What I've learned about DIY Home Repair

I posted this comment on the NY Times site in response to an article they had about a couple doing complete DIY renovation. My comment got a lot of positive responses so I thought I'd add it here.

I purchased my first home in my mid-30s and did my first mixed/DIY (part me, part pro) a few years later. My biggest project was, at 60, as general contractor, and doing all the electrical, tile, finish plumbing, etc. on a 1,600 sq home at 9,000 feet in the wilds of northern Colorado (50 miles from the nearest Home Depot). Last year, at 74, I purchased a home that was built in 1993 and included, at no extra cost, about 10 years of deferred maintenance and a more recent, partially botched renovation. I have taken great pleasure in correcting mistakes, bringing it up to code, and making it solid for another 50 years. Again a mixed/DIY, but it is likely my last time around the track. I offer the following advice:

1. It is possible for you to do most of this work. Some of it is complicated but most is pretty straight forward. With today's resources, you can figure it out. The main difference between you and the pros is that they can do it 3 times faster. Be patient.

2. Do not try to do this work without the correct tools. A big cost of being a DIYer is to have the correct tools, don't skimp and enjoy the tool collection you are building.

3. Many of the jobs you will take on you will do precisely once. If you were to do them a second time, you would do it differently and better. Be forgiving and learn to embrace the imperfections you have created.

4. Plan the work, work the plan and be safe.