About the Old Fart

My background is in the creative field, with a degree in studio design. I got my start in homeownership in 1989 when I purchased my first home—a 1900 Queen Anne-style house in a pretty dilapidated condition for $22,000.
I was fortunate at the time to have met a property owner and his wife who knew a great deal about the maintenance and repairs necessary for an older home. From them, I learned the installation of standard 3-tab shingle roofing, repairing plaster walls backed by lathe, refinishing hardwood floors, fence construction, basic electrical repair, and even structural framing and building of outbuildings.
After a couple of years of that initial learning period, I then worked as a contractor’s “gopher” and also became involved in neighborhood development. At that point, I learned more extensive wiring, full-house framing, drywall, and finishing wood siding applications, as well as my favorite: paver sidewalks and patios. I also took classes in lead paint remediation and became certified.I also served an the Housing Appeals Board in Grand Rapids, Michigan for three years.

With each new project, I gain added experience to bring to the next project. I would love the opportunity to provide a quote for your next repair or home improvement project. Feel free to use the Old Fart quote form.

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Old Fart Services

Handyman Repair Services

This includes repair of what’s existing. Wall repair- either drywall or plaster, paneling, interior painting, basic electrical repair, and more.

Out Building / Shed Construction

At some point every homeowner finds a need for new outdoor storage, especially when considering Michigan winters. Think storing lawn furniture, garden tools and yard mainenace supplies.

Basic Plumbing

I have to admit that of all my acquired talents plumbing is the one I disliked the most. HOWEVER with the advent of Pex I’ve gained some experience and certainly willing to look at the project. Otherwise basic faucet repair and garbage disposal install is no problem!

Remodeling

A usual first step in remodeling is demo of a current space, requiring an eye for load bearing walls then engineering a plan for what you need. Although not a licensed contractor I can certainly provide services of demo and a one room rebuild plan.

Home Painting

Unless its a one story bungalow exterior painting is where my “Old Fartiness” comes into play as ladders now seem like evil demons to my body. But single story and trim painting and interior painting are nooo problem whatsoever and even pro painters have remarked about my cutting in abilities. I wonder how many miles of walls I’ve actually painted anyway.

Custom Built-ins

Design / build is a specialty and I can provide the plans and specs for any special project – whether it’s applying a plan for optimal closet space or special storage for a media center. I love taking the project from initial conceptualization to final build and finishing.

My love of historic restoration began in 1983 when I restored the store front on IMAGES in the west side of historic Bay City, Michigan.

As a founding member of Cherry Hill in the early 1990s ( I was the one that named the neighborhood) I renovated my home, adding a front porch back on to historic standards. I then purchased the sister house next door and made similar improvements.