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Are Professionals Worth the Money?

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Mortgage and Lending with First Choice Mortgage

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am the type that asks myself this question about everything. If the tv stops working, I take it apart. If the A/C stops, I don't know what I'm looking for, but I start to take it apart. Maybe it's a guy thing. I don't really know. I do know that it drives my wife absolutely nuts though. Well, the latest saga was the bathroom. In the kids bathroom, there was a leak behind the tiles, plus they are pretty dated being our home is about 20 years old now. So, since I know everything, I am sure I can redo a little tile job in about a day or two. I started by tearing all the tile out, apparently insuring there was no going back at this point. This was easy. Why would I pay someone to do this? After the tile, I took down the green board and had everything exposed. I could see the culprit was a slow leak at a copper pipe joint. I went to the hardware store and got all of my needed supplies. Although I know everything, I have tried several times to sweat copper pipe to no avail, so I decided to switch to cpvc. In between cheerleading, open houses, work, laundry, etc. about a week and a half later everything was installed. ( Nevermind the 3-4 leaks that came about while installing) Now all I have to do is put up the new backing board. I finished this in about an hour and half. Now I was ready for the new tile. I know quite a few people who have done it recently and could have called for help. But men don't do that. I started putting the tile up and discovered it's not as easy as it looks. After about 2 1/2 weeks of cussing each night. Ruining tiles while cutting them. And other fun times. The tile was on and had a couple or 20 imperfections. After another night and a few blisters, I did learn that grout actually hides most mistakes!

All in all, it did turn out pretty nice. But I will gladly admit, the other bathroom will be done much more quickly by a professional. I wouldn't recommend any of my clients to do their own mortgage, so I guess I'll stick to mowing the grass and minor paint jobs. After quite a bit of research, I am finding most professionals really are worth the money. Have a great day all!

Comments(5)

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Fran Gaspari
Patriot Land Transfer, Inc. - Limerick, PA
"The Title Man" - Title Insurance - PA & NJ

Tom'

Funny post. Let me ask you, when you're driving about and get lost, do you stop and ask for directions? :^) Thanks,   Fran

Sep 17, 2007 03:33 AM
Bill Gillhespy
16 Sunview Blvd - Fort Myers Beach, FL
Fort Myers Beach Realtor, Fort Myers Beach Agent - Homes & Condos
Hi Tom.   Sounds pretty typical to me.  I also do a lot of " Honey do... " type stuff.  I have found that the right tool makes the job go a lot easier.
Sep 17, 2007 03:37 AM
Tom Engelhardt
First Choice Mortgage - Ocala, FL

Danielle-Im learning, its a big curve though

Fran-Never-its against everything I stand for!

Bill-The first day I was using a manual tile cutter. Then my dad said he actually just bought a cheap wet saw. What a difference!

Sep 17, 2007 03:45 AM
Larry Wright
nwRealty.Com - Tacoma, WA

Good example Tom.  It's always best to dedicate your time to "Do what you do" and let professionals "Do what they do".  Your free time shouldn't result in extra headaches and stress.

Sep 17, 2007 03:47 AM
Tom Engelhardt
First Choice Mortgage - Ocala, FL

Larry-I agree, lesson learned. I am happy with the result, but toward the end I truly regretted having to work on it when I got home. Plus it doesn't help sharing my bathroom with 2 daughters!

Sep 17, 2007 04:58 AM