This week’s projects highlight the range of commercial and residential handyman services I provide across East Atlanta, Athens, and Oconee County, GA. In high-traffic commercial spaces like quick service restaurants and convenience stores, I handled everything from equipment repairs, facility maintenance, and metal fixture work to custom wood carpentry like mailboxes and built-in solutions. One project involved restoring a loose stainless steel prep area panel, while another required repairing a failing sink in a busy convenience store bathroom.

On the residential side in Oconee County, I completed drywall repairs, finish carpentry, and interior painting, including sanding and applying low-VOC urethane enamel for a seamless, professional finish. From precise drywall patching to custom wood countertops, each project demonstrates the value of skilled handyman services, commercial repairs, and residential improvements that combine problem-solving, craftsmanship, and attention to detail for lasting results.

This blog post offers a behind-the-scenes look at the wide range of projects I take on as a facility maintenance technician and carpenter. From commercial repairs in high-traffic quick-service restaurants to unique problem-solving jobs at gas stations, and even personal projects at home. Each story highlights practical skills, adaptability, and the thought process behind tackling unfamiliar tasks, while also sharing how documenting the work plays a role in both craftsmanship and marketing. It’s an honest look at the variety, challenges, and satisfaction found in hands-on work across commercial and residential environments.

Carpentry has a never ending list of power tools. 

The vast majority have a specific function, to complete a specific task.

In a recent conversation over a track saw, I was asked the importance of the tool, in regard to the operations of my business. 

And truthfully… I don’t need it.

The specific task that a track saw brings is limited to just making sure an absolutely straight cut is achieved. In one shot. Without relying too heavily on skill. Taking the pressure off of a mistake. 

But this can be done as easily with a circular saw. With a few extra steps, including a straight edge, producing the same results.

The conversation then turned from one of convenience, to one of needs. And if my circular saw was to ever stop working, then I would be in a world of problems.

Which is why I am giving you all a list of my…

8 Most Important Everyday Power Tools

In years that followed, I have burned the motor up in the drill. The impact is still around, but is a tired machine. Replaced by newer and more powerful models, only pulled from retirement when needed.

The bit case…. The bits are either lost or stripped.

But the case is still going strong.

Depending on the floor above, you can remove one or two joist at a time. It is best to lean toward one joist, but with the hardwood floors tying the subfloor together, I am given the opportunity to remove two joist.

The removal process, involves a circular saw ripping down the length twice. This does not need to be pretty. The goal is to create a wide gap, to release pressure created between the bottom and top of the joist.

For this project, a flooring contractor had added new treads to this staircase. Where carpet use to be on the risers, were holes from the tack strip and staples. The risers were made of MDF, as well as skirt boards and other various finish pieces. The holes created from the fasteners stood out to the customer, but what was more apparent to me, was the uneven surfaces.