All I did was buy books and learned on the 'net. I have a basic knowledge and operating skills with the tools, but nothing will teach you more than just 'doing it'.
Rewired 80% of my house.
Moved the bathroom - did all the plumbing.
Moved the washer & dryer - did all the plumbing and electrical
Framed a new wall (non-load bearing )
All the drywall, mudding and taping, etc.
Built a 2 stage, 2 story deck for my pool.
Built a deck with a bar near the pool
Everyone should buy a fixer upper once in their lives, lol. I learned LOTS. Whatever I couldn't do, I payed a professional to do it (some Kitchen wiring and final hook-ups to panel).
It all depends on how far you want to take it. I figured (rather naively in my youth), that I could attempt something 2-3 times, learn from my mistakes, and still be cheaper than paying someone. Let's just say, this isn't entirely true...lol.
Also, the tools. I am lucky - I sell tools for a living, but my advice is DO NOT cheap out. If you are buying a mitre saw, for gawds sake, buy a good one. Dewalt makes the best. I bought a cheap KING CANADA 12" compact mitre saw - couldn't figure out why my angles were all screwed up. Turns out the bracing on these is so weak, you can twist and turn the entire arm under load....yeah, that was upsetting...every 45 angle was just off by THAT much...
Also, I know times are tough out there and my situation is a little unique, but try and buy your own tools. There will be a time when you will need that certain tool in the future. After borrowing tools for so long, you just get fed up and start buying them. I have more tools in my shop than a Snap-on truck and I know , one day, I'll need them again.
Would I do another one? The wife and I had this talk the other day...I'm just not sure I have another one in me. The naivety I had was actually a bonus at the time - If I knew then, what I know now, not sure half the projects would even have gotten started, let alone finished.
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