Comments on: The Value Of DIY Is Greater Than Just Savings

By: Interview Series: Eliminate the Muda | Sweating The Big Stuff

Interview Series: Eliminate the Muda | Sweating The Big Stuff — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:05:01 +0000

[...] I am a woodworker building furniture and turning bowls. Another post that means a lot personally is The Value of DIY is Greater Than Just Savings. This one was really enjoyable because I was able to share some amazing work by three fellow [...]

By: The LeanLifeCoach

The LeanLifeCoach — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:37:03 +0000

@Megan – More power to you! We installed a wood floor ourselves last year, that is a big job! I cannot agree more with what you shared and it just goes to prove that girls can do anything, and often better than men. (My wife doesn’t read my blog, please don’t tell her I said that!)

If you are in the D.C. area you’ve got to get out to Hayfield VA to the Dynasty Restaurant for some Crystal Chicken. I’ve literally scheduled 4 hour layovers at Dulles just to have my lunch there!

By: Megan

Megan — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:05:37 +0000

My dad was born in 1943 in WV. His grandfather was a coal miner who died in the mines, his dad was a beer truck driver who helped his mom out since his dad wasn’t around. He was the third of 6 kids. Obviously they didn’t have much…and certainly they had to “make do.” I was born when my dad was 37 in 1980. So although I’m only 29, I have been told many times over about how old fashioned I can be. My dad definitely instilled the do it yourself or do without attitude. I bought my first house near the end of 2008. With my dad (now 66) and my cousin’s (in his 40′s) help we have pulled up carpet and replaced it with hardwood flooring, remodeled the kitchen, installed light fixtures etc. I live in the metro DC area and many of my coworkers couldn’t believe that I would even do the painting myself much less help lay wood flooring (I’m a girl)…but honestly it saved me thousands upon thousands and looks just as good if not better than hiring someone to do it. Plus you appreciate it more…you know how hard you worked and definitely make sure you take care of it.

By: The LeanLifeCoach

The LeanLifeCoach — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:12:30 +0000

@FinEngr – Your right. I should have highlighted that specifically as an ROI. Unfortunately I only eluded to the sentimental value in a piece handcrafted. Paul’s bunk beds for example, you know, will give his kids hours of enjoyment not as beds but as playthings. You cannot put a price on that!

@Awareness – I am rarely satisfied with my own work. But in the few cases that I was really proud of what I accomplished, there is nothing that compares.

By: Awareness Home Funding

Awareness Home Funding — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:27:05 +0000

My favorite part of the DIY project? The pride of a job well done when finished. There is nothing like looking at the project afterward and thinking (or actually saying), Yeah, I did that!