Upon retirement in 2010, I bid on a gutted foreclosure in Florida. The only things left in the home were the tubs and master shower, no cabinets, faucets, electric switches, outlets, hvac, water heater, etc. everything that could be ripped out had been.
Had to use my 401k to pay cash for the home, as it was unfit to live in, therefore unfit to mortgage. So, I had to install toilets, switches and outlets, and capped off the plumbing that had been cut off at the walls and moved in. Have been saving money and working on projects as the savings allow.
Two years ago I put in the lower kitchen cabinets and IKEA shelves on the wall for dishes, Saved the money for the upper cabinets that will be installed this fall.
My Master Bath and Bedroom is next, still using the tub to brush my teeth and wash up, missing sinks and cabinet. I would love to win a dream bath so I could put the SPA style bath I would love to have rather than what I can afford.
These projects I have been working on may not be much for a man to do, but I am a 66 year old woman. I hire a handyman to help me with the heavy work, he understands I want it done right and according to codes. He is a very patient man :-)