mead107 Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 (edited) What do you do yourself? I do my own driveway (snow) Clean the House mow home repairs how much do you yourself? don’t do car repair Edited January 21, 2019 by mead107 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 Wife and I replaced the kitchen faucet today. With only minimal water spray. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExiledInIllinois Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 Do it all myself! Sometimes the wife even helps. Sometimes I seek professional help when it's really hard. That doesn't happen too much, I am getting older so things really aren't that hard anymore... I learned a lot during my years. ? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 Around the house, I do pretty much everything myself. Plumbing, electrical, painting, staining, gutters, snow removal, lawn maintenance. The only thing I do with my car is change the air filter, put air in the tires and fill the windshield washer fluid. It's not even close to cost effective to change my own oil. I pay $20 every 5-7 thousand miles. I don't trust myself to do brakes or anything else, so I'm fine paying the pros. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KD in CA Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 When I can, but with a wife and 3 kids I almost never have the house to myself. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 4 minutes ago, Gugny said: Around the house, I do pretty much everything myself. Plumbing, electrical, painting, staining, gutters, snow removal, lawn maintenance. The only thing I do with my car is change the air filter, put air in the tires and fill the windshield washer fluid. It's not even close to cost effective to change my own oil. I pay $20 every 5-7 thousand miles. I don't trust myself to do brakes or anything else, so I'm fine paying the pros. I’ll buy you a beer if you will come and replace my windshield wipers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 Just now, Augie said: I’ll buy you a beer if you will come and replace my windshield wipers. Oh .... I don't do that, either. Auto Zone, baby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 1 minute ago, Gugny said: Oh .... I don't do that, either. Auto Zone, baby. So you don’t need a degree from Georgia Tech? Who knew??? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExiledInIllinois Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 7 minutes ago, KD in CA said: When I can, but with a wife and 3 kids I almost never have the house to myself. We appreciate the honesty. ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SinceThe70s Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 58 minutes ago, mead107 said: What do you do yourself? I do my own driveway (snow) Clean the House mow how much do you yourself? We don't outsource any of those three. For the most part, I like clearing snow. Depending on the accumulation I'll either shovel or use the snow blower. And if it's snow blower worthy I'll take care of neighbors who need help. Had an elderly couple I took care of for years. Cleaning the house is probably an 80/20 proposition between wifey and me. She'd probably call it 90/10 or worse but the sad fact is that whatever the number is it trends in the wrong direction with each passing year. I may be the only jackass on my block that doesn't have a lawn service AND doesn't have a ride-on mower. Fortunately I have sons and that transition has begun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Beard Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 Yes, yes I do. Lawn care, snow removal, minor home repairs, yes. I’m not very picky about my lawn. I fertilized it once, about twenty years ago. What a mistake, it just made the grass grow faster and thicker. What’s the point in that? It made mowing a bigger nuisance. I’ll do minor plumbing, finish carpentry, minor electrical. Car maintenance, no, except for wiper replacement and washer fluid refill. My wife has a coworker who has a small engine repair business on the side. He’s been doing the annual maintenance on my snowblowers and lawnmowers for the past three years. That’s a blessing. He charges practically nothing since he knows us, but we give him a little extra money because we feel guilty and we are glad to have him do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBud Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 Homeowner by myself. I mow my lawn, clean snow, simple car maintenance, take care of the house (clean, cook, etc), tend a veg garden, some house maintenance, take care of widowed neighbor's lawn. Essentially as much as I can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LewPort71 Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 Self ..Mow lawn . less than 1/2 acre. the hilly terrain of WV makes this a challenge. remove snow. snow blower since 1996. laundry. I have done all the laundry since the 1990 bleach incident ( ? Mrs. lew ) that ruined a Sabres and a Bills golf shirt. very minor car repairs. most house repairs that don't involve electricity. painting the house inside and out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxx Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 i sometimes do it by myself but more often than not, i have help doing it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Tom Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 (edited) 14 hours ago, mead107 said: What do you do yourself? I do my own driveway (snow) Clean the House mow home repairs how much do you yourself? don’t do car repair Home stuff, too much to list: landscaping, lawn care, masonry, carpentry. plumbing. Last five years I've done custom trim molding, replaced a brick step, replaced a concrete pad, sodded the side yard (after the wife sprayed it with Roundup ), replaced a water heater, replaced a toilet, sistered floor joists, rebuilt interior steps, built a deck, drywall, paint, installed a window. Car repair, used to do most of it myself, but not having a garage now, it's not worth my time. If I can get to it from above, and the weather's nice, I'll do it - spark plugs, water pump, air filters. Also build my own guitars and computers. And set my own broken ankle. Basically, I hate people, so I do everything myself. Edited January 21, 2019 by DC Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Real Buffalo Joe Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 I lived in an apartment up until recently, so I really didn't have to do much. Although I used to mow my aunt's yard for her just because I like doing it. Not much of a car guy, but when I first bought my used car, the battery died literally any time I left it off for more than an hour. I learned how to jump start it in under a minute, till I brought it to a mechanic to get the issues fixed. Also, out of necessity, I can change a tire. My brother is an auto mechanic and said to me once "I bet you don't even know how to change your own oil!" Sure I do. I take my car to Walmart, do some shopping, then give the guy $20. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Poojer Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 every morning 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teef Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 not so much anymore. i can't fix simple stuff, but if it's semi-complicated, i punt it off. i always did own yard work, but now we have a dude for the lawn, and i think i'm done cutting shrubs, weeding, raking leaves, etc. there wasn't enough time this year. i hate paying someone to do what i can do anyway, but for the first time in my life, i was sick of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marv's Neighbor Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 YouTube "HOW TO" videos are my best friend. Sometimes I have to watch more than 1x, but I can usually do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhoTom Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 16 hours ago, ExiledInIllinois said: Do it all myself! Sometimes the wife even helps. Sometimes I seek professional help when it's really hard. That doesn't happen too much, I am getting older so things really aren't that hard anymore... I learned a lot during my years. ? I don't think he was asking about sex. ? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Misterbluesky Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 16 hours ago, ExiledInIllinois said: Do it all myself! Sometimes the wife even helps. Sometimes I seek professional help when it's really hard. That doesn't happen too much, I am getting older so things really aren't that hard anymore... I learned a lot during my years. ? Keep fighting like a warrior. I'm dancing with the devil these days. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unbillievable Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 (edited) 17 hours ago, PromoTheRobot said: Wife and I replaced the kitchen faucet today. With only minimal water spray. I've replaced two faucets without turning off the water at all. Neither to the house or under the sink. Bathroom was easy, all i had to do was dam the door with towels, then bail the water from the floor into the tub after I was done. The Kitchen was more interesting. -required more towels. Ceilings got wet. 3 hours ago, DC Tom said: Basically, I hate people, so I do everything myself. This is me, not because I hate people, but because I think they're idiots and I can do a better job. So far, the only time I've been wrong is with electrical work. Edited January 21, 2019 by unbillievable 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlimShady'sSpaceForce Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 Mow, shovel, gardening / weeding I also replaced the kitchen faucet On occasion I’ll do my own oil change battery replacement wiper blades and air filter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 1 hour ago, unbillievable said: I've replaced two faucets without turning off the water at all. Neither to the house or under the sink. Bathroom was easy, all i had to do was dam the door with towels, then bail the water from the floor into the tub after I was done. The Kitchen was more interesting. -required more towels. Ceilings got wet. This is me, not because I hate people, but because I think they're idiots and I can do a better job. So far, the only time I've been wrong is with electrical work. I was making a joke about the spray. Actually we had a small leak because we inadvertently loosened the hot water shut-off valve. Tightened it back up and no problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExiledInIllinois Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 Replaced the dimmer switch in bathroom (don't ask... LoL... Okay, anyway: "The light is too harsh in here, it needs to be softer." /smh... It does sooth from the grim reality... Ha!) Actually... Before LEDs... Dimmers practically on all lights (can recessed lighting, etc)... I live in dimmed darkness. Need to replace the washing machine hot/cold water valves... But it's the only fixture (with stationary tub) that has no immediate shutoffs, so will have to shutoff whole house. Will add shutoffs to stationary tub/machine... Probably why I am putting off changing washing machine valves... I will most certainly create a Federal Project! LoL... 57 minutes ago, ShadyBillsFan said: Mow, shovel, gardening / weeding I also replaced the kitchen faucet On occasion I’ll do my own oil change battery replacement wiper blades and air filter Sinks are getting easier these days with push-on, O-ringed connections. But I still have a basin wrench that the whole neighborhood borrows: My father gave it to me... About 40 years old... He always had non-standard plumbing projects. Handy little bugger! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlimShady'sSpaceForce Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 6 minutes ago, ExiledInIllinois said: Sinks are getting easier these days with push-on, O-ringed connections. Don’t tell anyone but I struggled for 30 min before I figured out the easy way. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoBills808 Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 I only pay someone to do something for me when I don't want to do it or don't have the time. I CAN and DO most everything. I have the tools and the skills. But sometimes it's easier and/or cheaper to pay someone else to do it. For example: -just finished building a custom harvesting rig that took about a week and $5000 worth of metal that would have cost over $45,000 to purchase and have shipped -dropped a new propane engine into the forklift that lost compression in three cylinders (still haven't started it yet, fingers crossed) -mowed the orchard (25 acres) -BUT I just paid my guy to come and change oil/hydraulic fluid on 3 of the tractors because I didn't want to do it and didn't have the time. Would have taken a couple of hours. But I'd rather spend those doing other things. Like putting finishing touches on new cooler unit w/overridden AC to go down to 34, or finish glassing bulkheads of this piece of ***** boat I just bought. Rather do some things and pay for others. But can do everything and honestly usually do 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExiledInIllinois Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 (edited) 20 minutes ago, ShadyBillsFan said: Don’t tell anyone but I struggled for 30 min before I figured out the easy way. That's how it usually is. My timer on washing machine went out last year... Tore whole panel apart, made custom stainless screws (with finish washers) to hold back it together... Looks like it was designed that way. This because it was glued prior to me doing "exploratory surgery." ? Afterall that, I figured out plastic ring comes off and timer slips out. Well now I am set for a full rehab! Ha! I was scratching my head the whole time saying: "Changing a timer can't be tearing apart whole panel... What the hell were these engineers thinking?" LoL... Whoever sees my machine will know that the repairman cared, a labor of love! ? 17 minutes ago, GoBills808 said: I only pay someone to do something for me when I don't want to do it or don't have the time. I CAN and DO most everything. I have the tools and the skills. But sometimes it's easier and/or cheaper to pay someone else to do it. For example: -just finished building a custom harvesting rig that took about a week and $5000 worth of metal that would have cost over $45,000 to purchase and have shipped -dropped a new propane engine into the forklift that lost compression in three cylinders (still haven't started it yet, fingers crossed) -mowed the orchard (25 acres) -BUT I just paid my guy to come and change oil/hydraulic fluid on 3 of the tractors because I didn't want to do it and didn't have the time. Would have taken a couple of hours. But I'd rather spend those doing other things. Like putting finishing touches on new cooler unit w/overridden AC to go down to 34, or finish glassing bulkheads of this piece of ***** boat I just bought. Rather do some things and pay for others. But can do everything and honestly usually do +1. Edited January 21, 2019 by ExiledInIllinois Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Beard Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 28 minutes ago, ExiledInIllinois said: Sinks are getting easier these days with push-on, O-ringed connections. I recently replaced the faucet in the kitchen. Screw on flexible hoses. Old ones were 1/2 inch. New ones were 3/8 inch. Really!? Another trip to Home Depot to buy adapters. And the adapters weren’t clearly labeled. They had some weird name/description that didn’t make it obvious to me at the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Tom Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 36 minutes ago, ExiledInIllinois said: Replaced the dimmer switch in bathroom (don't ask... LoL... Okay, anyway: "The light is too harsh in here, it needs to be softer." /smh... It does sooth from the grim reality... Ha!) Actually... Before LEDs... Dimmers practically on all lights (can recessed lighting, etc)... I live in dimmed darkness. Need to replace the washing machine hot/cold water valves... But it's the only fixture (with stationary tub) that has no immediate shutoffs, so will have to shutoff whole house. Will add shutoffs to stationary tub/machine... Probably why I am putting off changing washing machine valves... I will most certainly create a Federal Project! LoL... Sinks are getting easier these days with push-on, O-ringed connections. But I still have a basin wrench that the whole neighborhood borrows: My father gave it to me... About 40 years old... He always had non-standard plumbing projects. Handy little bugger! Is THAT what that thing is? I have one...no idea where I got it. It was obviously a wrench, and for plumbing, but I had no idea what it was otherwise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExiledInIllinois Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 4 minutes ago, Gray Beard said: I recently replaced the faucet in the kitchen. Screw on flexible hoses. Old ones were 1/2 inch. New ones were 3/8 inch. Really!? Another trip to Home Depot to buy adapters. And the adapters weren’t clearly labeled. They had some weird name/description that didn’t make it obvious to me at the time. Usually things get bigger. When I replaced my water softener (2008), valve head moved fron 3/4" to 1" high flow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExiledInIllinois Posted January 22, 2019 Share Posted January 22, 2019 (edited) 10 minutes ago, DC Tom said: Is THAT what that thing is? I have one...no idea where I got it. It was obviously a wrench, and for plumbing, but I had no idea what it was otherwise. Yep. Basin wrench for reaching up under (and blindly behind) basin to tighten or loosen basin nut. Without it, it's almost impossible to do, a total muthaphu...er. LoL... I have vivid memories of my old man hollering it up before he got one. LoL These were the pre-Chinese, Harbor Freight days when tools went for an arm and leg AND first born Son! Ha! MAGA! Now... MOST faucets eliminate that nut, snap in, etc... But handy to have. Neighbor went to change his father in law's faucet many miles away. I told him to take it just in case. He almost didn't take it! He came back, thanked me... Said he had to use it. It saved day!!! Edited January 22, 2019 by ExiledInIllinois Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlimShady'sSpaceForce Posted January 22, 2019 Share Posted January 22, 2019 28 minutes ago, ExiledInIllinois said: I was scratching my head the whole time saying: "Changing a timer can't be tearing apart whole panel... What the hell were these engineers thinking?" LoL... Try changing a radio in a car. Some of them you do have to tear the whole interior out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExiledInIllinois Posted January 22, 2019 Share Posted January 22, 2019 9 minutes ago, ShadyBillsFan said: Try changing a radio in a car. Some of them you do have to tear the whole interior out. Battery on the 2014 MINI Cooper (F56)... I never seen anything like it! Totally enclosed under hood. Have to remove part of the hood molding... Total P.I.T.A. But it looks pretty all hidden and insulated in there. I guess it's the heat and humidity that destroy batteries the most. Better damn work, extend the life of battery. I dread changing it, probably throw a damn code or something! /smh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marv's Neighbor Posted January 22, 2019 Share Posted January 22, 2019 As Red Green used to say; "duct tape is the handy man's secret weapon!" 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apuszczalowski Posted January 22, 2019 Share Posted January 22, 2019 14 minutes ago, ExiledInIllinois said: Battery on the 2014 MINI Cooper (F56)... I never seen anything like it! Totally enclosed under hood. Have to remove part of the hood molding... Total P.I.T.A. But it looks pretty all hidden and insulated in there. I guess it's the heat and humidity that destroy batteries the most. Better damn work, extend the life of battery. I dread changing it, probably throw a damn code or something! /smh Dodge Journey is similar I believe. I heard the new Ford Ranger requires removing panels and a wheel to replace the filter and change the oil. I miss my old Jeep where I could sit in the engine bay while working on the motor...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted January 22, 2019 Share Posted January 22, 2019 6 minutes ago, Marv's Neighbor said: As Red Green used to say; "duct tape is the handy man's secret weapon!" Are you sure that wasn’t McGyver??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apuszczalowski Posted January 22, 2019 Share Posted January 22, 2019 1 hour ago, ExiledInIllinois said: Replaced the dimmer switch in bathroom (don't ask... LoL... Okay, anyway: "The light is too harsh in here, it needs to be softer." /smh... It does sooth from the grim reality... Ha!) Actually... Before LEDs... Dimmers practically on all lights (can recessed lighting, etc)... I live in dimmed darkness. Need to replace the washing machine hot/cold water valves... But it's the only fixture (with stationary tub) that has no immediate shutoffs, so will have to shutoff whole house. Will add shutoffs to stationary tub/machine... Probably why I am putting off changing washing machine valves... I will most certainly create a Federal Project! LoL... Sinks are getting easier these days with push-on, O-ringed connections. But I still have a basin wrench that the whole neighborhood borrows: My father gave it to me... About 40 years old... He always had non-standard plumbing projects. Handy little bugger! Just dont lose the little bar in the bottom..... I couldnt find mine last time I replaced a faucet, managed to do it in just under 2 hours using slip joint pliers and a small propane torch (the nut was plastic and wouldn't come off)..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted January 22, 2019 Share Posted January 22, 2019 (edited) 20 hours ago, ExiledInIllinois said: Do it all myself! Sometimes the wife even helps. Sometimes I seek professional help when it's really hard. That doesn't happen too much, I am getting older so things really aren't that hard anymore... I learned a lot during my years. ? Would it help to know there’s a pill for that? It’s generic and everything! Listen to sports talk radio and you’ll hear about it all day long..... ? Edited January 22, 2019 by Augie 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
707BillsFan Posted January 22, 2019 Share Posted January 22, 2019 (edited) I changed out the empty toilet paper roll today. Seemed like the appropriate thing to do. No YouTube video needed, I was proud of myself. Edited January 22, 2019 by 707BillsFan 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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