DIY or Pro? Here’s Where I Drew the Line.
This week didn’t start with progress.
It started with food poisoning. 🤢
And if you’ve ever tried to renovate a house while your body is negotiating with gravity… you already know how that goes.
But sometimes the delay forces clarity.
Because this wasn’t just another “replace a valve and move on” type of week.
This was the week I had to decide:
👉 Do I DIY this… or do I call a professional?
We’re installing new kitchen cabinets in a 1970s house here in Nacogdoches, Texas. But before a single cabinet goes in, three plumbing issues were standing in the way:
🚧 A kitchen drain cleanout positioned exactly where my 33-inch corner cabinet needs to live
🚿 Old screw-type washer shutoff valves I completely forgot to replace
🛁 A second vanity drain stub-out in the bathroom that had to disappear
Now I’ll change a valve all day long.
But cutting into the main drain line of the house? That’s not a “learn on YouTube at midnight” situation.
So we called Crawford Plumbing & HVAC.
And what showed up wasn’t just plumbing work. It was professionalism. It was leadership. It was apprenticeship done right.
The journeyman didn’t just do what I asked.
He explained what I needed. 🧠
✔️ Why eliminating a high cleanout reduces cabinet flood risk
✔️ Why glued traps are a long-term headache
✔️ Why slip joints matter
✔️ Why SharkBite fittings don’t belong inside closed walls
✔️ Why isolating valves per code protects you later
That’s the difference between “getting it done” and getting it done right.
One of the most underrated things? They weren’t rushed. ⏱️
They thought about cabinet backers. Access holes. Future serviceability.
And that’s when you know you’re dealing with pros.
This episode of Doubling Down on Freedom isn’t just about plumbing. It’s about knowing your limits. It’s about trusting expertise. It’s about building something that lasts — not just something that passes inspection.
Because freedom isn’t doing everything yourself.
It’s making smart decisions. 💪
We’re two combat veterans with 55 years of combined service documenting the messy, real-world process of:
🏠 Home renovation in 2025
💰 Rental property improvements
🛠️ DIY vs contractor decisions
📊 Long-term wealth building
🧱 Fixing the stuff nobody sees
And yes… drywall patching still exists. And yes… I’m still tired of it. 🎯
If you’re renovating a kitchen, installing cabinets, upgrading plumbing, or wondering when to call a professional instead of risking a disaster — this one’s for you.
Drop a comment if you’ve ever had to choose between DIY pride and professional peace of mind.
And if no one’s told you this week…
Make the day you deserve. 🔥
⏱️ CHAPTERS & SEO TIMESTAMPS
0:00 – First Day Feeling Human (Renovation Delays & Food Poisoning) 🤢
0:56 – Kitchen Cabinet Layout Problem (33” Corner Cabinet Conflict)
1:31 – Drain Cleanout Options Explained (Cut & Cap vs Recess in Wall) 🔧
2:42 – Why High Cleanouts Flood Cabinets 💦
3:58 – Washer Shutoff Valve Upgrade & Code Requirements 🚿
5:48 – SharkBite Fittings in Walls? Don’t Do It. ⚠️
7:23 – Leadership, Apprenticeship & Why Training Matters 👷♂️
10:42 – Flushing Lines & Proper Soldering Process
11:29 – Eliminating the Second Vanity Drain Stub-Out 🛁
12:20 – Final Plumbing Result Before Cabinet Install
12:58 – Contractor Review: What I Look For
13:36 – How a Journeyman Leads an Apprentice
14:19 – Why Not Feeling Rushed Matters ⏱️
14:52 – My One “Criticism” (Drywall & X-Ray Vision Needed 😂)
15:27 – Next Contractor Video Tease
15:48 – Why We’re Building This Channel (DDOF Mission) 🇺🇸
16:12 – Make the Day You Deserve 🔥