Really, What's the worst that can happen?

Did you notice? I changed my blog header and my byline!  (all 20 of you, I expect comments!)

What is the worst that can happen?  I'm talking home projects, life projects, new projects, new ideas here.... This is the question I always pose before I take on a project: If I start this, what's the worst case outcome?  Is it so bad I can't change it? If I can't change it, will that be so bad?  Can I live with it? 

Usually, the answer to the "worst" is really not that bad. 

If I have to call a repairman, and I can't make it worse, I'll try first.  I've found with some issues, I either don't have the right tools (plumbing) or the worst is more than I'm willing to wager (falling off the roof, per se).  So I leave roofing to the pros.

Underway!

Ripping carpet up?  It was so bad on the steps, anything would be an improvement, so bare steps are better than dirty carpet, so I went for it.  I still don't like the paint effect I have, but it still easier to keep clean.  And one day, I will love it.

Putting new floors down in the basement? OK, that took a bit longer to ponder, as there was a large cost involved in buying the floor.  But if I couldn't pull it off?  I had a handyman waiting that would help me out.  For the most part I didn't need it, and pulled it off.  When I did need help with the doorjambs, I called.  And when I did smash my thumb and had to go to the ER? Well, ok, that wasn't great, but it healed.  Be careful!

horrible aweful night picture!

Making wood headers in the dining room? Check.  Do I love them? Nope, and I already have a replacement in mind.  Cost: a few wood scraps and some fabric I'll re-purpose. 

Experience: I'll use this idea again....so for having to patch a few holes in the wall, it was all worth it.   As decorating is something I have no built-in knack for, it's a try-as-you-go thing and then try something else until it works. 




Tree house?  Again, the biggest issue here was cost: I decided to buy as I went along, so I didn't expense the entire cost up front.  If I got stuck, I'd either quit, or again, find help.  Piece by piece, sleepless nights trying to figure out the next steps, and many more trips to Lowe's than I would have had otherwise,  we had a tree house!

What else?  Paint can be repainted....wood can be (mostly) recut....fabric reused and furniture moved around. 

As long as the "worst case"  isn't more than you're willing to wager, I say...go for it! 

The best? You get a cool project, a great finish, and at the least, experience for next time. 

So, what's on your list? What's holding you back?  Go ahead and jump on in. 

Because hey...what's the worst that can happen?