Are you a homebody who loves spending your free time in the comfort of your own home? Do you enjoy sharing your DIY projects or seeking advice on home decor? If so, you may have heard of the Home Buddies Facebook group. This online community is dedicated to all things home-related. It has become a popular destination for those who love to spruce up their living spaces.

But with any online community, being a member has pros and cons. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of joining the Home Buddies Facebook group, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you. From helpful advice to potential drama, let’s dive in and discover the world of Home Buddies.

What is Home Buddies Facebook group?

Home Buddies is a Facebook group dedicated to home improvement and interior design created by Frances Lim Cabatuando during the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2020. The group has gained over 2.8 million members in just a year (and 3.1 million members as of April 2023). It has gained popularity among Filipino homeowners looking for inspiration and connection during the pandemic.

The group is known for its lively discussions and interactive nature. Group members share makeover ideas, shopping advice, organizing hacks, DIY projects, and snapshots of their homes. In addition, the group encourages members to share their home corners, hacks, shopping links, and ideas for the next home project. It also hosts a Monday Market thread for sellers. As such, it has become a source of inspiration and amusement during the pandemic. The founder hopes to bring the group to an actual physical venue someday.

Home Buddies Facebook group is open to anyone interested in home improvement, interior design, DIY projects, and organizing hacks, regardless of their location or housing type. The group welcomes people in different stages of home improvement and ownership. Some celebrities and influencers, such as former actress Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio and beauty queen Megan Daez, are also active members.

Reasons why the Home Buddies Facebook group is loved by the Filipinos

There are several reasons why the Home Buddies Facebook group is loved by Filipinos.

Firstly, the group offers a Pinoy corner of the internet where members can connect and call each other “kapitbahay” (neighbor). The group has become a source of inspiration and amusement, providing a reprieve from stress and boredom during the pandemic. Members can share and solicit makeover ideas, shopping advice, organizing hacks, DIY projects, and snapshots of their homes, making it a lively and interactive community.

Additionally, the group supports small business owners by providing genuine feedback on products and stores for homemakers and homebuilders. Doing so, they help local businesses achieve fast success and develop their unique crafts for both the local and international markets. Lastly, the group has initiated several trends and challenges, such as the DIY mirror wall and the Irish Spring Challenge, making it a fun and engaging community. Indeed, the Home Buddies Facebook group has become a popular platform for Filipinos looking for inspiration and ideas. It has become a cultural icon during quarantine as well.

In addition, the group has become a safe space for sharing and asking about home makeovers.

Pros of being a member of the Home Buddies Facebook group

Access to a vast knowledge

One of the biggest advantages of being a Home Buddies Facebook group member is the wealth of knowledge shared within the community. In addition, members are always willing to help each other with home improvement projects, from painting tips to furniture restoration advice. So whether you’re a seasoned DIY veteran or a first-time homeowner, you will find something useful in the group.

Sense of community

Another benefit of the Home Buddies Facebook group is its sense of community. As a member, you’ll be able to connect with other like-minded individuals who share your passion for all things home-related. This can be especially beneficial if you’re new to an area and looking to make new friends.

Home-related inspiration

Finally, the Home Buddies Facebook group is a great place to find inspiration for your next home improvement project. Members constantly share photos of their latest DIY endeavors, which can be a great source of ideas and motivation.

Cons of being a member of Home Buddies Facebook Group

While there are undoubtedly many benefits to being a member of the Home Buddies Facebook group, there are also some potential downsides to consider.

Potential for drama

One of the biggest drawbacks is the potential for drama within the community. As with any online group, there are bound to be disagreements and conflicts from time to time, which can quickly escalate if not handled properly.

Can get overwhelming

Another potential downside of the Home Buddies Facebook group is the sheer amount of information shared within the community. While this can be an excellent resource for those looking to learn more about home improvement, it can also be overwhelming at times. It’s important to set boundaries while engaging with total strangers.

Varying levels of expertise

Finally, it’s worth noting that not everyone in the Home Buddies Facebook group may have the same expertise in home improvement. While some members may be seasoned DIY veterans, others may be new to the world of home improvement and may have less knowledge or experience to share.

Stories of successful connections made through Home Buddies Facebook group

Despite the potential drawbacks of being a Home Buddies Facebook group member, many success stories of members have made meaningful connections through the community. The Home Buddies Facebook group has helped many members connect and form lasting relationships, from finding new friends to partnering on home improvement projects.

One member, Sarah, shared her story of connecting with another group member to work on a home renovation project. “I had been struggling to find someone to help me with a kitchen renovation project, and then I stumbled upon the Home Buddies Facebook group. I posted about my project and was pleasantly surprised to receive a message from another member who was interested in helping out. We ended up working together on the project, and now we’re great friends!”

The importance of setting boundaries while being a member of the Home Buddies Facebook group

While the Home Buddies Facebook group can certainly be a great resource for home improvement enthusiasts, it’s important to consider the potential impact that the group may have on your mental health. Spending too much time on social media, including Facebook groups, can be detrimental to your mental health, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

To mitigate these risks, it’s crucial to only engage with the Home Buddies Facebook group when you have the time and energy to do so. Additionally, it’s important to prioritize self-care and take breaks from social media when needed.

As mentioned, setting boundaries is crucial for being a Home Buddies Facebook group member. With so much information being shared within the community, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and feel you need to engage with every post and comment.

Setting limits on social media use is essential to avoid burnout and maintain mental health. This may mean only checking the group once daily or engaging with posts you find particularly interesting or relevant to your interests.

Alternatives to Home Buddies Facebook group

If you’re not comfortable joining the Home Buddies Facebook group or feel like it’s not the right fit for you, there are plenty of other online communities and resources available for home improvement enthusiasts. Some popular alternatives include Reddit’s Home Improvement subreddit, Houzz, and DIY Network.

These communities offer many of the same benefits as the Home Buddies Facebook group, including a wealth of knowledge, a sense of community, and inspiration for your next home improvement project.

Guidelines for maintaining a positive online community

Whether you’re a Home Buddies Facebook group member or any other online community, do your part in maintaining a positive and supportive space for all members. Some guidelines to keep in mind include the following:

Be respectful of others’ opinions and experiences

Avoid engaging in drama or conflict

Only share information that is helpful and relevant to the community

Report any instances of bullying or harassment to the group admins

We can all work together to create a safe and supportive online community for home improvement enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The Home Buddies Facebook group can be a valuable resource for those looking to improve their homes and connect with like-minded individuals. First, however, weigh the pros and cons of being a member and set boundaries to protect your mental health.