Discussion Forum - Northstar Chevelle Club

As I have stated before to skilled tradesman: "That is why you do what you do and I do what I do"

ORRRR: to my staff: That is why you are a (Body man, Painter, Technician, etc.) and I am a BS-er.


My younger Brother (great guy) is a do-it yourselfer and always takes the low bid if he does pay someone else to do something.
If we were to score his "low bid" success it comes close to 0 for his lifetime.
He is in a constant learning, re-learning cycle to try and save money.
He and his wife generally place little value on other peoples skills, most everything is too expensive.

Had a recent project at home.
My regular contractor did Demo, Hardwood floor patch and repair and re-trim.
Regular Painter did all wall repairs, taping and refinishing. Took thee skim coats, prime, 4 costs of color to correct previous wall treatment.
Regular Electrician dropped and wired some outlets.
Regular Plumber did removal of stools and reset new ones.
Wood floor specialist did hardwood sand and re-poly. Have used before.
New carpet by local high quality company. First time with them, will use again.
Ordered special Vanity from local Cabinet Shop, still 4 weeks out.

I saved for this project for several years, wanted it done in timely manner.
My contribution was to tear up old carpet, remove and replace one 12 foot section of sheet rock, and coordinate all vendors.
Project is done within anticipated timeframe.
My major screw up was not looking at Vanities sooner.
I assumed i could find one "off the shelf" I would be happy with.
Spending WAAAAAY more than i anticipated or want to on Vanity, however veryy excited to see it delivered and installed.
Yup, even the vanity is being installed by the Vendor.

My older Brother is a retired contractor, he could do most all of this in his sleep.
He is getting all the old Cabinetry and most fixtures to use in his Daughters house north of Pine City.
A used house that he had moved on the property and has done much of the Carpentry and Project Management.
While has the knowledge, he still subbed much of the plumbing, hvac, some electrical, in the interest of time and quality.

Jay nailed it, as usual.
We all need to appreciate the skills of others.
Sometimes we try doing stuff for the experience and challenge.
Sometimes we do it because we DO have the skills.
It can help us stretch our resources.
Sometimes, just for the fun of it.

It is all good!

Karl