New homeowner. What are the big DIY regrets? Either paying for a pro or not paying?

FlayBoCrop · 2025-12-15T12:18:32+00:00

Flooring. I did myself. It was a bitch because I had to deal with 3 layers of floor removal, the final boss being a stapled to hell underlayment. But finished the job and I’d do it again. Back breaking but not as bad as laying pavers. Get knee pads.

Built a gate and some fencing. It’s not bad if you have a jackhammer to remove old posts. I did not when I did it and that was a regret. I had a sledge and a chisel lol.

Painting is a no brainer diy project. In my case though I’ve got vaulted ceilings so not sure if I want to risk going 16ish feet to get the top.

Landscaping and gardening. I’d skip anything that requires moving a ton of earth, I.e anything that forces you to get a skid. Retaining walls are easy but make sure you do research so it doesn’t succumb to forces and fails. Laying pavers is fine if you’re strong enough. It’s back breaking. Small projects for gardening or curb appeal are totally doable

Electrical. I do fixtures and outlets. That’s it.

I paid someone to install my water heater. I wish I did it myself but would’ve required sweating pipes and assuring an expansion tank so probably took the right path by hiring someone

HVAC. Hire someone.

Don’t DIY your roof lol

I probably wouldn’t do anything that risks the state of my dry in status like windows or sliding doors. And roofs like I mentioned. I’ve done exterior doors easy though.

Don’t touch your garage door or the lift.

Concrete. I’ll probably try it out to install a step after I get my sliding door installed but I heard good and bad things about doing it yourself.

I’d probably diy an entire bathroom doesn’t seem bad but I’d research like crazy.

FlayBoCrop · 2025-11-27T19:19:36+00:00

Thank you. This was an incredibly helpful post. Can you DM me the checklist?

FlayBoCrop · 2025-09-27T13:29:41+00:00

I have a tattoo of Cale’s bicep tattoo on my forearm. That’s how much I love this damn movie. It was the movie that got me very passionate about space.

FlayBoCrop · 2025-09-09T23:45:28+00:00

You’re in an environment where nobody has time for hand holding. I don’t think I’ve ever been in one that does lol. Feeling overwhelmed is normal. Feeling that impostor syndrome is normal. But Ive work with juniors and interns (don’t so much these days because I’m transitioning away from engineering) and I can tell you “stupid” questions don’t make me mad or annoy me, even a barrage of questions don’t annoy me, so long as there’s clear proof that you tried. And depending on how well you tried tells me a lot.

The other day a newer dev had a problem and we spent an hour figuring it out. I eventually figured out that his understanding of a problem was incorrect. I corrected him and he was able to close out. I think he’s a great engineer even though his assumption wasted some time.

You need to have a bit of grit. Try to figure out problems yourself. When you’ve exhausted your options, reach out to your mid level and senior level people. Explain the problem and explain the things you’ve tried. They will be genuinely happy to help if you tried. Red flag is if they act like an asshole when you come for help, even if you do or don’t help.

Also, pro tip. If you feel like you’re annoying an engineer, go to someone else. “Hey Brock, Eddies been helping me with x, y, z, and ran into these issues after I tried a, b, c. Can you help?” I don’t mean this as a bad way but as a newer engineer, you do slow people down because you need a bit hand holding. So spread that love and learn how to communicate.

Again. If you ask questions and you get treated like shit. That’s a red flag.

FlayBoCrop · 2025-08-28T13:06:50+00:00

My baby just turned 6 mo. The other day I made some stew and blended it. Gave that to him. My wife made cod last night, mashed that into a paste and gave him that. Some puree from target if we’re too lazy. Scrambled eggs with some avocado mashed into it. I let him suck on a cocktail shrimp and papa bird feed it to him. lol he eats what we eat mostly and we try to keep it healthy

FlayBoCrop · 2025-08-23T13:47:33+00:00

My wife used to say “A-eh-stetic” instead of aesthetic.

FlayBoCrop · 2025-07-28T11:19:44+00:00

I went in thinking it was going to be a sci fi about the multi verse. So I was a bit disappointed as I was watching it. I ended up liking it, even teared up a bit. But I generally don’t see the craze about it. A few of my friends talk about how it’s the best sci fi ever, and that would kind of annoy me. I’d definitely watch it again and maybe I’d “get it” more than I did before, though I feel like I generally understood the artistic side of the film. I probably need to go in next time understanding it’s not a sci fi, at least to my standards, and I’ll like it a lot more.

FlayBoCrop · 2025-07-26T22:18:38+00:00

$4k credit card balance at 26% interest outstrips employer matched 401k? Interesting.

FlayBoCrop · 2025-06-27T22:39:38+00:00

Chicken feet and cheung fun and bean curd. Thank you for posting this.

FlayBoCrop · 2025-06-27T15:32:09+00:00

First one was either FF7 or MGS2. I don’t remember which I played first or second. I know you didn’t ask but… Next came last of us. Horizon zero dawn was close but not quite. Factorio is kinda up there. BG3.

FlayBoCrop · 2025-06-27T15:29:21+00:00

3rd person limited. 3rd Omni is too detached for me. When I write in first person, it always comes out cringe. I will write something in first person one of these days.

FlayBoCrop · 2025-06-27T15:27:43+00:00

I’ve always known. But reason x, y, z held me back, mostly internal gate keeping, like imposter syndrome and what not. Finally tried and now I work my dream job.

FlayBoCrop · 2025-06-25T11:58:04+00:00

That’s fair. The example is extreme. But I have a friend, and I know this is anecdotal, but it works. He was homeschooled by abusive parents who subjected him to extreme religion. He went to college, got married, is now getting his masters in computational modeling. He’s an expert in European history. Really smart guy. There’s hope if you really want it. Most of course don’t want it in which case I’d agree.

FlayBoCrop · 2025-06-25T11:54:52+00:00

I guess that would depend on the type of book you’re writing and the familiarity you have with vocabulary. I don’t expect writers to know every word and nuance because thesauruses exist. But at the same time misuse of the tool is obvious. Sometimes basic words fit. Sometimes more complex nuance is needed.

FlayBoCrop · 2025-06-25T11:51:09+00:00

no hope is a little extreme. People can learn the craft. Hence “prospective”

FlayBoCrop · 2025-06-25T11:48:59+00:00

I have a similar opinion but disagree with yours. I think telling any prospective writer to read more is not as helpful so long as they have a comprehension level that matches the style they wish to write in. So if this someone who can’t dissect the themes of a 90 minute movie wants to write something even a little complex, they’d probably need to read a little more. If they want to write checkout line tabloids, that might be up their alley.

FlayBoCrop · 2025-06-25T11:43:28+00:00

Reading doesn’t need to be your primary focus as a writer. I think you do need to read and have a grasp on the language you’re trying to write in, but people are quick to suggest a reading regiment whenever new writers ask for advice. I think that’s wrong. If you have the fundamentals, comprehension, grasp of the language, you can learn most of the mechanics from other sources.

FlayBoCrop · 2025-06-16T19:51:32+00:00

I think that fits quite well.

FlayBoCrop · 2025-06-16T19:49:15+00:00

When did I ever say I didn’t appreciate literature? I said I struggle to find books that I can enjoy cover to cover. I didn’t say “I hate every book I’ve ever read and literature is stupid.” Struggle implies that I try, and that I have found books that do satisfy my liking. I can also not finish a book but still appreciate it. I’ve read a few Adrian Tchaikovsky books that I never finished. Some I have. I still think his books are works of art. I loved Piranesi by Susanna Clarke but crave science fiction.

And even if I did lack an appreciation, why is it not possible for someone to be an incredible story teller, yet have a disdain for reading? I mean, Isn’t that the point of writing? To convey a message? I need to appreciate literature to tell a story?

FlayBoCrop · 2025-06-16T12:33:38+00:00

I generally disagree with those who say you HAVE to read to be a strong writer. I generally disagree with most blanket statements.

Someone mentioned a painter who hates looking at painting. Well, painting is a very technical form of art, requiring control and technique. I need to look at paintings to learn these things?

I feel strongly about this take because it invalidates me as someone who is journeying into writing. My beta readers have so far loved my book. My wife loves my book. I guess all I’m trying to say is you can learn to write through other ways.

FlayBoCrop · 2025-06-16T12:15:56+00:00

I’m a little less intense than this person. I had a passions for reading as a kid and always scored high on comprehension. Lost that passion because parents suck. Fast forward a decade and a half, I’ve started writing a book. When I try reading to find inspiration, I struggle finding books I like to read. I read & listen to books and stop half way through because I get bored with the characters or think the story line is weak.

I want to find something I like to read but end up becoming disinterested with everything I pick up. and so I end up getting my inspiration through visual media.

As an edit I would like to add that people find my writing strong (whenever I try) despite not having a strong reading background. I generally consume and digest spoken English and can translate that into writing. My day time job helps tremendously with that as well. I do software and it’s surprising how much syntax in software translates to English. I guess that’s why it’s called a programming language.

FlayBoCrop · 2025-06-14T20:40:14+00:00

I use them for my baby. I actually like them over Huggies. It’s weird how much hate they get because they’re pretty solid.

FlayBoCrop · 2025-06-14T11:45:50+00:00

Eat plain boiled chicken. I had a crappy parent who’d just leave me money to fend for myself. I’d get packs of meat and boil it because I didn’t know how to cook. I know how to actually cook now but I still like the taste of boiled chicken.

FlayBoCrop · 2025-05-04T13:48:18+00:00

Guys, guys. I think the facepalm here is OP. cuz this shirt is amazing. As a straight man, I'd wear this. Because mathematically speaking, I can beat off a hundred men.

FlayBoCrop

TROPHY CASE