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I’m standing on my garden deck this morning, a definite slump in the middle causing me slight dismay. I know the cause for a fact: a main structural beam has failed. I built that decking over twenty years ago just after my brother passed away. Looking back, I now realize I started the project as a way to keep busy and cope with grief.
Yet, here and now, the question resurfaces: should I spend money to have someone fix it, or should I invest my time and do it myself? For me, it’s an easy choice; I enjoy working with wood and find great satisfaction in completing projects like this. The satisfaction of creation, the calm of focused work, and the personal story these efforts bring into our lives often outweigh a purely financial calculation.
I’m reminded of Charlie Munger’s phrase, “Invert, always invert.” Interpreting this idea more loosely, I can see how others might view this equation very differently. This personal dilemma is a small microcosm in the spirit of the “time value of money” problem. Should your time be better spent elsewhere on things that appeal to you, and could your money be more wisely deployed on other investments? The crux of the matter is the realization that both time and money are finite resources, and we must use our best judgment on how to consume these valuable commodities to the betterment of our own lives.
Who would have thought that such complex financial concepts could extend to simply fixing a common garden deck? But on this occasion, I only have to know it will remind me of my brother. We had a wonderful childhood together.
To me, it’s a simple equation. If it’s something you enjoy doing, that enriches your soul, there is nothing better. If not, no amount of money saved is worth the time invested.
Possibly because an overbearing father forced me into it, I despise doing home repairs. I have no patience for such tasks and take no pride in completing them. And life is too short to spend it doing things you don’t like.
So I keep cards of local handymen in the top desk drawer, and when something needs doing, I open the drawer and take out a card. And my checkbook.
I’m with you. I almost electrocuted myself trying home repair and since then my family banned me from all such activity which is fine with me I always disliked any of it.
A chequebook? Are they still used in the US? I haven’t seen one in years!
Sometimes there is no option if they don’t take credit or use Zelle or similar service. Very rarely write a check, but I do send checks online via my bank actually mailing them when there is no option.
They are used only by a certain age group!
ask someone under 30 and they will have the same reaction as you.
Paid almost $6k for driveway paving last week via check. Otherwise 3% surcharge for credit card.
My cleaner and yard service both wanted checks. I just had some clothes altered – again, check. Probably so they don’t have to pay the credit card fees.
Goodness, I don’t think UK retailers accept cheques (UK) spelling
Most retailers here won’t either, but then a local handyman isn’t a retailer.
Actually, I just got a check in the mail. It’s my share of the settlement from the T-Mobile data breach. Now I’ll have to remember to go to the bank.
Also, mailing checks has become dangerous because of check washing. Friends of mine nearly lost a lot of money because of that, and it took much time and effort to get new accounts set up.
The few checks I receive I take a picture of and deposit it online. No trip to the bank.
My son and I built a 14×16 deck 7 feet off the ground off our kitchen and dining room 26 years ago when he was a teen and living with his mom. When he would stay with me every other weekend I would put him to work. It was a wonderful bonding experience, the planning, lifting, the driving of thousands of twist nails (back before deck screws were a thing, at least for me). He’s a dad of his own now and whenever I am fortunate enough to be able to help him on small projects it brings back a flood of happy memories.
Assuming that this is a wooden deck, given that there are no good waterproofing stains available these days, should you consider a different material such as Trex or something similar? And then, would your skills then be current enough to do it yourself. A few years ago at age 76 I redid our two decks with the help of a friend. Even with the best tools putting in several thousand screws was tough on the body.
Trex material is for top boards and railings. I think Mark is replacing a support beam. Pressure treated or earth contact certified lumber is the way to go.
Yes one of the main support beams on the subframe and I’m thinking pressure treated
If it has been out in the weather for 20 years, unless it was entirely built of treated boards, likely you will have a lot more than just the beam….Additionally, I couldn’t get a twenty foot treated 4’x12’….
Nice set of thoughts (thanks for sharing). The old “time vs money” equation. Only balanced by the “time is money” theorem. Both need adjustment with variables. It seems you have a weighted variable that pushes your equation solution towards fixing it yourself. Commendable! I would do the same.
That’s some deep thought about do-it-yourself (DIY) home projects Mark, but now that you mention it, I suppose such things are like a form of meditation for me.
Our newly built home was barely completed when I found myself modifying a section of my extra deep garage with a new workshop. It was like tuning out the world to concentrate on that single task. Seems like I’m always looking for a project to work on.
I hope your project brings back some good memories of time spent with your brother.
I’m actually thinking about installing a utility sink in the back of my garage, then I shan’t get “the look” walking through the house with dirty hands 😂
Mark – Have fun rebuilding your deck and thinking about your brother. Those are fine retirement projects. You only need to think about finances when you purchase supplies at your building supply store.
But the thing is Mark, I bet your deck is in your back yard and not your garden. We grown vegetables and flowers in the garden. 😎
Well… I’m not entirely sure 😁
It’s 200′ from the house and surrounded by shrubs and really functions as a structural element. But it’s main function for me is it removes a 30’*40′ area with no grass to cut 😂
Over here a deck is nearly always attached to the house so we can walk right on to the deck. Sometimes they are off a second floor level. I’m looking at one now that is about 15 feet off the ground and is two levels.
Normally here to….. this is more of an open air secret room complete with furniture and a tree swing reached through a secret garden path beside an overhanging tree.
You Brits have the coolest gardens!
My description makes it sound better than it is….. and don’t forget, age has given it a saggy middle 😂
Something so many of us have in common with your deck.