When my husband and I were younger, before Alzheimer's, we were always "do it your selfers". We painted, wallpapered, redid floors, installed whatever. Gary could just about do anything and I was his able assistant. But since my "can do anything" guy is no longer able, this caused me to stumble and let things go. All three bathrooms for one...all wallpapered when wallpaper was the hot decor, but now not so much, needed to be stripped and re-painted. I debated and debated and debated whether I should tackle the job myself or hire someone. When I really considered the work and how I certainly don't have the skills or patience any longer, hiring someone was the definite way to go. Next it was, OK, who do I hire? I inquired and received plenty of suggestions. The next step was to call all of these suggestions, and that is where I seemed to stumble. I can't tell you why, maybe it was that sadness that my "do-it-yourself" partner was no longer with me, I don't know. But finally, after months, no actually years, I made a few calls, and hired a nice young man that began the job this week. I still have a few decisions to make and more calls to more qualified people to install new sinks, new shower door, electric lights etc, but I have made the leap and for that I am grateful.
"What is it going to be - reasons or results?" ~ Art Turock
Until next time......
I grew up with parents who were do it yourselfers. Daddy was a business executive during the week and an architect wannabe on weekends. I saw my parents tackle seemingly impossible projects with team work and ease. In his later years (and his last design project) he designed a solarium for my Mom after they moved to Idaho to be near me. Daddy drew up the plans and my husband built it. It won a design award and is the loveliest room that captures their beautiful view of the mountains and a pond. Sadly my Daddy developed Alzheimer's and passed away almost two years ago. My Mom lost her partner and design buddy. Now we contract in all of the crews to help out with her remodeling projects. It's a stage of life we all go through and turning over the reins to others is part of the process. I think you made the right decision. Looking forward to seeing the finished project.
ReplyDeleteBig Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Only you could make a plastic trash bag into art! Good luck with your projects...and ask for three references (that's what my friend told me yesterday!)
ReplyDeleteI'm with you - was always the best helper but flounder when I have to do it alone. Am trying to decide who to hire to stain my deck...but the hard part is deciding oil or water based. That's why it wasn't done last year!
I totally agree that hiring someone to do it is the ticket -- it would be way too much for you to tackle. I'm excited to see how they turn out!
ReplyDeleteYou have such a positive attitude and can-do spirit! My husband is NOT a handyman which means we get things done, it's just more expensive to do so. I'm one of those that hopes wallpaper never sees the light of day again for decor. It's so much easier to paint than to strip wallpaper. Thankfully, my new house was all freshly painted with nice, neutral tones. Why is that initial step always the hardest? Yay for you!! Can't wait to see the completed rooms. :)
ReplyDeleteGood for you Deanna! Taking a leap can be so hard, but so rewarding! good luck with your projects, and i hope you post photos your beautiful results!
ReplyDeleteSooooo happy you took the leap Deanna! Can't wait to see your "after" shots :)
ReplyDeleteGreat leap, Deanna! :) You have a remarkable positive attitude, way to go! :D
ReplyDeleteI truly understand everything you have gone through with the redo, I don't know why it is so hard to hire either. Other than I always trusted my husband to do it right and when you hire you just don't know. Good leap for you.
ReplyDeleteYou always inspire me, Deanna. I sit here waiting for someone to come and "fix" my living room curtains. I put mine in the washing machine. Bad. Move. Now they are shredded, which may be a trendy look somewhere but not here. I can sew a tiny bit but I don't want to make curtains for that room. I don't. So, the decorating woman is coming. Come on in, I say, come on in. Help me, decorator woman. Sew me some curtains. I understand well the intertia that comes at times. I hear ya. This will be so fun, the bathrooms. I mean, we use them all the time, right? I want to see the after shots! oxoxo Pam
ReplyDeleteWay to go my friend. My hubby and me are the same way.. But sometime I think we take on to much when we should just hire someone. I can't wait to see how it turns out.
ReplyDeleteHugs~