I don't remember working in the rain. Most of the jobs were indoor renovations. There were additions. There wasn't much you could do in the rain.
I got my first dishwasher at a kitchen reno. The woman gave me her old one. A role up to the sink and attach it to the faucet type that opened up at the top.
I had a washing machine like that my Great Aunt gave me. Eventually it started leaking so I gave it away to DIY fixer.