In reply to:
Bren, how are you going to ever develop the requisite skill set (or acquire the new tools) without trying? Will the project somehow become more expensive if you try and THEN hire somebody?
-AND-
It's these damn home improvement shows. If you take more than 30 minutes to gut & rebuild a bathroom then it's obvious you don't have the skills and should be calling that guy in the coveralls on channel 53.
And that's the thing, I know my strengths (electrical, drywall, insulating, source plumbing, signal wiring and distribution) and my weaknesses (flooring, taping, waste plumbing, trim out) just one of those things where it's easier for her to say "ahh, pay someone" (and I'd be doing the paying) than to let me do it.
And yes, we do watch the "Holmes on Homes" type shows. I build to code, I bring in people that know what I don't. Had a good contractor in to estimate... $4000 to do the 5' x 5' "bump out" part of the 1/2 bath with just a sink/vanity, mirror and light fixture (the WC is in a separate room of course - refered to as "the Shatcave")
I need some Ray inspired guidance here!
Bren R.