Hats off to the weekend warriors!

I have got to hand it to the "do-it yourself" able bodied homeowners who tackle and complete home renovation projects. With the high cost of materials and labor to complete a project, "sweat equity", can payoff in the long run. That is if you have the patience to endure living in construction mode far longer than it takes if you hire professionals to do the work. Check out the story of Lili and Arnie Richards, profiled in LA Times Blog, "Pardon Our Dust".

Great story if you are thinking about doing it yourself.
A kitchen remodel and dining room addition all for $27,000 is remarkable. A remodel like this would certainly run into figures closer to $100,000 if done by a general contractor.
Why it worked for them:

• They planned in advance and stuck to a schedule. Diligent in planning.
  
• Previous experience remodeling.
  
• Realistic about the invariable hic-ups. They managed their expectations.
  
• Self-starters, determined to see the project through to the end.
  
• Self-reliant. Spirited even while enduring labor tasks they deplored.

I salute their ingenuity and spirit. Bravo!