I’m Mark. And I’m a home improvement expert and a get-it-done guy.
I’m a licensed contractor, tool expert, wood and outdoor enthusiast, and former elite Spartan Race competitor. And I have been reviewing residential construction tools in print, online, on TV, and in video for professionals and DIYers for more than 20 years.As a single-operator remodeler with services ranging from basements, kitchens, and baths to exteriors such as landscape upgrades and snow removal, my sweet spot is designing and building decks.
As a content creator and home improvement expert, I’m the author of The Carpenter’s Notebook, a novel and how-to mash-up that seeks Truth and Love in the rules that carpenter’s must learn and live with. I’ve written hundreds of magazine articles and been a magazine editor.
As a co-principle in the MyFixitUpLife brand with my wife, I’ve produced 1,000s of blogs and 100s of videos in the DIY and shelter space. I have participated in the production of various television shows on a variety of networks. The one thing that ties it all together is a desire to leave a space better than I found it, whether that’s with a tractor and chainsaw or coping saw and pinner.
Book your helpful home design assessment session today!
- How to replace a deck railing like a pro
If your deck railing is looking worse for wear, it may actually be unsafe, too. Here’s how to replace a deck railing like a pro. - Why I Carry the Estwing Hammer 19-Ounce Rip Claw
These days I carry Estwing’s 19-ounce Ultra Series Smooth Face Rip Claw Hammer with Leather Grip. It is my every-day carry. And this Estwing hammer is awesome. - How to Resurface an Old Deck with New Decking
Want to resurface an old deck? You can do it. Here’s how. Just don’t put new decking on an unsafe deck structure and find out how pros remove old decking. - Should I Gap Pressure Treated Decking? Find out.
It’s a hotly debated part of wood deck building, so how do you know if you should gap pressure treated decking where you live? - How-To: Best Method to Fertilize Your Spring Lawn
The first thing to about how to fertilize your spring lawn is to know when to fertilize. Also are you doing basic maintenance or repair and rescue? - After It Snows, Should I Wait to Wash My Car?
Is it smart to wash a car after it snows, while there’s still salt everywhere, or should you wait? After it snows, how long should I wait to wash my car? - Tool Review: Klein Tools Backpack is Built Tough
If you are wondering if the Klein Tools backpack is the right solution for you, read this review. We use the Klein backpack for a few months. - Can My Car Battery Power My Furnace During Power Outage?
You may have seen an outlet on your furnace and wondered: “Can my car battery power my furnace during a power outage?” Stop and read this. - How to Keep Your Family Safe During a Snowstorm
Before the snow starts falling, get your home and family ready so you can keep your family safe during a snowstorm. Here’s what we do to prepare for snow. - The Best Snow Tools for Managing Winter
We’ve discovered the best snow tools for managing winter after years of doing snow removal for other homeowners and for commercial clients. - HVAC Not Working? Did You Check the Thermostat or Filter?
HVAC not working properly? It happened to us this winter, and here’s what we did to fix it. - Easy Cold Weather Tips for DIY Home Maintenance
Keeping your home comfortable during the winter is essential and non-negotiable. Here are some easy cold weather tips for DIY home maintenance. - Best Work Boots for DIYers? Sullivan Boots by Brunt Workwear
We tested Brunt Workwear boots. Are the Suliivan Brunt boots ready for home improvement? Here’s what you need to know about the best work boots for DIYers. - How to Remove Popcorn Ceiling–NOT fun. Even less ‘easy.’
If you’ve moved into a home that hasn’t been updated since the 1970s, you may have a popcorn ceiling. Here’s how to remove popcorn ceiling texture. - Best Flooring Saw for New DIYers: Skil Flooring Saw
A miter saw and table saw in one, the Skil flooring saw is the best flooring saw for LVP. And it cuts more than just that, too. Here’s what you need to know. - Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw is the Skil 10″ Miter Saw
This is the best sliding compound miter saw for DIY projects. The Skil 10″ miter saw–dual bevel sliding compound–is light, mobile, accurate, powerful. - Tool Review: Best Tape Measure is the 25-Foot Stanley FatMax
I’ve tried many tape measures over the years, and the Stanley FatMax 25-foot tape measure is not just the best tape measure, it’s the best by a hundred miles. - How to Build a Slip Board Fence with Pro Fence Tips
A slip board fence is a smart idea for a large yard. Here’s what you need to know about how to build a slip board fence. And find out a few pro fence tips. - How to Stain a Pressure Treated Wood Deck
Stain a pressure treated wood deck to protect the wood and amp-up the aesthetics. Here’s how to stain a deck using Cabot’s Solid Color Acrylic Stain + Sealer. - Skil PWRCore 20V Impact Driver Tool Review: What You Need to Know
The Skil PWRCore 20V Impact Driver is a pro tool hidden in DIY marketing. A versatile impact driver, it’s a smart choice. Check out the tool review. - Install LVP Flooring With Our Tips & Tricks
LVP is a smart choice in basements, especially budget-friendly basement remodels. Here are tips and tricks that will help you install LVP flooring. - Book Review: A Social History of The Bathroom
Curious about the history of the bathroom? The origin story of home parts can be fascinating. Here’s a good book on the history of cleanliness. - How to Detail a Curved Deck Railing Top Cap
We posted a short video of the curved deck railing top cap detail on social media, and got a blow-up. So here’s why a curved top cap works and how we made it. - How to Glue a Wood Plank Feature Wall Like a Pro
For this project, we installed a wood plank feature wall using adhesive. Here’s what you need to know before you attempt this kind of project. - What’s the Best Nail Gun Hose? The Lay-Flat Ridgid
There’s more than just performance testing when it comes to the best nail gun hose. This lay-flat from Ridgid is the best air hose I’ve used. Here’s why.
