Build to Made - DIY from a Dad

10/21/2025

10/15/2025

I ripped out those annoying shelves, BUT didn’t see that leak coming!

The laundry room is one of the easiest spots to DIY. You can add storage, learn new skills, and even handle surprise problems - without turning the rest of your home upside down. If she’s smiling, I’m surviving!

Follow for more DIY projects.

10/10/2025

I didn’t realize this small cap outside my house is actually tied to my washer drain (the clean out) - and it could help clear a serious clog. Here’s how it works.

Your washer empties into a pipe, which drops into a P-trap. That curve holds a little bit of water to block sewer gases, but it also collects lint, soap, and hair if your washers filter doesn’t already do it. Most modern high efficiency top loading washers don’t.

Usually, I can clear a clog here with a drill-powered drain snake. Wiggle it slowly until it frees up.

But what if the clog is deeper? The clean out gives plumbers straight access to the sewer line. Open it with a pipe wrench and feed in the auger. Once you’re done seal the threads with PVC tape and close it up.

Now what does this roof vent have to do with this cleanout down here? It’s tied to the same line to let air escape so drains don’t plug. Though rare you might have to call a pro if there’s debris stuck here.

It’s all fascinating or maybe I’m the only one. Hope you found this helpful and talk soon!

10/03/2025

Part 3: Laminate flooring install

If you missed parts 1 and 2, after a water mishap, I ripped out the carpet in my son’s closet and replaced it with laminate flooring.

In this part, I’m finishing it off with quarter round molding to cover the expansion gaps. I left the original trim in place for consistency with the rest of the house and to cut down on extra work.

A few tips:
1) Hardwoods like oak cost more, but they stain beautifully and last.

2) When measuring, add just a touch of extra length so the quarter rounds fit snug. You can bend them in place and secure with brad or pin nails for a cleaner look.

3) Use a miter box or saw for your cuts - simple 45° angles work best, but pay attention to direction depending on the corner.

4) Add a transition strip anywhere two flooring types meet-they come in plenty of shapes and sizes.

Stay tuned, I’ll show you how I organize my son’s clothes next!

03/05/2025

Get free plans and dimensions for this folding table made from just 3 studs (and scraps)!

Check the link in my bio.

This is an easy-to-follow build that you can customize to suit your needs. Though I used scrap materials, I walk you through each component to guide you along the way.

I hope you find this helpful! Talk soon!

02/16/2025

Get free plans and dimensions from 2x2 storage configurations up to 4x4!

Check the link in my bio.

This is a simple build that can be customized for your needs. I’ve calculated dimensions based on common bins.

I hope you find this helpful! Talk soon!

12/24/2024

I’ve worked on a lot of projects throughout the year, but this has to be my most favorite and the most challenging. I didn’t quite know where to begin, but I picked up a trailer kit and started chipping away. The best gift this father could get for his son 💙

11/04/2024

We turned a corner of our yard into a special place for Monarch butterflies! This project took a few months, and we started it to remember loved ones who have passed away.

At first, we didn’t know much about creating a butterfly sanctuary, but we decided to give it a try. We planted milkweed plants for the butterflies, and recently we got to see caterpillars change into butterflies!

We even built a small cage to protect them while their wings got strong enough to fly. By spring, we hope to add more plants that provide nectar, use safe practices, and avoid pesticides to make the area even better for them.

This has been a big learning experience, but the best part has been working with my son, unlocking core memories that we’ll always have. Now, he’s excited to plan other gardens too!

Thank you for following along - we’ll keep you updated!