My name is Dave.  I have a masters degree in Engineering.  While I am not an expert on DIY I have learned quite a bit over time from both my grandparents (One a Plumber, and the other an Electrician) and my father (A Certified Safety Professional who currently works for OSHA).  I consider myself a jack-of-all-trades.  I have owned three homes now and performed a number of renovations/repairs even first ones succesfully, including installing hardwood flooring, basic painting, and plumbing repairs.