Droopy Slug Slaughterer
 Joined: 11 Aug 2007 Posts: 2824 Location: Western Norway (Map)
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| Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 7:15 pm Post subject: Workaholic DIY husband |
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I need some tips on how to turn my DIY husband into a "let's-hire-some-help-and-get-this-done"-husband.
He's convinced that hired help will pay poor attention to detail, that the tiles will be askew in the corners, that the paintwork will be unsatisfactorily done... But he works so hard too! I cannot bring myself to harrass him just because the basement has been half-finished for seven years. I am pretty good at tearing down, painting, wall-papering and laminate-floor-fitting, but there are things to be done that I dare not try my hands at.
Pardon my less-than-perfect English. I hope you understand what I'm after here, and any contribution might help. Kind ones, mind, because I don't want to hurt his feelings.
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lexxivexx On The Way Up

 Joined: 05 Aug 2007 Posts: 228 Location: The Willamette Valley, Oregon (Map)
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| Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 8:16 pm Post subject: |
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I totally understand! I can be the same way (I get it from my Dad) and it's endlessly frustrating to Rob.
Make sure he knows how much you appreciate his efforts and attention to detail, but that would like to share time relaxing when he's off work.
Tell him the hired help would take a lot of stress of both of your shoulders, and maybe he could "oversee" the work they put in. I hope that helps.
By the way, your English is wonderful, so don't worry.
_________________ Rock and Roll Veggies!
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eileen Moderator & Resident Taxonomist

Moderator
Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 9840 Location: Scotland (Map)
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| Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 8:19 pm Post subject: |
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Well I don't know that this will help you out in your situation Droopy but here goes.
I always tell my husband that he needs to spend more quality time with me (and in your case with your child) and that as he's worked so hard then why doesn't he let someone else take the strain off him for a bit.
Men don't like to think that they can't achieve all they set out to do. I tell him I know he can do everthing but he can always be there when the electrician, joiner or whomever comes just to keep a check on them and make sure they do the job as well as he would himself.
Seems to work with Ian but don't know if it would work with your hubby.
_________________

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Droopy Slug Slaughterer
 Joined: 11 Aug 2007 Posts: 2824 Location: Western Norway (Map)
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| Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 8:36 pm Post subject: |
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lexxivexx and eileen, you have some very good tips. I have tried similar approaches, but there are some details I will include the next time I corner him. Maybe this time, it will work! And I will have my bathtub at last.
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marine683 Just Arrived

Joined: 27 Jul 2007 Posts: 47 Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2007 4:37 pm Post subject: |
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As a private contractor, I can tell you, there are several projects I always tend to hire out because professionals just simply do a better job.
Drywall
Roofing
and
Sometimes Exterior Siding
These guys work with their tools 24/7 and always do a better job than I ever did.
_________________ http://fengshui.happyhomezone.com - Everything I know about Interior Design, my hobby site!
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Droopy Slug Slaughterer
 Joined: 11 Aug 2007 Posts: 2824 Location: Western Norway (Map)
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| Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 8:35 am Post subject: |
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Ain't that the truth!
There are also lots of things he is not allowed to touch, such as wiring and water supplies. When the holiday-mood is gone, I'll set him down and reason with him. Again.
_________________ The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
-Bertrand Russell
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