Hey there! I’m Scott, and I’m just a dad trying to keep our 1980s house in one piece—one DIY project (and several fumbles) at a time.
Here’s the thing: I’m not a contractor, I can’t always afford a professional, and plumbing still terrifies me. But when something breaks or needs fixing, I roll up my sleeves and figure it out. Sometimes I get it right the first time. Usually, I don’t.
What you’ll find here are honest how-to guides from my real DIY projects. This isn’t about creating the perfect Pinterest house—it’s about making our home work for our family without breaking the bank. I share step-by-step instructions, budget breakdowns, and yes, all the mistakes I make along the way.
My DIY education started early, watching my dad tinker and fix things in our old house growing up. I learned you can fix almost anything if you’re willing to try enough times (and that most home improvement projects come with a few four-letter words). When I accidentally yanked that bedroom light fixture from the ceiling as a kid, Dad taught me that mistakes are just part of the learning process.
Why “Fixes & Fumbles?” Because that’s how real DIY works. For every successful project, there are usually a few attempts that don’t go as planned. I’ve learned more from my fumbles than my fixes, and I figure you might too.
If you’re a first-time homeowner, living in an older house, or just trying to improve your home on a budget, you’re in the right place. I’m learning as I go, and when you see ways I can do things better, please let me know!
Ready to figure things out together? Let’s tackle these projects one fix and several fumbles at a time.