I got to thinking about this over the weekend after we finished our roof. My youngest Son said he was disappointed that we had the roof done. I sorta feel the same, in a way.
Anytime there’s a project going, it kind of “drives” me. I sort of “feed” off the project. It occupies my thoughts to a great degree.
Consequently when it’s done, I feel sort of let down. Maybe even depressed a little bit. I’m certainly glad the job is done. But the drive to get the job done is also gone.
Just curious if that’s true for any of you guys…
You are my heart’s desire.
But my kidneys and spleen have also expressed an interest.
Replies
Absolutely right. Been redoing my office, and it's taking me forever just to do the touch-up painting, and get everything moved back in. A little exciting, but also a bit of a letdown. Doing the work's the thing.
Ever read the book "House" by Tracy Kidder?
Rick
A DIYer's perspective -- I, tool, feel the let-down. I'm done with a job, family and friends are admiring the work, and all I see are the imperfections and I reflect on the ways I should have done the job.
That's why you need to start another project.
David Thomas Overlooking Cook Inlet in Kenai, Alaska
Was considering offering him a project in the mountains of Colorado... Can't let a bud be depressed ya know...
You got any thing for the Boss???Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming.... WOW!!! What a Ride!
Thanks for the warning. In two weeks we'll be moving in to a new house that took us a year. Actually two years if you count design and blueprint.
Woodside
Boss,
My son (21) and I framed and finished this barn (garage) over the winter.......colds as all heck, first time for me framing this much in many years and he was pretty much a framing virgin. First time for me using lvl's also.
Well, we just had a good ole time the two of us. Bonde like glue the two of us. He missed a day or two and called in a couple of times to find out what I was working on. I thought I had taken pictures of him nailing a sapling to the ridge but the camera operator screwed up, so we will have to rely on our memories for the most part.
Yeah, finishing is a little heartbreaking.....I remember watching a special on the consruction and subsequent restoration of Lady Liberty. What struck me was a conversation with on of the coppersmiths who claimed he felt a deep sense of loss upon completion...........that he had given away a part of himself. Of course this was mixed in with all of the good stuff too.
Find another project!!
Eric
fogot the pics see below
Edited 4/19/2004 4:44 pm ET by firebird
here.....
You guys really finish up stuff on your own houses? Weird concept
I dunno boss. The last day of a substantial job is not a let down to me as you mean. To me, I'm worthless timewise on that last day. I'm so bushed from the push up to that day that getting productive work outta me is like pulling teeth. It's the day that all the little "leave it till later" things come up. And the dealing with last minute emergencies that seem to happen. I'm damn relieved when that last day it over.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
I think that's one of the biggest "pro" vs "diy" debate ....
my time is my money ... I can't wait till that last day .. then the real last day is even better!
Even if nothing's scheduled for a week or so after ... at the end of a job ... both me and the customers want me the heck outta their house! I don't wanna see them in their robes .. and they don't want me catching them before their morning shower.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
I think you are right about the pro vs DIYer.
When I worked a job and rehabbed houses in the evenings/weekends I would have a definate let down at the end of a job and hardly knew what to do with myself with nothing to occupy my time.
No longer the case! Now its just on to the next job. Get the check and lets go. DanT
I understand that it would be a lot different for a pro doing a job. While I didn't specify, that wasn't really what I was talking about.
Heck, with my job there's no time for a let-down. There's always another job waiting for me and someone yelling that they need it done right away.
It's the stuff at home that I get into, and feel a let-down when it's over.25% of American men kiss their wives goodbye when leaving the house.99% of them kiss their houses goodbye when leaving the wife.
I can truthfully say that around these parts and my social circle, it attracts others as well. Everybody likes to get together at a house in progress......... so long as the temps inside are accomodating.
They seem to be drawn to the "something is happening here" atmosphere. Grab a brew and some popcorn made on a Coleman stove in a crank-type popper and everybody is at their very best. LOL and good times. Much reminicsing about days gone by and those yet to come.
Once the house is done, they like to return a few times to remember all those good times when spilling a drink on the subfloor or throwin' popcorn at each other.......... was perfectly okay......and to revel in the result.
And yet, when it's all done, everybody seems a bit let down somehow and wishes it wasn't.
Edit: Me too.
Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
Edited 4/19/2004 11:05 pm ET by GOLDHILLER