Renovation and DIY: Costs, Permits, Tools and Viral Builds — 2026-09-08
Hornbach reported strong Q2 financial results, bucking the broader German DIY market slump, while major competitors OBI, Bauhaus, Hornbach, and Hagebau finalized the acquisition of Hellweg’s remaining viable store locations. In the US, the Remodeler Index slipped to 57 amid cost pressures, and the Houzz Fall Design Trends report highlighted a shift toward "collected-over-time" aesthetics over pristine minimalism.
Renovation and DIY: Costs, Permits, Tools and Viral Builds — 2026-09-08
Hornbach Defies Market Slump with Q2 Growth
Hornbach announced its Q2 results on September 7, 2026, reporting a 7.3% increase in revenue and a 12.8% rise in adjusted EBIT. This performance stands in contrast to the weakening German DIY market, driven by the retailer's continued expansion of its professional craftsman services and online presence. The results underscore the divergence between successful integrated retail models and struggling traditional hardware chains.
Competitors Finalize Acquisition of Hellweg Locations
Following the insolvency of the Hellweg chain, major German DIY retailers have moved to acquire its remaining assets. As of early September 2026, OBI and Bauhaus have secured several key locations, with Hornbach and Hagebau also taking over additional Hellweg sites. This consolidation leaves approximately 79 of Hellweg’s 114 stores without a future, while ~4,200 employees face uncertainty regarding their employment status.
US Remodeler Index Slips Amid Cost Pressures
The U.S. Remodeler Index fell three points from the first quarter to 57 in the second quarter of 2026, according to data released in July but contextualized by recent industry analysis. The decline is attributed to rising material costs and consumer uncertainty, which have shortened project backlogs for contractors. Despite the dip, the index remains above the break-even level of 50, indicating continued, albeit slower, growth in professional remodeling activity.
Houzz Report Highlights "Collected-Over-Time" Trend
The newly released Houzz 2026 Fall Design Trends Report indicates a shift away from "perfect, pristine" homes toward a "collected-over-time" aesthetic. Surveyed design professionals note that homeowners are increasingly prioritizing comfort and layered natural materials over sterile minimalism. This trend influences renovation choices, favoring restorations and vintage-compatible updates over complete gut renovations.
Local view
In Japan, Cainz has expanded its urban footprint by opening the "Cainz Reform Daiya Ichikawa Store," a small-format outlet focused on urban renovation services. This move aligns with Cainz's broader strategy to expand its specialized reform shops to 50 locations, targeting small-scale repairs and maintenance rather than large-scale remodels.
In Germany, a recent study by the German Institute for Service Quality and NTV found that the online shops of Bauhaus, Hornbach, and OBI performed best in the "Construction & DIY" category, highlighting the importance of digital integration for physical retailers.
Context & numbers
- US Home Improvement Spending: Projected to reach $518 billion by the end of 2026.
- NAHB Remodeling Market Index: Stood at 61 in Q2 2026, down one point from the prior quarter but still solidly in growth territory (>50).
- Aging-in-Place Demand: 56% of US remodelers report doing aging-in-place-related work, with 73% noting an increase in such requests.
- German DIY Market: Hornbach's Q2 revenue grew by 7.3%, contrasting with the general market weakness caused by the Hellweg and BayWa insolvencies.
On the radar
- Hellweg Store Closures: Watch for official announcements regarding the closure dates for the 79 Hellweg locations not acquired by OBI, Bauhaus, Hornbach, or Hagebau.
- Fall Renovation Season: With the Houzz trends report out, expect a surge in DIY content focused on layering textures and warm palettes rather than structural changes.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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