I have done a few projects around the house recently that saved us quite a few dollars that it would have cost to hire somebody to do them.

Installed swing set - Amount saved $200

With our new fence already installed (and at least $1000 saved in labor by doing it myself with family help), we decided to put a swing set in the back yard. It is a simple kit from Wal-Mart that has two swings and a trapeze bar, monkey bars, a little platform where the slide attaches, and a ladder on one side and a “rock climbing wall” on the other to get to the platform. We bought the swing set for just under $300. Wal-Mart would have installed it for $200. I did it myself for free over two nights while watching the kids play in the back yard.

Fix bath tub cartridge - Amount saved $50

That price is probably a low estimate. It costs $50 to get a plumber to say “hi.” The cartridge is the device that controls how much water is flowing and what the temperature is. Ours had a little leak and needed replaced. I talked to the guys at Menards about what I needed and how to do it and swapped it out in about 15 minutes.

Installed ceiling fan - Amount saved $100

Again, this price is probably a low estimate. I have installed a handful of these over the years and we decided that our family room needed one because of how hot it got in the evening while the sun was setting. I installed the fan in one day in about 2 hours.

Just by getting my hands a little dirty I saved at least $350 in the last 1 1/2 weeks. I sure am glad I paid attention when my dad made me help with all the projects he did around the house when I was a kid.

In addition to saving money, the kids also watched me do all of the projects which will hopefully lead them to having the confidence and interest in being able to do similar projects when they are older.