Kyle wrote:

-snip-

But what is often neglected is the cost in dollars versus the cost in
time. When it comes to larger projects, how much is your time worth if
a project will suck up every waking non-work-related minute for days
or weeks?
-snip-
Or years.

The converse is 'How much enjoyment do you get out of just doing the
work yourself.'

I've been digging a basement out for 20 yrs, off and on. 5 gallons
at a time of wet heavy clay. Money wise I probably started losing
money a few years ago. Convenience wise it has been a loser from the
gitgo.

But I've been getting a good workout through our long cold winters.
And next winter, when I will likely put a floor down in 1/2 the
basement, the level of satisfaction will be without equal.

When **** goes wrong- and it does from time to time- I write it off to
educational expenses.

Jim