You want stress?  Try building one, literally and mostly, with your own hands.  A contractor friend put up the shell (foundation, framing and windows), and we subbed out the drywall (best $7K I ever spent).  But the rest - clearing the lot (a former Christmas tree farm and a story in itself), electrical, plumbing, insulation, siding, roofing, tile, hardwood floors, railings and trim, painting concrete floors and deck, landscaping, and ??? - were my Dad, ex-FIL, brother and BIL, uncles, cousins, friends, and other volunteers.  Oh, and we got a day of lessons from the HVAC people pto build and install the 3 zones of ductwork.  It only took about two years of nights and weekends - plus one heart attack and a few falls/spills with broken bones.  I’m way too old to ever try it again, but I treasure the experience, friendships and memories.

You want stress?  Try building one, literally and mostly, with your own hands.  A contractor friend put up the shell (foundation, framing and windows), and we subbed out the drywall (best $7K I ever spent).  But the rest - clearing the lot (a former Christmas tree farm and a story in itself), electrical, plumbing, insulation, siding, roofing, tile, hardwood floors, railings and trim, painting concrete floors and deck, landscaping, and ??? - were my Dad, ex-FIL, brother and BIL, uncles, cousins, friends, and other volunteers.  Oh, and we got a day of lessons from the HVAC people pto build and install the 3 zones of ductwork.  It only took about two years of nights and weekends - plus one heart attack and a few falls/spills with broken bones.  I’m way too old to ever try it again, but I treasure the experience, friendships and memories.

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