Legos were my favorite toy as a kid. What can I say, I like making things. When I was 15, my dad, my grandfather and I completely renovated and updated the interior of an 1800s log cabin. I have been doing similar work, on and off, ever since. The longest “off” segment of my life was spent in full-time ministry, running the children’s program in our local church (though I still built things. You might even see some of my church construction in pictures here, like a throne I made for one of our camps). I strive to apply the Christian principle of treating others (that’s you, the client) the same way I would want to be treated in a similar situation. After moving to Arizona, I spent several years working for people who “flipped” houses, and though my Christian mind set sometimes put me at odds with those employers, I haven’t changed, and the “flipping” definitely expanded my experience and skill set. I am married, with two grown children, a son is in the Navy (can’t tell you what he does or I’d have to kill you) and a daughter who is a stay-at-home mom with two young boys.
TERMS
I work strictly on a time-and-materials basis. My hours are billed at $60/hour with a 1-hour minimum. For minor materials, like a new outlet or a tube of caulking, I will just purchase the material and add the cost to my invoice. For larger projects, you will need to purchase materials (this can be done with telephone call from the Pro Desk at Home Depot or in person).
If you would like an estimate, I charge a $40 trip charge to come to your site for consultation and evaluation. A written estimate is free, and trip charge will be subtracted from the hours if we end up doing the project.
Carpentry
I am an experienced woodworker. In addition to the custom rail shown above, I have made range hoods, entertainment centers, coffee tables, fireplace mantles, and even a throne. Including finish carpentry and trim work.
Electrical
I am comfortable with most electrical jobs, from replacing outlets, lights, breakers, and ceiling fans to rewiring whole rooms. I am not particularly good at troubleshooting, and if you have an undetermined problem, you will need an electrician.
Plumbing
New faucets, shower trim, hot water heaters, garbage disposals, toilet replacement, and clogged pipes. I have even run new sewer lines through concrete floors (not tension-slab, however)
Drywall
I’ve done plenty of drywall work, from patching small areas to finishing multiple rooms. I can apply most textures, including orange peel and knockdown. I am not, however, good at skip-trowel (common in many newer homes) or specialty things like swirl, etc. .
Tile
If you want to tile the whole house or main living area, I’m not your guy. But I have done numerous back splashes, shower surrounds, and bathrooms. I can usually also replace broken tiles and/or re-grout old tile work.
Decks
There’s not a lot of call for decks in AZ, but when i lived in Colorado, I made probably 2 dozen.
Painting
I have a commercial paint sprayer and oversize roller. During my time working for “flippers” I painted several houses inside and out. Note: the most costly and time-consuming part of painting is masking off the thing you DONT want painted. Some clients prefer to do that part themselves.
Barn Doors
Though I suppose it falls under carpentry, I’ve done a lot of barn doors, both hung and built custom.
Creative Solutions
I am pretty good a making up ways to deal with unusual or challenging needs