Well, it’s probably about time I introduced myself. Name’s Rob. I’m a 40-something engineering type who loves home improvement projects. DW, two boys and I moved into a new house three years ago. Built a Queen Anne replica on 10 acres and have been busy ever since turning the basic house into our home. This process will take approximately the rest of our lives but that’s the whole idea.
I find myself at a crossroads lately though. I’ve accumulated a lot of knowledge, experience and tools over the years all related to building and such. More recently though, I find I don’t have the time to do what I want to do so I’m on the verge of hiring out work that I have always prided myself on in the past. Anyone else been through this? Of course, the money part of it really hurts but that’s probably less painful than the notion that I DIDN’T do something that I was capable of. This shouldn’t be that difficult for me as my position at work requires that I delegate a lot of work to others. Somehow it feels different though.
The money situation may be improving though soon. We used a GC for our house and have remained pretty close to them ever since. Fun people. The wife is actually the builder and the husband is an engineering type like me. On top of that, they have kids of similar ages to ours. Prior to her gig as a mom, my dw was an office type and she and the builder have been discussing an arrangement. Builder needs some help in office/administrative organization and my wife excells at that. I’m hoping all goes well enough that I can one day leap from my current world into the world of building homes.
OK, enough about me, now a couple of discussion questions. I have to log in every day even though I check the box for “remember me”. I’ve lowered my security to accept cookies but still doesn’t seem to work. Any ideas?
Next, what is the best method for browsing this forum? In other forums I like a view that shows all recent posts. Then I pick and choose what I want. Here it’s recent posts by catergory and you don’t get a time period to choose from, unless I’m missing something.
And finally, been a newstand reader of FHB for a number of years. Finally getting around to subscribing. Even as a weekend warrier I’ve always enjoyed the more advanced articles the magazine carries. I’m OK with the recent changes but sure wouldn’t want it to get down there with Family Handyman and such.
Thanks for reading, I’ll buy the next round in the tavern!
Rob
Weekend Warrier Supreme
Replies
Welcome Rob!
I think we have a lot in common, although I'm a few years further down the path. I'm transforming my hobby into a business, very gradually, in anticipation of my retirement from my 'real' job. Buying rental property, and trying to do as much of the maintenance/repairs/improvements as I can by myself. I've been through those moments of hiring people to do things I know I can do, with interesting results. I started gradually, several years ago, by declaring that I no longer worked on cars - I didn't enjoy it, wasn't very good at it, and I found people I trusted to do it. I've never looked back. Next on the list was plumbing - same reasons. Yesterday I broke my own rule and went over to a rental to deal with a couple leaks - a 2hr job turned into 6, and I hated every minute of it. I did save about $500, according to my plumber, who had a good laugh at my expense at the bar last night when I told him of my ordeal.
I also hired out a HW floor installation and a kitchen cabinet installation job this winter. I was humbled by how talented and efficient these guys were. Worth every penny. So my advice is to use your skills and knowledge to choose and communicate with good tradespeople, and gradually learn to relinquish control. It feels good!
Re the mags, I'm a charter subscriber to FHB and really enjoy it, but as you read more and do more, it becomes more elementary - I don't think they've dumbed it down, I think I know more than I did 20 years ago. I recently added the Journal of Light Construction - much more technical, clearly aimed at the trades (not weekend warriors) - sounds like you're ready for it.
Is that a picture of your house in your profile? Let's see some more!
Thanks for the insights Bill. I know exactly what you mean about spending dollars to save dimes. Or hours to save minutes. I'm guilty of those crimes all the time.
Yes, that picture is our house and it's an interesting story. My mom wanted to get us a housewarming gift but not an appliance or something disposable like that. It finally hit on us to have her spring for the finial that we wanted on the turret. Got it from Denningers (I'm not yet adept enough here to put in the URL link) and they were wonderful to work with. I waited for a weekend when she was visiting and rented a cherry picker. Put up some eave brackets and the finial then had a celebratory martini with her.
Next day the siding guys returned to use the same lift to replace a piece of fascia trim. We had agreed to split the lift rental with the builder for this reason but it wouldn't reach high enough for them. They had to rent a larger one on their own.
I've got some fun arial shots that I'll never be able to take again. When I have a chance I'll post some.
And yes, I've seen JLC but don't find it on the newstands often. Maybe another subscription in my future. Thanks for the tip.Rob
Weekend Warrier Supreme
welcome to BT
re: opening BT, u will always have to log in
try this
in the left frame (list of threads, right click on one of the folder tiles and open in new window.
now in the new window go to the top and have the list of threads have the view u like (all, unread, of high interest, what ever)
now that the list of threads is the way you like it, pick a thread and right click and open in new window.
shouls have the two windows one an open thread, the other the list of threads.
go to the window of list of threads and saave that url to your favorites.
close all the windows
now open the url u just saved. should get the log in (since u said remeber shouild just have to click login or whatever it says)
the list of threads in the view u prefer should open in the window.
when u click on a thread it should automaticly open the thread in a new window (without right clicking) any thread u open should iopen in that same window the firwt thread opened in.
least that way it works for me.
btw works in IE and mozilla, don't know about others
noe just go back and forth between windows
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter
OK, you're throwing a lot at me bobl, but I'll give it a try. Thanks.Rob
Weekend Warrier Supreme
Welcome to the board.
"... I'm on the verge of hiring out work that I have always prided myself on in the past."
I think everyone's situation changes over time, and we all have to adapt to it. There have been years I've had more money than time, and other that I've had more time than money. Some years I haven't had either.
So do what works best for you NOW. Not what's always worked in the past.
"I'm a 40-something engineering type..."
What sort of engineering do ya do?
"what is the best method for browsing this forum? "
I skim through the topic in the left-hand pane, and click on the ones that interest me. Once I get to the bottom I hit "Mark all as read". That clears up the stuff I'm not interested in.
Hi Boss,
I'm a Mechanical Engineer but more in the management side now. Auto industry, tier one supplier to the big three and the very much a part of the globalization of the business. Someday I'll share my prediction for the WalMart car.
Thanks for the reading tips, I'll try some different things.Rob
Weekend Warrier Supreme
"Someday I'll share my prediction for the WalMart car."
Thought to be fun. I'd love to hear it when you're ready.
Marriage is grand
Divorce is about 10 grand.