Finish Carpentry, Home Projects, and Hiring Advice—Straight from the Field
Whether you're hiring help for your home or planning a project yourself, the posts here offer real-world insights, practical guidance, and industry-specific advice you won’t find in generic DIY blogs.
Written by a finish carpenter with years of hands-on experience in homes across the South and Midwest, this series is designed to help homeowners everywhere—from St. Louis to Seattle—make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and better understand what goes into great work.
From hiring tips and seasonal prep advice to deep dives on trade specialization and project planning, this page is your launch point.
The Carpentry Guide Series
Everything you need to know to tell a true finish carpenter from a hobbyist, plus expert insight into how the trade really works.
Home Tips & Seasonal Advice
Smart, timely advice to help you protect your home, plan your next project, and avoid common pitfalls—straight from the jobsite.
The Carpentry Guide Series
Real-world knowledge and expert insights to help you spot quality finish carpentry, hire smarter, and avoid common pitfalls—straight from the jobsite.
Curious what sets a true finish carpenter apart from someone who just owns the tools?
This post lays the foundation. It kicks off the series by exploring what finish carpentry really involves—why it matters, where amateurs often fall short, and how to recognize true craftsmanship. If you're ready to make informed decisions and spot quality work, this is where the journey starts.
This post explores how years of hands-on experience shape quality, consistency, and results—and why that track record should matter to you.
Finish carpentry is one of the most misunderstood—and undervalued—trades in residential construction.
This chapter breaks down what it actually involves, when it happens during a build, and why it leaves a lasting mark on your home. You’ll learn what’s included, where precision matters most, and how this final phase is often the difference between average results and lasting quality.
Home Tips & Seasonal Advice
From prep checklists to smart upgrade ideas, these posts offer helpful insights for taking better care of your home—any time of year.
From insulation tips to exterior checks, this post covers smart ways to winterize your home. Learn what to do, when to do it, and how to keep your space safe, efficient, and warm through the cold months.
Working on a home built before 1978? This post explains the risks of lead paint, how to stay safe, and why the EPA’s Renovate, Repair, and Paint (RRP) Rule matters. Learn when testing is needed and what steps to take for a lead-safe renovation.
Explore the best door materials for style and function. From classic wood to durable fiberglass and steel, this guide breaks down the benefits of each to help you make the right choice. Whether you're upgrading curb appeal or replacing a damaged door, it’s all here.