Dear Richard Madeley: My husband never finishes his DIY jobs around our house

I don’t want to live in a hovel, but he becomes moody whenever I bring up his aborted projects

I have been with my husband for 25 years now. Several years ago, he decided that our garage roof was too low; in his wisdom, he resolved to raise the roof on his own. Needless to say, it has leaked ever since and various tools and bits of kit have migrated into the house, where they have remained. Five years ago, he began to redecorate the downstairs loo – that’s still only half-done (and he injured his back getting it that far!). Various other jobs are terminally half-done, too.
I would appreciate any advice as I can’t face the thought that as my health deteriorates (I am 76, with various ailments), I will spend my remaining days in this hovel. If I talk to him about it, he just sulks. I just want my home to be peaceful and tidy and a nice place to live in. 
— Wendy, via email
Well… judging by your letter, there’s not much point in pressuring him to finish and/or repair the work. Even if he grumpily comes out of his sulk and agrees to do it, his track record on completion is extremely poor, to say the least. He’ll just end up shuffling around here and there, poking ineffectually at this and that, and then abandoning the various projects again. 
I’m afraid you need to get the professionals in, Wendy. I realise that this will offend your husband’s DIY amour propre, but tough. Enough is enough. It’s just as much your home as it is his, and you have every right to be comfortable and at ease in it. He’s had plenty of time to resolve these issues and he’s fallen short. It’s time for you to assert yourself.
So contact reputable local painters, decorators and builders, and ask them for quotes for completing your husband’s half-finished work. (I would suggest getting three separate estimates – politely inform them that you’re doing this, and you should get competitive quotes.)
Your husband won’t be happy about it, but too bad. After all this time you are entitled to take charge of the situation. You have been very patient. Now be strong. 
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