Moen(R) Daily Insights -- A Weeklong Series of Research Into the Lives of Today's Homeowners

NORTH OLMSTED, OH--(Marketwire - Nov 18, 2011) - The recession has tightened our purse strings. Our discretionary income (if available) has become discretionary thrift, cutting back on spending and separating our wants from our needs. But at what point do today's homeowners reach "frugal fatigue?"

The research team at Moen, the number one faucet brand in North America, recently gathered research from the Home Improvement Research Institute and synthesized insights regarding these consumer behaviors -- and specifically how they are impacting home improvement today.

These interesting findings have led Jack Suvak, senior director, research and insights, Moen, to coin the trend, "Managing Re-Proportioned Lives."

Managing Re-Proportioned Lives
Free time and discretionary funds are precious commodities. Based on research conducted by the Home Improvement Research Institute, Moen found consumers are scrutinizing their lifestyles and the return-on-investment of their time and funds. They're increasingly looking for options and experiences that provide relief from the pressures of modern living.

How does this consumer feel about home improvement?

• Little Priceless Pleasures: Consumers are rediscovering the satisfaction found from life's simple experiences and indulgences. Eighty percent of consumers said "being able to spend time doing the things they enjoy" comes to mind when they think of the American dream.
  
  
• New Ways & Means: Many consumers are seeking more excitement and novel experiences from their home improvements. While 83 percent said they get personal satisfaction from doing home improvement projects, they are increasingly looking for new approaches or products that deliver more creativity and enjoyment.
  
  
• Search for Simplicity: Ultimately, we're all looking for convenient solutions that reduce complexity and make life easier and more enjoyable. Seventy-one percent of consumers said that they are willing to spend money to save time on home improvement projects. And manufacturers like Moen are creating time-saving innovations to simplify consumers' lives. Moen's innovative Spot Resist^™ finish actually resists fingerprints and water spots -- an important consideration, given the frequency with which kitchen and bathroom fixtures are used. This unique finish allows consumers to spend less time cleaning fixtures and more time enjoying activities in their home… for a life, well-lived.
  
  

While homeowners may still be pinching pennies, they do understand the value and pleasure associated with some purchases, making them worth their hard-earned dollars.

For more information about Moen, visit moen.com.

About Moen
As the #1 faucet brand in North America, Moen offers a diverse selection of thoughtfully designed kitchen and bath faucets, showerheads, accessories, bath safety products and kitchen sinks for residential and commercial applications -- each delivering the best possible combination of meaningful innovation, useful features and lasting value.

Moen has worked diligently to support, promote and advance sustainability within the organization and the plumbing industry. The company has been recognized with the 2011 EPA WaterSense^® Excellence Award, as well as the 2010 EPA WaterSense Manufacturer Partner of the Year Award, for its work to protect the future of our nation's water supply through the introduction and ongoing support of water-efficient products, programs and practices, while keeping consumers' needs top-of-mind.

Moen is part of Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. (NYSE: FBHS), which creates products and services that help fulfill the dreams of homeowners and help people feel more secure. The company is a leader in the home and security industries and features well-known and trusted brands like Moen^® faucets, Master Lock^®, MasterBrand Cabinets^™, Therma-Tru^® entryway systems and Simonton Windows^®. For more information, please visit www.fbhs.com.

Source: Home Improvement Research Institute, 2011 Consumer Trends Study. Conducted by The Futures Company.

WaterSense® is a registered trademark of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)