuable resource for shoppers who prefer to delegate more technical repairs.

Build out guided DIY offerings. Well-stocked and clearly labeled kits for drywall patches, basic wiring, plumbing fixes, and weather sealing help hesitant homeowners feel more confident. Combine this with staff training so associates can walk customers through their projects.

Make components easy to find. Hardware retailers should ensure their assortments of small parts and replacement items—like washers, circuit breakers, or hose connectors—are well-organized and intuitive. Adding signage that identifies common repair needs can help remove barriers to completion.

Create targeted learning opportunities. Even short, informal workshops on the basics—like sealing a drafty window or fixing a leaky faucet—can go a long way in helping customers finish what they started. These can be promoted in-store or via social media, building community engagement.

Re-engage through campaigns. Campaigns centered around “Finish That Project” or “Bring That Room Back to Life” can encourage customers to finally complete lingering repairs. Tie them to seasonal changes, like prepping for winter or post-summer home refreshes, to create urgency.

With millennial homeowners representing an ever-larger share of the market—and sitting on a backlog of unfinished tasks—hardware retailers have a clear opening to serve as partners, guides, and problem-solvers. By meeting this group where they are, and helping them move from delay to done, the independent channel can strengthen its role.