Saturday, August 30, 2008

How it all began

Our first house was a small ranch. Something we could afford that didn’t look like it needed any work. It was perfect! Silly us, we should have been suspicious when the sellers jumped on our counter offer like a pair of hungry wolves. Let the buyer beware. As the band-aids started falling off, we soon saw how much work this little money pit really needed. The only thing I had going for me was the desire to do it all myself – the fact that I couldn’t afford to pay anyone might have had a little to do with it. On a positive note, this is the only way to learn about how to make maintenance repairs, home improvements and remodeling. Add to this that little fact that you can save a king’s ransom by doing these projects yourself and that sense of pride when things get completed.
“How do I start? I have no tools, no experience and I cannot afford to hire contractors. This house is beginning to overwhelm me. I didn’t realize all the repairs that would be required when I bought it.”
Does this sound familiar? For many it does. Not many of us can afford a full time maintenance man to take care of the day to day repairs of a house—that’s what you’re there for! Well, that’s what your wife thinks and we all know, whatever your wife thinks—is! So, what’s the solution? Either make more money or do what I did—learn how to repair stuff! If you’re reading this, chances are you don’t mind getting your hands dirty. That’s a good first step. Let’s hope you don’t faint over the sight of your own blood. I’ve had to make more than one trip to the emergency room during my home improvement projects. Actually, I’ve sustained more injuries working at home than I have in over 25 years of working in construction.
Still here? OK, for those of you who were not scared away, let’s get started. When I bought my first house, I was still working as an electrician. I did not have much experience in the carpentry field, but I loved the smell of wood—cutting it, sanding it—I just like to work with it. All I had was a circular saw. You’d be surprised what you could do with just this one tool.
Let’s talk tools; do you like them? Want to have a wood shop with an impressive assortment of tools? Yea, every man does – it’s like shoes to women! Every time I drool over, I mean need a new tool for my next project, I just explain to my wife how much it would cost to hire a contractor and voila – another power tool in my stable.

Well, that’s how it started. That first house gave me the confidence to perform all my own home repairs. Actually, by the end of the ten years we lived in that little ranch, I completely renovated the entire house and added a playroom in an unused attic. Then what did I do? Sold it and bought another house twice the size as the first with twice as much work. Yep, time to start all over again. This time, with four kids that are very active in sports and dance. Yes, this is going to be very interesting.

11 comments:

Cottage Rose said...

Hello and welcome to blog world. Loved your story, and it had a happy ending. Hope the next story ends the same way. Can't wait to read about it. Have a great Monday.

Alaura

Cathy said...

Mr. Honey-Do,

I love your blog so far. It is well written and very humorous. I can relate as well especially to the part where my husband just "has to have" a particular tool! Hysterical.

Keep on writing, I'm loving it.
Hugs to my sweet friend Dawn.
xo Cathy

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

LOL...the only difference in your story and ours is that I am the one who uses the power tools and loves a trip to Lowe's or Home Depot...oh and the electricity thing. I won't even pull a plug out of an outlet :) so that is reserved for my Honey to do.
Look forward to hearing about your adventures...

Cottage Flair said...

Great new blog. Keep it going.

gail said...

Hi Mr Honey-Do,,, Have fun with your new blog. Its alot of fun and very addicting. Your doing great. I cant wait to read more. As a single women I have learned to do quite abit of home repairs myself. Quite proud of myself at times. lol Last Christmas I was so happy because I got a drill and jumper cables. I must have told everyone I wanted a cordless screwdriver because I got 4 of them. So I look forward to seeing how this story progresses..........Best wish, Gail

cathy said...

Your'e a great writer! Too bad you don't live closer. I sure could use some help on my money pit.

Inka Smith said...

I love your new blog. The honey-do's never end do they!!
LOL
Inka

Susie said...

Hi Fred! Welcome to the world of blogs. I can tell you are quite the storyteller and that is what blogging is all about. Keep up the good work (on the blog and on your home repairs!)
Susie of The Polka Dot Rose

Silena said...

Hi Mr. Honeydo,
I have a honeydo honey, too. I think he actually has at least two of every tool that has ever been invented....and he surely outdoes me and my shoes!! Ah but, he is always eager to tackle any job that comes his way. I will be sure that he reads your wonderful new blog. Congratulations and have fun and thank you for sharing your adventures in home maintainance and remodeling!! What fun!!

Susan - InHerOwnWords said...

Enjoyed your story Fred! We can definitely relate to all of this. We have our own money pit!!

Welcome to the wonderful world of blogging. It's great therapy! Especially when you have a home like ours! I'm sure you and my husband would have plenty to talk about! LOL

bj said...

Ahhh, but you have reached the American Dream...owning a lovely home!
And, hey...just look at the experience you've got under your tool belt !!