Very consistent votes. :)

For more than consistency sake, I vote YES.

My ability to think outside my box.

Price Price PRICE visibility!!! I am not one that believes in telling a contractor that I have X and X dollars to spend on a project, because they will always spend exactly that (or more). Give me what I want when I talk about any project, perhaps with a high and low...or even a list of each item so I could be able to pick and choose. The same thing goes with pictures, projects, and renovations on here or on TV shows. Showing me pretty things without a price makes my eyes gloss over. It would be nice to know that this costs this much, and so on. I realize that each area, contractor, etc., will charge more/less and it depends on materials, on on things like where you live....but showing $100,000 makeovers (without telling me the costs) doesn't do as much for me as having a ballpark figure to know what to expect.

Reputable contractors. My luck with contractors vacillates between bad and worse so I'm no longer brave enough to try to hire anyone. Sadly, remodeling projects have stopped and my home will remain in its unfinished state.

I did a major remodel in 2018 - kitchen, 2 baths, roof, electrical upgrade, HVAC.
Due diligence gave me a great electrician, and an okay plumber. A general contractor came highly recommended and the work was great while he was present. When he wasn’t, I had to deal with the 3 stooges. I finally had to let them go and 19 months later I’m still finishing the drywall, trim and painting. If you want it done right...

I am fully involved in any project at our home: years of supervising remodeling from simple to major in over 50 years of home ownership and four homes has given me plenty of experience in dealing with planning, purchasing, contractors, workers, costs, and dealing with a few surprises. I’m bossy, too, but I smile while giving orders. When I say “supervising”, I mean that I am in the house while most of the work is being done. I have my plans, my level and measuring tape, and because I am in charge, I want to be there to catch an error or answer questions. If a boss contractor is not on site, I don’t want to leave any decisions up to anyone else.

I voted for using my credit card for payments if the contractors accept them (most do). We make sure we have the money in the bank when the job starts. We have a rule that we pay the credit card bill in full every month without fail. Because most big jobs may take at least several months, the cost is spread out. And we use our credit card miles for travel.

Contractor? Nope. I will interview and hire technicians - plumbers, HVAC, etc. myself, thank you. As to the rest of it? It's ALL DIY. I pretty much do all my small electrical stuff myself - new fans, ceiling fixtures, changing switches and outlets, etc. I know HOW to do the big stuff, but the insurance company frowns on it, since I'm not licensed. In the process of gut-rehabbing the kitchen now, which turned out to be more than we bargained for, as there was mold under the floor tile, requiring more gutting than planned. But it's getting there. The feeling of achievement as the projects take shape is priceless! The money saved is a big plus, too. And, yes, I realize some people don't know how to use software to plan and visualize their own space, or even have a vision for what they want, or they don't know which end of the hammer to use. But learning to do your own work is a very valuable thing - and a lot easier now because of YouTube.