Things you DIY (should/shouldn't) to save money

[hamchan]

Something else I would categorize under "things you shouldn't DIY", I once removed a mole myself. With sewing scissors. Holy cow, did it ever bleed. It healed up fine and never grew back, but I don't generally recommend that course of action.

[Wino]

I'm a handyman, so I do almost all home repairs myself. I rewired about 80% of the house, installed attic lights, installed outside lights, wired my shed, built dog beds for DD2 (she found some in a catalog for $300 each; I built them for about $100), installed new doors throughout the house, built a temporary partition to seal off the garage for DD2, took down two trees (but I am going to have to pay $3K to take down five more because I'm in Dubai now), installed new wax rings on two toilets, repaired a leaking bath faucet, removed an old sink and installed a new one.

Scariest thing that ever happened is that the hose going to my water heater broke and was spraying out flames. I just happened to walk into the garage and saw it. I think the house would have burned down had I not happened onto the fire when I did. Anyway, I reached through the flames and turned off the gas. I didn't even sear my shirt sleeve. I replaced the hose (I don't know the right name for the spiral-metal thing for gas lines) and haven't had a problem with it since.

I'll pretty much fix anything. I like fixing things or building things. I have nearly every tool ever imagined, and know how to use them. I find that having the right tool makes almost any job easier. I recommend you buy the right tool for the job rather than using the wrong one because it is handy.

[srblanco7]

I do my own yardwork, manage our investments, do most of the miscellaneous household repairs and improvements (carpentry, wiring, painting etc.). DW splurges for the occasional mani/pedi. I used to cut my own hair, but stopped after some pleading from my wife - she said I looked like a serial killer when I cut it myself .

[QuarterMillionMan]

Computer build:
Core i5 - 2500k quadcore processor ($169)
LGA 1155 Intel motherboard (supports core i7, $49). This is the lowest-end motherboard available.
I wasn't sure I'd be successful in getting it to run but after some technical difficulties and a lot of Youtube videos I got it running. I started w/the free Ubuntu operating system, then Windows 7 ($99), then upgraded to Windows 8 ($39) when first released. I think Windows 8 is now $129.

[neatdesign]

I am short (just 5ft tall) and I have had to hem every pair of trousers or jeans I've ever owned. I do this by hand -- takes about an hour per leg. I do have a sewing machine but I find it easier to hem them by hand. After 20+ years I've gotten really good at it.

I have never been to a tailor so I don't know how much I'm saving but I imagine it's at least $50-$100 per year.

[disneysteve]

I used to cut my own hair, but stopped after some pleading from my wife - she said I looked like a serial killer when I cut it myself .

Were you using an electric clipper? I think it is pretty much impossible to screw it up doing it that way. You can't leave anything too long and you can't go too short. It is exactly the same every time.

[FrugalSensei]

I used to try and do a lot on my own but found the cost in time and sometimes, in less than satisfactory work, not worth the price. I used to always change my own oil but agree that, with coupons and environmental requirements, it's just not worth it anymore. I used to do a lot of auto work but it seems that modern cars are built to be relatively unfriendly for DIYers. Not like the good ole days.

Anyway, I just tackle the easy stuff now - hemming pants, sewing buttons back on, topping off fluids (except oil) in the car, cooking, and minimal household maintenance.

[hamchan]

Were you using an electric clipper? I think it is pretty much impossible to screw it up doing it that way. You can't leave anything too long and you can't go too short. It is exactly the same every time.

This isn't a good look for everyone, and that said I have seen people screw it up.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Never do your own roof. It's dangerous.

[Wino]

Never do your own roof? Why not?

You layer two layers of felt near the eaves, then work the shingles up the side with at least 4 (six are preferred) nails per shingle. Three bundles does 10 square feet. The first run near the eaves is also doubled and overlapped.

I've done several roofs. They're some of the easiest repairs that exist. Use flashing at any "seam" and just "think like you're water" when you try to figure out where/how to put in flashing. Everything you do starts from the bottom and works its way up, because water is going to start at the top and work its way down.

[wjcalderon]

I used to do all my own yard work. But I found that by the time I mowed, trimmed, etc., I had no energy left to tend to my small vegetable garden.
Then I decided that fresh tomatoes are way more important that neat grass.
So now I pay someone to cut the grass and do the trimming.

I've been cutting my own hair for about 4 years. I'm female and wear my hair in a short pixie style. I use a combination of clippers, scissors and a razor comb. I wouldn't want anyone to watch me do it, but the finished effect looks pretty good!

I've painted every room in my house at least once.
I have installed several ceiling fans and light fixtures.
I've installed ceramic tile on my kitchen backsplash.
I even put up a few extra cabinets.
I do all my own cleaning.
I handle my own tax returns.

I like the satisfaction of doing things myself and I really like saving that money.

[greenskeeper]

Trying to think of the last time I paid someone to do something for me and I can't.

I maintain my house/property and vehicles myself.

[QuarterMillionMan]

Normally I change my own oil & filter but after someone mentioned how cheap it is to get it serviced I went and paid $25. I didn't have to get dirty, crawl under the car, or find a recycling center to dispose of the use oil, ingenious!

[disneysteve]

Normally I change my own oil & filter but after someone mentioned how cheap it is to get it serviced I went and paid $25. I didn't have to get dirty, crawl under the car, or find a recycling center to dispose of the use oil, ingenious!

Keep an eye out for coupons to your local place. Also, some places have a frequent flyer program where they send you email coupons or have some deal where every 6th oil change is free or half price or something like that.

[QuarterMillionMan]

I got me's some new cookwares;

14" stainless steel wok, $19.80 (pic not shown, too much reflection, lol)
12" stainless steel fry pan, $29.55
20" stainless steel wire skimmer, $2.89
12" stainless steel wire wisk, $2.59


I'm replacing my 5 Qt. dutch oven (teflon coating worn out) with the wok above & a 12" frying pan which was also Teflon coated with the above stainless steel cookware. I've read somewhere that the teflon coating may cause Alzheimer's.