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It sounds like "die."

Curious, how "DIY" which stands for "do it yourself" is pronounced as the word "die."  Ok, it's not that bad, but there are some projects you should Scary Mike shows just how dirty DIY can be! just leave to the professionals.  People who have more life insurance than you. 

Doing it yourself can be very rewarding.  It can also be scary territory and sometimes more expensive than just calling a pro.  Your time is worth more than you think.  Besides, how many sick days do you have coming to you at work?

Still, you will not believe any of this until you have tried doing it yourself at least once or twice.  

Here are some thoughts on how to decide if you should do it yourself. If you answer "yes" to any of the following.....call a pro. 

1. Will I have to buy expensive (but still cool) tools that can only be used for this job? 

2. Have I been drinking or taking drugs that blur mental capacity to make sound decisions?

3. Will my spouse:
    a. kill me?
    b. hire someone to kill me?
    c. use this project to humiliate me at all future social functions?

4. I have never demonstrated the skills needed for this job. 

5. It would drive me nuts to have this project take more than _____ hours, ____ days, ____ years, ____ eons.  (complete any that apply). 

6. I cannot climb a step ladder without having to call the fire department to get me down. 

7. I cannot lift safely 50 to 60 pounds over my head.  (Sheet rock can weigh more and cement board is 45 to 50 pounds for HALF a sheet!)

Since I know you answered "yes" to everything above, here are some thoughts on how to find a pro

If you actually said "no" to any of the items above.....here are some places to learn how to do it yourself.


Find Resources
1. How to books at home centers and libraries
2. Video tapes
3. Watching all those PBS shows
4. Getting a mentor
5. Volunteering to help a person who does know how
6. Search the internet

 

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Last modified: July 09, 2003

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