This month, Bosch Tools wants to celebrate families making memories while building together. My family is the perfect example of how “Building together” looks different for different families. I often get asked how Wes feels about all the projects going on in our home and if/when he gets involved.
With Father’s Day coming up, it’s the perfect time to share with you the story of “Our First Family DIY Project”. Also, it’s a great time to celebrate where we are now because of the DIY journey that project started us on!
This post is sponsored by Bosch. All ideas and opinions are my own.
It all started when Wes and I settled down in our second home in Arizona. Madison was 3 years old and my parents were out for a visit. It’s important to always have a project to work on when my parents visit because Dad likes to stay busy. My brother and sister drove up from CA for a couple days to visit while our parents were there… and to help with the project. We didn’t have a project planned. We didn’t even have a project in mind but everyone knew there would be a project happening. This “knowledge” was just a given. Except Wes didn’t know.
Wes left for work, Mom took Madison to the park and it was decided that the perfect project would be to tile over the laminate countertops in the kitchen. We were pretty sure we’d have it all knocked out in a couple hours.
In a few hours we had scuffed up the laminate, cut off the backsplash with a circular saw, and were beginning to tile and over our destruction when Wes came home from work. He came in the front door, stared in silent, gaping horror at the monstrous mess we had created. He walked into our bedroom, came out with an overnight bag, and left. Wes discovered two things in that moment; 1. there was a DIY project happening in his home and 2. he really disliked demolition mess!
BUT he also discovered that he likes the product that comes from the mess. We finished tiling that night and when Wes came home from work the next day we were finished grouting and it looked awesome! The mess was cleaned up and Wes was totally happy about it.
Our DIY journey had begun. We were excited about creating awesome things in our home that we couldn’t afford to buy or hire done. We could do it ourselves! We just decided Wes was going to skip out on demolition duty. And actually it was best if he did not see, hear, or touch demolition with a ten-foot pole! I learned to do demo when he was out of town and have it cleaned up before he got home without even mentioning anything about it to him. That always works best for us!
When we moved to Illinois, our house had an unfinished basement. Overjoyed, he decided that since no demolition was required for us to begin remodeling, we could start finishing our basement….together. I was grateful for the extra help, of course, and we set our sights on the following weekend. We gathered our tools, pulled up our trousers, and got busy. The first goal? Frame the walls. After a few hours of working, Wes and I had built a 4′ section of wall. A 4′ section of wall, with a stud every 16″ is a total of four studs! Wes wanted/needed to make everything completely perfect. It was frustrating for both of us. We discovered that DIY work is not something he enjoys. From then on, I have been the primary DIYer of this family, and it’s gone pretty great.
I’ve learned how to accommodate Wes’s anxiety about the chaos when I tear things out, and he’s learned to trust me to make our house beautiful. No matter the road it took to get where we are now, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Wes is a wonderful supporter of my DIY projects, and he is always willing to step in when I need an extra set of hands and lend his muscles when I need help lifting or installing something.
He supports me through my projects. He pulls out my splinters, rubs my sore muscles, listens when I rant about something gone wrong and celebrates with me when a project is done!
That is what building together looks like for us.
Giveaway!
To encourage YOU to build and pass on the joy of building together, we’re giving away a Bosch 2-Tool Combo Kit to one lucky winner!
This 18 V Lithium-Ion Combo Kit includes a 1/2 In. Drill/Driver and 1/4 In. Hex Impact Driver, two 18-volt Lithium-ion batteries, charger and soft carry bag. The regular retail value of this 2-Tool Combo Kit is $229 but it’s available for $169 until at Lowe’s until 7/4/2016! (Great idea for a Father’s Day gift.)
I’ve been using these tools all week and they fit nicely in my grip, are both lightweight and powerful. The batteries are about half the size of the last Bosch impact driver I purchased a few years ago. It’s amazing how thin and lightweight 18V batteries are these days.
The impact driver has a small enough body that I was able to drive a screw inside the 8″ wide cavity of the lumber cart I build this week. Not at an angle — but straight in– INSIDE the 8″ cavity! 
Father’s Day is coming up and this Combo Kit would make a great gift for someone that loves building and DIY’ing — or you might want to keep it for yourself. Everyone needs their own good set of tools. Enter below for a chance to win and if you don’t win, don’t miss out on the discounted price that ends on July 4! (found here)
- This giveaway runs from 6/3/2016 through 12 am on 6/8/2016.
- To enter, follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget box below. Each person has 4 total possible entries.
- Open only to residents with a continental US shipping address and individuals 18 years of age or older.
- Email address or facebook signup is required in order to contact the winner. This information is not stored or used for any other purpose.
- See terms and conditions for eligibility guidelines and additional information.
I received product and/or compensation from Bosch for this sponsored post.
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Tom says
Thanks for the giveaway. My first family project was a semi-homemade Frozen-themed bed for my daughters. Huge hit in our house!
Ryan Ransford says
One of my first semiserious projects is to find a way to help my son organize his Lego.
Ginlee says
Sandra, thanks for all your tutorials. You are amazing! I have learned so much from you. Waiting for your next project or post is like waiting for Christmas. I recently built some shelving for my teenage daughter’s closet. She did not have much interest in the building process. Thankfully she was there to help with the installation. It was fun to work with her. I’m trying to get her interested in building other projects with me. I think this would be a nice lightweight set to entice her into building projects.
Felina Pence says
My Grandfather letting me help him repair the kitchen chair, which had somehow gotten thrown down the stairs in a fit of rage by my aunt. Always remember him saying “that was stupid. Now you have no chair.”
Rick says
I loved hanging out in the basement workshop when I was a kid and now my youngest likes to do the same.
Bibic says
Thank you for all the inspiration, Sandra! Love reading your posts!
Mike says
Great article! I love Bosch tools. I have been transitioning all my hand power tools to Bosch. LOVE their routers!
jacquie says
A life without a drill isn’t something I can imagine. I just finished a free standing kitchen cabinet with pot drawers as well as retrofitting an older kitchen with new drawer slides (undermounts). Drills are essential. I’ve been known to carry one in my purse, just in case. 🙂
Cookie Webb says
Love your posts, makes me wish I had an attic to turn into my dream space. I have built furniture to furnish our entire 3000 sq ft house except for the baby grand piano but now have to start giving things away so I can build more.
Farrah says
Lovely! I built my storage bed with my grandpa. We both didn’t have a blueprint for it or a plan, we just built it as we went. It turned out great, but to my stubbornness, I didn’t listen when he mentioned it was a bit too high. However, mistakes are blessings in disguise, at least I think so. Making mistakes help me know what to do better for the next time.
Barbara Brannon says
Wonderful giveaway – hope I win! My corded drill has seen better days and NEED THIS!
Thanks!
Barbara in TN
Becki says
I don’t really remember building a lot as a kid, even though I must have done things with my construction-working, DIY-ing dad… Now I have ambitions bigger than my skills and a terrible habit of unfinished projects!
JILL NELSON says
I plan to make a storage unit for my son’t audio equipment…I’ve already gotten him to design plans on the computer!
Antoinette de Janasz Baxter says
We’re beginning construction on our forever home and one of our first projects will be a bar cart. Not an ordinary one mind you! This will have all terrain wheels, space for glasses, bottles, plus a generator and blender!! We plan on wheeling it down to the lake to enjoy evening cocktails with our new neighbors and family.
Jessica | Petal + Ply says
Working together to build a double dresser windowseat built-in for our daughter’s room is currently my most memorable/favorite joint project!
Jenny says
I laughed reading about you and Wes. My husband hates the mess and chaos of my DIY projects, too. He stays far away from whatever I’m doing and is relieved when it’s done! I’m hopeful that one or more of my 4 kids will enjoy building with me when they get a little older!
Don Lawler says
Build Build Build. I build constantly when not tied to my desk which I built. I build for family and build for others when family projects are not in the way.
Starr says
Would love to win! Always wanting to add to my power tools! Thanks
Shannon says
Repairing a great aunt’s table was my first project of any importance….it now sits in our living room in all its hand me down glory!
Ana says
I built my teen bed with my dad when I was younger
Amy says
I used to have a great set of both power and hand tools. And then I met my husband, and he took over all of my tools. Hmph. Still not happy about that. He just got me a few hand tools for my birthday, which I will hide from him. And I could really use some new power tools too! 😉 Thanks for a great giveaway!
Rodel Diana says
Great story, and thanks for the chance to win a combo kit! My father never taught me how to build anything or work with tools, but that’s given me the motivation to learn on my own and teach my son. If I won the Bosch kit, I would give them to my son Ryder.
Lisa says
I would love to create new furniture…
Ronda M. Batchelor says
Gosh so many great building stories. My favorite most recent would be installing our gas fireplace. Yeah, we couldn’t just vent we had to go through a joist! It was great fun!!!
Kristen Llewellyn says
My fave memories are from when my grandpa would let me help with his projects, end tables or accent walls, new trim or remodeling the bathroom, it didn’t matter as long as I got to help! I’ve begun projects again (now in my home) and have been including my kids. We’re going to build a new chicken coop this summer!
Hal says
My kids and I made their beds. One loft bed, one built in that looked like a loft bed and one teenager friendly bed with storage underneath. Each piece has it’s flaws but we had a lot of fun and now they never think to buy furniture – just build it with their mom.
Kim k says
My husband, Rick, and I have done projects for years. We put in a kitchen and I was the idea person, the helper, and clean up person. I scheduled meetings with coffee at the beginning of the day to discuss our plan. Meetings at the end of the day we discussed what we accomplished. By the 4th day, my husband said, ” I’m starting to dislike these meeting.” But, the kitchen was completed in 3 weeks with no fighting or problems. Worked well. We have since moved. We’re putting in a new kitchen. This Bosch kit would be great.
SAMANTHA CHAPMAN says
2 years ago my husband and I refinished a portion of our basement for a mancave! Great giveaway!
Alison S says
I remember building and creating things as a little girl with my Dad and my Grandpa. We finished our basement off as well. I learned a lot from them!
Kelly B. says
My favorite DIY to date in my current house is the kitchen. With my parents’ help, we demo’d the kitchen/dining room down to the studs and sub-flooring, removed the wall separating the two rooms, re-wired and insulated everything, and built a new kitchen from the inside-out. Now I just need to re-do the rest of the house to look as good!
Donna Sasser says
I would love these, then I could build a lumber storage rack like yours!
Angela Feher says
Our first DIY project was shortly after we purchased our first home back in 1999. We had a 1 year old and another on the way and we gutted our kitchen! We opened up a wall to make it more open to the combo family/dining room and replaced everything…floor, cabinets, counters, appliances, lighting! We don’t believe in doing things small! It was so much fun and the DIYing hasn’t stopped since! Currently doing a whole house renovation while we live in the house…3 years and going strong! ?
Kellie says
Great story! I love the way you guys made it work for you! We’re hoping to DIY some serious drywall repairs and make some simple furniture together.
Barb W. says
I’ve started to build with many of my dad’s tools now that he is no longer able to. He enjoys passing on his wisdom and seeing what I can create with some of those old tools.
Jake says
working on the basement now – 4 foot wall by 4 foot wall!
Tracy says
Always love a good reliable power tool. Can’t wait to get building!nHope I win, but even if I don’t I always love to see what you’re up to.
Corrine Majoros says
My earliest build memory is from when I was about 10 years old. We lived next to a wooded area where me and my BFFs would frequently build forts. having been fed up with getting wet bits from sitting on the ground, it was time to make a “chair.” My dad helped me pick out the requested three pieces of scrap wood and handed me the reigns consisting of hammer and nails. I don’t think he was surprised when I can back with the pieces that didn’t hold up 🙂
LynnR says
Good story Sandra. I get the ideas and start everything at my house, then pull my husband in for opinions when I get stuck and use his muscles as needed.
I still use an old1/3 hp corded drill. With a Key to change the bits and driver tips. I would live a new drill!
MARYANN sMITH says
I plan on making a memory by building a wood cabinet like yours with my grandson.
John Miller says
Ten years ago, I was out of work and our MDF kitchen cabinet doors were delaminating to dust and falling off the walls one by one. My neighbor just remodeled his kitchen for $95k and at the time, contractors were so busy, they were walking off projects in the middle of the job to take projects with higher profit. I knew I would be lucky to get someone to finish my kitchen for $95k. We didn’t have the money, so I told my wife I could remodel the kitchen but it would take some time and still cost at least a third of the $95k. Her only requirement was I only rip out half the kitchen at a time, so she could have something to use. I created a plan, put tape on the floor to see if we could live with the new layout and tore out half the kitchen (including walls). The next morning I received a follow up call from a job interview and went to work full time the next day (with a 50 minute commute each way).
It took years to tear out the other half of the kitchen, get cabinet boxes built and in place, and pay someone to help me build cabinet doors/drawers/assembly. I finished all but one cabinet, a pull out pantry. It was $1,100 to buy it and with a Kreg Pocket Jig and some maple stock and ply, I built it for about $250. I could have used the Bosch driver. The pantry looks spectacular and works like a charm. I’m infected with the DIY bug and couldn’t be happier. My wife, on the other hand, sometimes wishes I took up watercolor paints, but she does love the finished product.
Linda Jones says
Back in the day, my husband and I “decided” to finish our basement. We talked about it and talked about it forever. Then I decided to draw up plans for one wall, came home with the materials, and informed him we were starting “this weekend”. We could only work while our toddler was napping, so it took forever to finish, but eventually… with him providing “brawn” and me applying engineering “skills”, we got it done. Now my son and I are finishing the basement of my retirement home. At 65, I’ve done most of the framing while the son does the electrical wiring. I still hammer nails with a 1 pound hammer (although these days I drill pilot holes first… I can hammer a lot more nails without running out of steam that way and I don’t think I could handle the kick-back from a nail gun). We’re getting ready to hang drywall soon, and a new drill driver set would certainly cut back on passing our tools back and forth. Thanks to you and Bosch for offering this give-away.
Shelly says
I purchased a new home in a new city that is a bit of a fixer. My son-in-law installed clothes rods with shelves in the master; however, my other bedroom’s closet is also devoid of shelves. My planned project is to install shelving for storing crafts, etc. in the office/front bedroom.
cathy says
I am just getting started with the build-it-yourself bug, and hope to soon be able to look with satisfaction at something I’ve made myself!
Julie says
I love your blog! I look for a new post every day. You are living my dream.
Dorothy k. says
I have very much enjoyed the progress entries you’ve shared about your studio. I have great admiration for your vision and skill. My husband and I would love to custom make some storage pieces for our home. The current project is to make adjustable shelving in a closet. Thanks for this opportunity.
Jody says
Our first project…tearing out and replacing all the flooring in our first place. A lot of work, but well worth it!
Charisse says
I really enjoyed the story of how DIY began in your family. Some of us love tools and some of us not so much! I am in the middle of multiple DIY and these tools would come in handy, especially a lighter battery. Thanks.
Revital Mitchell says
Love this post! (and of course your blog and youtube channel) DIY is my way of living. I especially love your closets projects.
MaryB says
Building our deck was a great family (and friends) project! Now we are planning to work on another outdoor project.
Sherrie Jones says
I love your blog. I have learned so much and have accomplished more than I ever thought I could by your examples. Heck yeah! I’d love to win Bosch power tools. Keep on building and sharing!
Tena says
My sister retired back to the town we grew up in and bought the house next door to our Mother. She and I have spent the last 2 years renovating: bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room, hardwood floors (carpet removal–even in the kitchen & bathrooms)
Chris Pine says
Thanks so much for the great info and the drawing!
Deb Malloy says
Great giveaway ! Love your blog.
You know how to get things done.
JULIANNE MILLER says
We made a cute play kitchen for our girls.
Jeannie says
My mom used to tear down walls and rebuild them in different places when I was growing up. Made for some interesting nights when I’d come home after everyone was in bed. I’ve run into a wall a few times. Haha. Now I like to build things but I leave the walls alone.
Frances says
Thanks for sharing Wes’ perspective. It’s good to know that respect for each other’s talents makes it work for you.
Peggy says
Thanks for this giveaway and your blog. I’ve learned a thing or two from you!
Donna says
My first build two years ago was a 9 foot table. Still love it. Would love to build a workbench (much needed) next.
Alisa says
I am just learning the building process. There are so many things I want to build from closet shelving units and small tables to patio furniture. I love your website!
Kelsey Gardner says
I built my patio table!
charles young says
Great giveaway. This would be great for an upcoming project going to be doing some repair work on a porch.
Kathleen kludt says
I would love to win this to start the ship lap ceilings in our guest room.
Kathleen kludt says
…and then there is the mantle I want to make too!
Angie T. says
I’d love to build some built ins on th PE sides of my fireplace.
Gretchen says
My husband is much handier than I, but I’m the painter. We’ve done wood floors, tile floors, crown moulding, baseboards, etc…but have never taken down walls nor built walls. I’m ready to get the kitchen done – it’s way past time!
Eric Hauck says
When I was in elementary school, I helped my dad as he was building a dump trailer. I got to spray oil on the drill bits as he was drilling holes and then I got to sweep up the metal shavings afterwords. It was fun helping my dad out in the garage.
Shelly says
My daughter and I are currently building a huge chalkboard, a tufted headboard for her bed is next! Thanks for doing this giveaway!
Desaree says
I would love to make some shelves for my new house!
Heather Phillips says
I know just what you mean! My spouse barely survives my DIY antics but his DIY messes are ok — go figure!
CPt says
This spring, I made a bed with drawer storage underneath for my sons small bedroom. It turned out great (and it was my first project)!!! Thanks for giving my the confidence to start doing something I LOVE!!!
John Eagan says
Thank you for the give-away. I buy and love Bosch power tools!
Rodger Smith says
Awesome prize
Heather Thomas says
I would love to try out Bosch tools! About to make my son a bed!
Brian M says
Awesome giveaway and great project you just did.
One of my most recent projects was building a pool fence for my dog. Several months ago my dog went from poor vision to completely blind. We have a pool and the poor guy started falling in, the first couple of times he was able to swim to the steps but the third time he got caught up in the cleaner hose and it wrapped around his body before I could get to him. He was really freaked out. I decided to build a movable, freestanding, segmented fence to give him something to walk against so he couldn’t fall in. I used 2X2s to build a frame, with 2X8X8s as the feet. Then I screened the frame. Pretty simple and nothing nearly as nice as you’ve made but it gets the job done and he’s adjusted well with the fence.
Caitlin Ost says
my dad has about a 15 year old corded drill that hardly work and ive been trying to convince him to get a drill driver combo so
this would ne perfect!
KURT B says
Thanks for the giveaway chances! I just purchased a Bosch drill a couple weeks ago but could use another with a driver.
Colleen L. says
Thank you for offering this giveaway! Wish I had Twitter:)
Cynthia Abelow says
I have a Bosch table saw that I love. I am also the only DIYer in our house. My husband likes the end result and he’s learned to grin and bear the chaos of one of my projects. These Bosch drills look great. Thanks for sharing the info.
Jan freberg says
We just downsized and moved into town from the farm. These would come in very handy with all the little projects we continue to find to do.
Will G says
I built a projector screen recently. I learned what not to do for next time!
Ashley says
As a child I helped my dad, uncle and grandfather build a large shed at my grandparents house. We called it “Grampy’s Barn”
Vicki says
Great post! My husband has finally started appreciating my crazy ideas and projects and will now bring me treasures(i.e. Things from dumpsters).
Julie says
I’m hoping to buid a swingset for our girls this summer!
Rachel says
I’m hoping to build planters for my back patio this summer.
Jennifer says
I love this blog and I’m looking forward to building the queen storage bed.
Brian says
Reminds me of my Adirondack chair build
Alida Garcia says
I love how you guys found a way to work together (or not) on DIY projects. I am usually the main DIYer in our home, but thankfully the boyfriend and I can work together on projects – as long as we discuss what the end product is going to be BEFORE we get started. Our creative minds do not think alike, so we have to be sure we’re both on the same page before diving into any project.
Kirsten says
My husband and I have a similar agreement as you and Wes. I do the building and he keeps the kids busy and helps when I need the extra muscle! My oldest daughter is now helping me with building and she even helped cut and sand a mothers day project for her whole class. I love working with her especially since she is so excited to help!
Kristin C says
I put in the closet shelves and rod and all the supports involved. Small project, really, but it helped with my confidence.
Sharon Flasche says
Our first project was a titter/totter upside down picnic table for our toddler (Now 47 years old). Would love to win this tool combo. Thank You
Karen Best says
You do such amazing work! Love seeing all that you do.
Jamie Byrnes says
Love the setup. I can’t wait to knock out my own. Most of my garage is organized but my wood is a travesty.
Renate Wolfe says
I find it’s best to suprise my husband with my projects. This way he doesn’t have a lot of time to think about why ‘it’s not a good idea’!!! My next suprise will be a custom cornice board …shabby chic made with pallet wood and wine crates. Then I’m going to redo our coat closet. But shhhh hubby doesn’t know all the details just yet! Thanks for always teaching and inspiring me.
Jennifer says
My husband and I are similar. Sometimes it’s frustrating doing projects together. I try to keep a super cool head and not get frustrated but it doesn’t always work. Haha. The last project we actually built together was our bed. I think it was a good testament of our skills and relationship that the bed is still in good shape and so are we! ?
gREG says
I really enjoy your blog. One of my favorite projects that my wife and I worked on together was a new kitchen pantry. The nice thing about DIY projects is that each completed project leads to new ideas and lessons learned.
Leanne says
Thank you for inspiring me to Build Like a Girl!
Patti says
My husband and I decided to enclose our back patio and make a family room in our very small starter home. We framed, installed windows, shingled the roof, insulated, we did everything and it came out great! Then we sold that home and moved just 2 years later.
Donna says
My husband LOVES demolition; however, I prefer that he not get involved with that portion of a project! Several years ago I decided I was going to remove a wall between my dining and living rooms. I was off work for a week and had the house to myself so I could work without distraction or interruption. I just knew I could get that wall taken out, the adjacent walls repaired and the floor patched before I had to return to work. The walls in my house are plaster on metal lath, so I decided the best way to go about it was to neatly remove small sections at a time, using my reciprocating saw. I had gotten more than half way through taking the wall down when hubby came home early from work and offered to help. I was more than happy to have the help, so I went to the garage to get some extra tools. Sweet man was so eager to help, he didn’t wait for me and the tools. He got the hammer I keep under the kitchen sink (I have no idea why I keep a hammer there – I just do) and started breaking up the plaster. I came back inside to find piles of broken plaster scattered everywhere and a husband who was so proud that he had made so much “progress” in such a short time. Thankfully, he has since learned to wait until we have talked through a whole plan before starting on a project – but I still prefer that demo be a solitary activity 🙂
Mike says
Bosch makes some great tools! Love to build cabinets with them. Thanks for doing the give-away.
Laura murphy says
My husband and I have made bunny toys together, but I can’t wait until we get to gut and redo our bathroom!
Samantha says
I love that you can customize with building an item yourself. I looked everywhere for a lounge for our lanai and couldn’t find one that met my needs….I needed lots of seating, pretty and sturdy and not cost an arm and a leg…..so instead I made it myself…..it was a lot of work but everytime I sit on it or have friends and family comment on it, I know it was worth it. My husband was so shocked because I built it while he was deployed, when he came home he didn’t believe that I made it all by myself.
Ellen casper says
My husband and I want to build a pergola in our backyard.
Ali says
My husband and Build a lot of things. We recently purchased our first home and have built a bookcase for the office and a desk for our daughter. We painted the desk her favorite color (light purple) and they turned out fantastic!
Kari says
I’m so impressed by everything on this site. I’m currently drooling over Malisa’s mudroom and sketching/resketching/planning one of my own for my space.
Dana says
Great post!
William Ogrodnik says
This Bosch 2-Tool Combo Kit looks awesome! Very cool blog, I realley like the Industrial Platform Bed plan . Keep up the good work!
Leilani says
We have been working on our basement the past year which has been fun. I’m ready for it to be done though.
Darlene says
A year ago May my husband was working on some trim for the window in the guest room. We had new windows installed and removed the drywall around the windows because we wanted to add trim. Well . . . he had a disagreement with the table saw (no fingers missing!) so I decided to take over where he left off. I’d been wanting to all along, but had other things on my plate at the time. Not only did I trim out the window, I decided to trim out the closet too (after removing some drywall to add jambs.
Mariam says
I am pretty big on refurbishing old furniture right now such as chairs, love to see the power of transformation!
Doris says
My hubby and I bought a new home, and there is much work to be done with the cabinets. Would love to win this prize! 🙂
Eric says
Just now trying to get into the grove of d.i.ying, very rewarding.
God bless!
Sarah says
Drilling inside an 8″ cavity? My drill is bohemoth! And heavy. I’d love to switch mine out.
David Mason says
Great giveaway – hope I win! Working on the garage, would be nice to see the floor again.
Katherine says
I’ve recently started building my own arsenal of tools for the many furniture projects I find myself involved in these days. My first solo mission was rehabbing a very old dresser with water damage that needed to have some of the veneer removed. This led to my first major tool purchase- a belt sander. My daughter was the recipient of this dresser and my husband carried it upstairs to her room. Since then I’ve purchased a few more tools but I’m saving up for a table saw next!
Carly Williams says
I remember helping my granddaddy build in his garage when I was young.
Brad rozman says
My 5-year-old son and I just built a workbench. He’s a great helper and loved working with me.
Cate says
I built a miniature Roman villa for school and haven’t looked back since!
Cheryl says
My seven kids and I love to build together! Starting to build a few extra cabinets for our kitchen. Love following your blog. P.S. We love Bosch!
Yev Shek says
The family that builds together, stays together?
Gayle Bate says
When my husband and I first started dating, we spent many hours fixing up his 1st home. Flooring in the kitchen and bath, cabinets in the garage, ripped out old carpet in the bedroom and fixed the hard wood floor. Lots of painting. After we married and our twins arrived we fixed up the Nursey by moving my sewing room to the garage with cutting counter and cabinets. Later, a large play structure for the boys and all the neiborhood kids. My husband tells people the reason he married me was that I could power tools. As the boys grew they learned to build fences, install a large pond with patio and fire pit and raised planter that spanned the property. They both now have there own projects. We all know that if you want it done right it’s better done yourself. It teaches great thinking skills and work ethics. Best leasing they have learned
Karen Anderson says
Great post Sandra! I always wondered what Wes thought of your efforts and now I know. My husband and I have been married almost 11 years and in that time we’ve tackled a number of DIY home repairs both inside and outside. We’ve watched a lot of DIY tv and do the Google whenever we need assistance. Like many couples, we approach a project or repair from two different, but valuable, POVs. Me? I’m the meticulous detail, research a lot, do the steps in order gal, and look three step ahead. My hubby had a Dad, thankfully, that taught him how to repair many, many things, but wasn’t the “read the instructions because they’re there” kind of guy. Fine detail? Why? 🙂 With that background and experience, he’s more of a “learn by DOing” guy. Inevitably, there comes a point in a project where my approach and his approach collide and we used to come to a standstill. Thankfully, yelling has never been involved, but pointed debate has. Also, we aren’t a “it’s got to be MY way” couple either. Almost three years ago, we built a farmhouse style deck table. It was during that project (did I mention that though I like instructions, I also like to go off book and modify?) that pushed us into new territory. During that project, we finally realized that when we get to the “pointed debate” that we need to take a step back and see what we can use from each of our approaches to get the best end result. Now, we even call it out, as in “I think this is the point we need to step back and figure out how to combine our POVs to get this done.” Respect for each other has also grown, which is cool. Our DIY projects go much smoother and we laugh a lot, which is the best part of working with your best friend! Sandra, thanks for all that you share to encourage all of us to build it ourselves.
Karen Anderson says
I remember helping my Dad finish a basement once. I was 8 or 9 years and the oldest. I remember helping him put up the paneling, but not much else. I do remember enjoying all the time with him without my siblings. He could, and did, fix anything – cars, plumbing, anything… I thought it was cool. I remember seeing guys show up to do the septic system and I was surprised. Lol… I always thought it was fun. He didn’t, but thought it was a pain in the *%^$# and with raising four kids in the 70s in middle class PA, that’s what a Dad did. I looked for those qualities in men that I dated, and thankfully, I have a hubby that has them! Thanks Sandra!
Karen Anderson says
My hubby and I just spent yesterday helping my youngest brother put the boards down on his expanded deck. He was hesitant to ask for help, but we finally convinced him we would LOVE to help, so he asked. The day went well, with the storm holding off until early evening. What was interesting was seeing how my brother approached a project, using my Dad’s old Craftsman table saw and hearing some of my Dad in my brother’s words and actions. My Dad is with the Lord now, but I know he would have been pleased that we worked together.
mellie guerrero says
Hope i win, thanks sandra for all your blogs, love bosch tools
Denise says
We are doing a huge remodel on our house right now and trying to DIY as much as possible. My next part of the project will be building all of our kitchen cabinets and a new drill driver would be sooo helpful!
Elizabeth says
i am looking forward to building a treehouse for the kids!
Richard says
first project with dad was taking apart and putting back together my tonka dump truck at age 3. haven’t stopped since…
Monica says
This memorial day we took on our first big family DIY project together, a fort bed for my son, using plans from Ana White. I had done all of the measuring and cutting in advance, but it would have been a huge project to finish on my own, so I called in the troops. My mom sanded and stained wood like nobody’s business, my dad helped me assemble, my mother in law and hubby cleared out the room the bed was going into, and my 2 year old son ‘helped’ and provided comic relief along the way. I am so lucky to have had so much help, and my son loves his new bed.
Adam says
I really appreciated reading this. My wife loves creating projects and while I get to perform each task she always seems to desire doing it herself until she can’t figure out a next new step. Looking to get her some of her own tools thinking she will take more interest in learning and will be far more simple to
Grab and go than sort through my organized chaos.
Anthony McMillin says
I built a platform bed for about $30 total. Very cheap! I love DIY.
Anthony Pankala says
Girlfriend would love to win those drills.
Cristin says
We’d love to open up a wall and put some french doors in our family room! Thanks for the giveaway!
Mary Odom says
Thank you for the give away. Those tool would be very helpful. I love building sets for summer theatre productions with my children. Every aspect of the process is fun from the designing to see it on opening night.
Travis says
Thanks for the giveaway. Nice blog!
Derek says
I can’t even remember my first family project. The first one a few years ago that kicked off way too many more was a console table shelf thing from Shanty-2-Chic that my dad and I put together. Now I’ve lost track of what’s been done.
James DENNINGTON says
Thanks for the amazing giveaway,
Keep up the great work, an inspiration!
Laurajj says
Oh one special memory I have is when we were little and my dad helped us build a fort. Oh it was so much fun helping him build it and we loved decorating it. Such beautiful memories!
angela says
My first project was a kitchen island in mine and my now-husbands first apartment together. It was my first time getting to know power tools. My husband was going to help me but I’m a “get sh– done” kinda person and decided to not wait around and move at my husbands slow pace, so I ended up finishing it on my own. That island ended up having to stay in the apt when we bought our house. But now we love going to Home Depot and Lowes and other stores and seeing how the people react when they realize that my husband is the one who knows nothing about what we are there for (and yet they still always talk to him instead of me! even when I’m the one answering the questions and doing all the talking!)
Minh says
My dad and I are working on converting an old crib that noone wants into a queen-size headboard. Fun stuff!
Terrie says
My husband was the woodworker in our house. It never really interested me. That didn’t mean I got to stay out of it completely. It was always, “Honey, can you help me for a sec – ten minutes tops”. Two hours later I got to come upstairs. One of his very first projects was a wooden sofa with cushions. He did a great job and was so proud of it when he brought me downstairs to see it. My only question was how was he going to get it out of the basement. The look on his face was priceless – it only took him 3 days to figure it out. Unfortunately he has been gone for 16 years – he died of melanoma. But his woodworking bug bit me along the way. I had all of these tools and no one to do my projects anymore. Thank God for You Tube. I have slowly but surely been replacing his tools with my tools and have been thinking about a new drill – two would be even better.
brytney says
everyone is amazed by my projects. when i tell them how easy they are and try to talk them into doing their own they are always too scared to even attempt them. i always tell them this blog is what gives me the confidence to even attempt my projects. its so refreshing to read that even the most planned out projects are often a trial and error process. thank you for the great blog!!!!!!!!!!!!
brytney says
and my next project is a fence around a “soon to be” garden area. this new drill and impact driver would be so awesome for that project. my elbow still hurts from using my wimpy drill to build a goat pen
Nancyinnortheastiowa says
I’d love to have these…. hubby has tools galore, but when I need a drill, it’s usually a case of him having it with him on the jobsite he’s working on and I have nothing. It would be so nice to have one of my own!!
Matt says
I made two bookshelves with a chalkboard in between for my kids in their playroom. these tools would be awesome to have in my arsenal!
Eska J says
Our first DIY project together was painting 80% of our first house together. The previous owners had painted it in glorious 90s colors- brick red, hunter green, whipped lemon. Myself, my husband, my mom and aunt all came out for the painting party. We painted all 4 bedrooms, some trim and the bathroom before we even moved in. It was during this process that we found out how un-handy the previous owners were and how much I liked it (he is more like Wes). Four years later and we are still finding WTF things in our house.
I am also building most of our furniture needs because the stuff from the store is expensive piles of garbage. Had to repair the slats of our bed just last week- one of the only pieces of furniture we’ve bought.
Cyndi J says
I was pretty much just the help when dad worked on projects at my house. Our last project was organizing the garage. Sadly, he died on Feb. 28 so now I’m on my own for projects.
Christina says
This is seriously awesome! You have definitely inspired me to do a project of my own. I’ve always wanted too, but I’ve been really intimidated in the past, but you’ve made it look simple.
Thanks for the inspiration!!
Cait says
I’m planning on making some built ins for my parents walk in closet! Your drawer tutorials are priceless.
Kara says
I wish I could get my husband on board for all my projects! Instead he’s an innocent bystander!
Jeana says
A few years ago, my then 14 year old son and I made a gate for our deck. It’s a .1 on the 1-10 scale of difficulty, but we laughed until we cried several times and made a great memory. The project for this summer is cleaning out our storage building, planking the inside walls, putting up an organizing kit we purchased from Lowes, and painting the floors. Would SO love to have cordless tools to work on this project. We could save the extension cord for the fan. Thanks for the give away!
Jessica W says
always do your research, we bought our first home watched TONS of youtube videos and decided we could caulk our shower in a few spots. Little did we realize that the type of caulk changes how hard or easy it is to caulk. We are still laughing at ourselves for messing up a silicon caulk job. We cut it all out and redid it the next day so a few cheap mistake to make,but man it was sad.
Jeanne Gillett says
I love Bosch tools!! I used their 3-way laser level when I built out fence and it was an amazing tool to have since I was stair stepping the section of fence to go along with the slope of the yard. (also just fun to play with the lasers out in the yard) Thanks for the giveaway!! Always look forward to seeing your posts!!
Suzanne says
I signed up for a woodworking class, so I envision completing my project in class.
Shelly says
Would love to win this so I don’t have to share hubby’s tools.
Daran says
My first diy project with my Dad was finishing the basement. I was 12. Ever since then I’ve loved building things. If I win I’m giving it to him for getting me started.
latanya says
making new shelves in the bathroom with my husband
David says
I remember when I was a kid that we built a new fence around our backyard, and then as an adult I used that knowledge to build my own fence at my own home.
Bridgett Wilbur says
I built my son and daughter a play house. They love it.
tim says
Bosch has some nice tools, the giveaway is awesome. Hopefully someone will DIY with their family with the tools.
Jill Cote says
My husband and I would love to totally remodel our kitchen. Like down to the studs. It has a really bad layout and we keep changing our minds on what the best one would be.
Kyle Veatch says
Very cool! Thanks for the giveaway!
Erin says
I love your site. I am currently building my own version of pull out pantry cabinets for my laundry room