New Web Site Allows Consumers to Custom Design and Implement More Than 20 Home Improvement Projects Online for Free

TUCSON, Ariz. - DIYonline.com announced today it has officially launched a new innovative and interactive Web site targeting the more than 120 million proclaimed Do-It-Yourselfers. The new site gives Do-It-Yourself consumers the ability to custom design and plan home improvement projects from the comfort of their home. The site offers a complete spectrum of free home improvement services that hasn't yet been available on the Internet.

THE DIYONLINE.COM DIFFERENCE

According to Michael H. Heisler, President and CEO of DIYonline.com, the site is not a traditional e-commerce Web site.

"There is no other Web site that offers the level of project design and planning services that we provide. The project design software we have on our site allows consumers to design and plan more than 20 different home improvement projects from the Web site. The project design software is easy-to-use and unique in that it enables consumers to specifically tailor a design to meet their needs," explained Heisler.

Once consumers complete their design, they submit it to DIYonline.com and then receive a Specification Kit, via email. The Specification Kit includes: custom designed project drawings, step-by-step how to instructions, a complete list of materials needed for the project (including a price list) and a list of local retailers or home centers where they can purchase the products.

The new Web site offers more than 20 different Do-It-Yourself projects, ranging from intermediate to the more complex. Initially, design projects offered to consumers from the Web site include: Kitchen Designer, Deck Designer, Sprinkler Designer, Utility Shelf Designer, WorkBench Designer, Craftbench Designer, Gazebo Designer, Fence Designer, Paint Calculator, Wall Paper Calculator, Ceiling Tile Calculator, Bath Designer, Mini Greenhouse Designer, Garden Toolbox Designer, Bookshelf Designer, Deck Bench Designer, Coffee Table Designer, Table Terrarium Designer, Floor Tile Calculator, and Concrete Calculator. The company will continue to add new project software to the Web site.

In addition to the more than 20 different home improvement projects available on the site, DIYonline.com offers consumers a full array of online community oriented home improvement content including: chat rooms, "Ask the Expert," "Tips For Success," "Buy of the Week" and a home improvement e-newsletter.

DIYONLINE.COM TEST PILOT PROVES SUCCESSFUL

DIYonline.com already has a proven track record with users. The company's initial market test was completed in late 1999 and resulted in positive reviews from leaders in the home-improvement industry. The company implemented a prototype program with Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of lawn and garden products.

"We tested our proprietary project design tools by simulating our Web site through Orbit's own Web site: www.orbitonline.com." said Heisler.

"We offered a Do-It-Yourself sprinkler design project and then tracked the number of sprinkler designs and subsequent purchases of Orbit sprinkler system products. We documented a user satisfaction rate of over 90 percent."

According to Orbit Irrigation's Vice President, Michael Ericksen, the test pilot was a success for his company as well as for DIYonline.com.

"The results we've had from using DIYonline.com's software tools are nothing short of phenomenal. We received such positive feedback from our customers that I'm confident DIYonline.com will revolutionize the home-improvement industry," said Ericksen.

ABOUT DIYONLINE.COM THE COMPANY

DIYonline.com was co-founded by Michael H. Heisler and Fran W. Anderson, who both have more than 20 years experience in the home-improvement and software industries. Heisler most recently served as President of North American Digital, a Tucson, Ariz.-based supplier of computer hardware and design software to the home center market. Anderson most recently served as President of Planit-Autograph, a leading kitchen and bath design software company based in Lexington, KY. Prior to working for Planit-Autograph, Anderson served as President of Masco's Auto-Graph Computer Design.

DIYonline.com's headquarters are based in Tucson with a sales and marketing office located in Lexington. The company employs over 40 personnel in both offices and anticipates continuing to hire personnel throughout the year. DIYonline.com provides Internet users the ability to custom design and implement Do-It-Yourself projects by using the company's proprietary software tools located on its Web site.