DH has also reshingled a roof, built a deck, put in hardwood flooring multiple times, hung cabinets, and wired a new light fixture.

But it would be nice to pay someone and know they are going to do a good job. Like how I’m still having problems with a leak somewhere in our HVAC unit. That we can’t do, and the contractor SUCKS.

You beat me by 2 years. Congratulations. Good for you. Enjoy the rest of your life.

With respect to trees and water heaters, I tackle that stuff by myself. You should to. When I need help, I call on my neighbors. They know that they can count on me, and I know that I can count on them.

I called on a contractor to replace my furnace and do the sheet metal work. I know better than to tackle that specialty stuff myself.

My good friend Fred, 27 years my senior, can solve just about anything, even stuff he has never tackled before. We both have the same approach – sleep on it and the answer will come to you. I use his expertise and counsel to help me in my never-ending list of projects.

I do whatever I can for him.

One of my personal philosophies is that we are here to help one another through life. Fred and I have the same philosophy.

Find a good friend that can help, and you’ll be yanking out water heaters and felling trees in no time. Just remember to shut off the water and get those rug rats out of the way so they don’t get caught up in the branches.

Good fortune to you,

Clair

I do all my own painting, landscaping, minor repairs around the house. Obviously the big stuff like replacing a water heater or taking down a large tree requires a professional.

I wish I could have bought a sprayer, but my DH refused. He thought it too messy.

I think we’re going room by room for painting, next up is the hallways and staircase. It’ll take a year easily at this pace.

For us, the paint costs about $300 and the airless paint sprayer (like a professional would use) costs about $300 new. Now, we have a painted house and a paint sprayer for other painting and staining jobs, all for about one third of what it would have cost if we hired someone to do it.

Clair

My wife and I painted our entire house, top to bottom, before, during and after moving in. It took a ridiculously long time. Next time, for giant paint jobs, I would hire someone to do it, but for one or two rooms, I’ll do it myself.

Why not complain? Have you ever tried to chase down those guys to come back? And with a dog it’s more of a hassle they have to put the dog in daycare, move everything, etc.

Trust me, they said they will always paint from now on, like they usually do. They said it’s too easy a job to pay again. Just thought to try it because they were having tons of work done. Besides the work also ran WAY over time and budget! eek.