Four aspects of living in a fix-me-up house

Last December, my wife, three daughters, dog, and I moved into a big, old, fix-me-up house.

I have tried to reduce the philosophy of living in such a place to a simple, clear approach. So answer the following four questions, and you will enable yourself to live in a fix-me-up house.

1. What do I have the knowledge to fix myself?

2. What do I have the money to get someone else to fix?

3. What old or broken things am I willing to live with?

And last, but most importantly,

4. What old or broken things, other than me, is my wife willing to live with?

Note: The answer to No. 4 usually involves far fewer items than the answer to No. 3.