Get the kids involved with age appropriate—safe—home improvement activity. Even if they don’t thank you now, they’ll
thank you later.
Related Posts
Busy kid carpenters
It doesn’t take much to inspire our kids to get moving. I was asked to post a family photo of us–or at least a photo…
22 Jun 2010
Fence-Post Footings
Question: I’m building a fence. I’m wondering if I have to pour concrete in the post hole. A carpenter buddy of mine says that he…
09 Jun 2011
All About Fences
Three Fences Designing, detailing, and installing fences for looks, quality, and production speed Mark Clement If I said I didn’t like building fences, I’d be…
19 Feb 2011
Before and after: Phatso’s Bakery ‘resort whimsy’ on Save My Bakery
Phatso’s Bakery inspired what I call ‘Resort Whimsy’ design for the Food Network show ‘Save My Bakery.’ After talking with the owner for a while…
27 Mar 2014
Save My Bakery: Makeover at Schubert’s Bakery
We learned a new word during the Nazareth, PA, ‘Save My Bakery’ makeover for Food Network: Faschtnacht.
03 Apr 2014
Pergateola: Getting started
Today’s mission is to prep the yard, layout the post holes, dig, dig some more, and set the posts in fast-setting concrete. As we like…
07 Oct 2010
Quick tip: Help your fence last longer with a top cap
Building a cedar fence can be a yard-charger, and a fun way to spend a weekend. So after we’ve put in the DIY hours to…
17 Jun 2013
Today’s Tip: Deck Stair Rail Layout
Guard rails on stairs need to be 36 inches (minimum) above the stair nosing and cut to the same angle of the stair’s rise and…
09 Jun 2012
How to build a grill platform
We made a mini-deck and a wood platform for our new grill. No deck, no patio? No problem. Make a grill platform. We did. Our…
19 Aug 2011
Designing a playground for the kids of Joplin: Dream, Play, Love
When Mark and I heard that Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was planning to build 7 houses in 7 days in Joplin for families affected by…
11 Jan 2012
MyFixitUpLife talk show: Master Plumber Ed Del Grande
Listen to the show! April 17, 2010: What Happens in Vegas with Ed Del Grande. Voted one of the funniest comedians in America…
17 Apr 2010
How to rebuild a deck with two raised platforms for grilling + chilling
Mark and Theresa tear down a crumbling deck and rebuild the deck better for a family of four. They used Waste Management’s Bagster Bags to…
23 Oct 2012
How-To: Jack’s Kid Bench
Jack is a bench-builder if I’ve ever seen one. And since he is still in his pre-tall years, a bench that doubles as a…
10 Dec 2012
Create a Backyard Sanctuary
Using Western Red Cedar for backyard sanctuary seating areas gives homeowners a variety of design options to work around. This wood is sustainable, environmentally friendly,…
02 Aug 2013
How to build a stepped pergola with seating
If you’ve got grand backyard landscaping ideas, then how to build a pergola with seating–that rocks—should be on your list. This pergola is a one-of-a-kinder…
04 Jul 2014
