DIY a project
I had the garage door replaced late this Summer and after the install I saw a few things around the garage that the new door was making look really dated and how long it had been since the trim around the door got a coat of paint.
So, out came the brush and ladder before the temperature got too cold to paint. I put three coats of primer/paint on the trim and while doing this project, I got to thinking how happy I was that we paid someone else to do this job.
You know, instead of us having to use our day off to do it? It occurred to me what a benefit that is. It also got me wondering are there jobs homeowners should or should not do, when it comes to home improvement projects?
If I had my way, a lot of the projects that are done around here would be done by professionals. Like cutting in when you're painting. I hate that job. Or sanding drywall after it's been mudded. I hate that one too!
There are always pros and cons to why hire a pro. Greg and I talked about why hire one for the garage and it boiled down too he said he really didn't want to do it. I can totally respect that due to the fact that any and everything I have asked, he has done or we have worked to pay for it. With the exception of the garage door, the granite countertops and fixing the heat or a/c when it has broken, we have renovated our entire home ourselves. Which as a bonus we get to pocket a lot of the money we would have had to pay a contractor. Plus the work could get started the next day if we wanted.
Which suits me just fine!
While painting the trim I also bought new garage lights. These grey ones we bought at Costco just were not cutting it. One was malfunctioning again and the due to the dawn to dusk sensor I was reluctant to paint them.
So I just bought new ones. I was unable to find an exact one in the color I wanted that was also a dawn to dusk in this style, but I did meet a electrical genius that told me something I did not know, and it saved me hundreds of dollars, because I was ready to pay an electrician to run a new line to the house so the garage lights could be on a switch.
I did not! I found them at Lowe's. I bought 9. Just so when one of the three (yes I replaced the light at the backdoor too, so they match) go out I can easily replace them, and yes they come on as soon as the light starts to fade. No paying an electrician for a switch or buying a timer so they automatically come on at night!
Since I saved money on that I got to buy some plants for Fall/Winter. OK truth be told I'd have been able to buy them anyways. My local Lowe's literally has been giving away perennials for 90% off so they can clear out the garden center. I went evergreen and boxwood crazy. You will love all my holiday pots plans I have for Christmas!
Looking back on all the DIY projects we have done, I guess it boils down to knowledge, willingness, cost and safety. Factoring in those things should be key in deciding when to do it yourself or hire a professional. The new garage door went in like a dream and was finished within 5 hours. I got to keep gardening and not fall behind on my daily to do list, which I love, and Greg got to supervise the contractor and take a vacation day.
I say job well done!
