c.macoma's Profile

I'm just finishing up a kitchen renovation so I can't speak of wear and tear on the floors but I chose a groutable vinyl tile from Home Depot that has good reviews for durability. I did my whole kitchen floor, tile and grout (about 100 sq. ft.), for $160. That's including the grout I bought for a color test but didn't use. You can cut the tiles with tin snips or a box cutter so I did it myself. It looks really good.
As for appliances, I buy whatever Consumer Reports tells me is a good buy. It hasn't done me wrong yet.

I learned a lot by volunteering with my local Habitat for Humanity. There are pros on job sites who will instruct you on a project that you work on your own or with other volunteers. I learned power-tool proficiency, siding, roofing and lots of other things. And it's a great cause.