Editorial: Just Do the Best You Can with the Resources you Have

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Do you know what really burns my britches?

This idea that every homeowner has unlimited time, money, knowledge, and energy to dedicate to home improvement and repair.

There’s an expectation of perfection in the construction world, especially online. If a homeowner can’t improve or repair their home exactly like the master carpenter with years of experience, then they are utter failures and must hire a professional.

When are we going to start being easier on each other? It’s OK to do the best you can with the resources you have.

There are 13 million Americans working 2 or more jobs just to survive. Who wants to make repairs on their day off? I struggle just getting out of bed some days, I’m not going to be climbing a ladder or crawling under a house. I’ll get to it tomorrow, though, I promise. 

For every one person that does repair their homes ‘the right way,’ there are thousands of us that just need to get through one more day. We have to make do with whatever we have.

And that’s OK. 

The Right Way Isn’t the Only Way

I’m upset by the idea that so many believe there’s only one way to do home repairs and improvements.

Home improvements and repairs are like math. There’s more than one way to reach the correct result. However, so many think that if something is done a little differently than their formula it’s automatically wrong.

I’d like to have a dollar every time I’ve heard a professional bad mouth another over the silliest things. As long as it’s safe and can pass inspections who cares?

The same bad-mouthing happens all the time online.

We all need to keep in mind that it’s OK to do the best you can with the resources you have.

Some of us aren’t knowledgeable of tools or trades and that’s OK. If you don’t have a straight screwdriver use a butter knife. Don’t have a screw to hang a picture? A thumbtack works just fine in most cases.

Just make do with the knowledge, time, money, and energy you have.

A very smart person once said:

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

– Probably Not Theodore Roosevelt

Footnote: I’ve always credited Theodore Roosevelt for the quote above but come to find out he probably didn’t even say it. See? I can’t even get a quote right! Apparently, it’s from an biography about Roosevelt. I’ll figure it out tomorrow, though, I promise.

As always, thank you for reading Mobile Home Living®!