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.
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- Reliable Work Pants That Can Easily Handle Hard Work
Brunt Workwear’s Martin pants are reliable work pants that aren’t gimmicky. Comfortable, they bend, flex, and breathe. And they aren’t a million dollars. - How to Install a Wood Plank Porch Ceiling Like a Pro
A wood plank porch ceiling warms up the vibe and creates a perfect transition to the outdoors. Find out how to install this WoodPlank tongue-and-groove ceiling. - How to build a no-tile shower surround like a pro
We created a modern no-tile shower surround for a young family’s bathroom basement and they’re so happy with the results. Here’s how and why we chose this look. - How to Pump Poop in a Basement Bathroom
Figuring out how to pump poop in a basement bathroom is a hurdle that needs to be cleared. Let’s dive under the hood of how and why we use a grinder pump. - How to Plan a Basement Bathroom Like a Pro
Need a basement bathroom? We’ll help you with the fixtures and finishes–rain shower, toilet, robe hooks, etc–but we need to get ugly before we can get pretty. - How to Install a Plank Ceiling in a Basement
Install a plank ceiling? We use Armstrong Ceilings in our basement renos. Here’s what you need to know before you begin your basement ceiling project. - Basement Remodeling: What You Need to Know Before You Start
Basement remodeling projects can be worthwhile endeavors that create life-changing square footage in a home. However, a basement renovation project can also be time-consuming, expensive, and frustrating–at times. Our goal as licensed contractors and home improvement content creators is to minimize the time, money, and stress involved in updating your basement so you can enjoy… - Best Insulation Tools and Materials: What You Need to Know
Whether you are insulating an unfinished basement or insulating your porch ceiling, it’s essential to start with the best insulation tools and materials. - Folding Sawhorses: How to Build Easy Lightweight Sawhorses
A foldable sawhorse is essential to our remodeling business. (A lightweight sawhorse is a bonus!) Here’s what you need to know to build folding sawhorses. - QuickTip: How to Uncoil Cords and Hoses Like a Pro
Tangled up hoses can be frustrating and time sucks. So here’s how to quickly uncoil cords and uncoil hoses so you can get back to what you planned to do today. - Extreme Makeover really builds a house in 7 days?
Here’s what really happens at an Extreme Makeover Home Edition project from my view as a project manager on the new version that will air on ABC in 2025. - Tool Review: Best Table Saw is the Skil Table Saw
Skil table saw: Need the best table saw for a mobile jobsite or DIYer? Look no further. Here’s my hands-on Skil 10-Inch Table Saw review. (With Folding Stand) - How To Build a Eye-Catching Wood Driveway Gate
Building a wood driveway gate is a DIY-able project. Here is how to build it so it won’t sag, be out of level, or have trouble closing. - What You Need to Know: DIY Cable Railing for Decks
Yes, there is a DIY cable railing system for wood decks. We have installed a few kinds of cable railing systems, and this was the easiest so far. - How to Build a Shed Kit: What You Need to Know
Looking at Lifetime shed kits? Learn how to build a shed kit from pros who aren’t selling Amazon shed kit, including how long does it take to build a shed kit. - What You Need to Know: Cordless Dremel 8240 and Corded 3000 Kit
I’ve used both the Dremel 8240 and the 3000, and have sussed out what you need to know in order to choose the right one for your projects. - How to Build a Simple Backyard Grapevine Arbor
Got grapes in your gardening plans? Here’s how to build a simple grapevine arbor for your backyard. - What You Need to Know: Skil 40V Circular Saw
As far as the Big Boss Skil 40-volt in-line circular saw goes, this thing does not have a “motor,” it has a “power plant.” - This Carpenter’s Advice for Navigating a Satisfying Life
When a local design organization invited me to host their annual awards, I reached into my toolbox for my trusty carpenter’s advice and rules for living that I discovered through hard work on jobsites. - The Best Useless Screwdriver is a Pleasure to Hold: MetMo
Metmo sent us their screwdriver–it’s a $150 ratcheting screwdriver with no bit storage. It’s the best useless screwdriver that’s fun to play with. Here’s why. - What You Need to Know: Evolution Power Tools’ 10-inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Evolution Power Tools’ R255SMSL is a sweet little choocher. A 10-inch slide compound miter saw, it took a “pinball path” to my shop where its here to stay. - What You Need to Know: Sherpa-Lined Milwaukee Tool Vest
A warm vest is just one important feature for a busy remodeler or DIYer. Find out what I learned while using the sherpa-lined Milwaukee Tool vest on job sites. - What You Need to Know About the Worx 20V Cordless Drill/Driver
So you are curious about the Worx 20V cordless drill/driver? They are on to something with this design–for a wide variety of tool users. - Best Paint Brush For Cutting In Crisp Professional Details
I’ve tried many paint brushes over the years for cutting in, and the best paint brush is the PF Richard Edge Painting Tool. Here’s why. - How to Plan a Backyard Privacy Screen
A privacy screen can carve out just a little slice of seclusion without the expense and hassle of a perimeter privacy fence.
