How the Typical American Day Has Changed in the Last 15 Years

Exterior maintenance, repair, and decoration

2017

– Average time spent on activity: 1.95 hours/day (-7.1% 15-year change)

– Population engaged in activity: 3.0% (-9.1% 15-year change)

2003

– Average time spent on activity: 2.10 hours/day

– Population engaged in activity: 3.3%

Like interior maintenance, repair, and decoration, fewer Americans are engaging in exterior repairs and maintenance because of limited personal time and the ease of finding people to do the work instead.

In 2013, for example, Americans spent $310 billion on home improvements (including hiring handymen), a significant increase from the $40 million they spent in 2011.