My first project was painting the kitchen in an apartment I rented as part of a deal I made with my landlord; I agreed to paint the kitchen in return for eliminating a rent increase. The job was a major undertaking due to the age of the unit, but it was well worth it.

I got started because I enjoy seeing improvement done by my own hand and it's a great way to increase the value of my home as a result.

I wanted to turn my kitchen into a place that I enjoy spending time in. The original décor wasn't bright or friendly with its faux maple cabinets and brass hinges, not to mention the outdated fluorescent lighting framed in the same faux finish.

The faux maple was the first thing that had to go so I painted the cabinets white to match the nice white tile on the countertops. I always wanted a white kitchen and was going to have one even if I had to create it myself! The brass hinges didn't match the black appliances so I painted the hinges a flat black using wrought iron spray paint from a craft store.

As for the traditional drop down ceiling, I pulled out the fluorescents and installed recessed lighting in the lighting bay. I have to be honest though -- I hired a friend with trusted electrical experience to help me install the lighting. When we were finished installing the new canister lighting, he admitted he wasn't used to getting so much help from those he did handy work for. I enjoyed every minute of it and learned a lot about working on electrical and drywall projects.

The ceiling was finished off with texture and bull-nosing (rounded edges), then I painted the ceiling to match the cabinets.

Now I have a kitchen that's bright and homey that I love to be in!

I would have to say it's my kitchen by far. Probably because it came out so wonderful and now that it's done -- I love cooking in it!

I've done some electrical, but only enough not to get myself into trouble. I've installed a programmable thermostat that has saved me so much money on my electric bill and I painted the entire garage and installed canister lighting in there as well. I'm now building cabinets that will include a workbench that will be wired for under cabinet lighting.

Pride and self gratification I get from my accomplishments and proving I can do it myself!

That would have to be planning! I really go though each project like a chess game, looking many steps ahead. If I have any doubt while I'm working I step back and rethink it. It has saved me a great deal of heartache and time.

It's extremely cost effective; you learn all kinds of new skills and hone that part of yourself you never knew existed. I love how it brings out my creativity and has helped to improve my self confidence when learning new skills. I've never been good at being helpless and it has shown me that I never have to be.

I'm definitely inspired by the idea of overcoming obstacles but more to the effect of, "If I'm not happy with something I can change it!" I love the fact that I am making a difference in my home and am enjoying the process!

Don't be afraid to ask the people at the retail stores who have the knowledge and expertise. Also, be sure you plan it out step by before getting started. You can still count on making numerous trips to the hardware store but you can at least minimize them!