Anton Handyman

05/27/2026

Small details make a big difference.

The old caulking around this vanity backsplash was cracked, separating from the wall, and already collecting dirt and moisture. Everything was cleaned properly, old material removed, and fresh silicone applied for a cleaner finish and better water protection.

A lot of homeowners underestimate bathroom caulking, but water behind a backsplash can slowly damage drywall, vanity sides, and even create hidden mold problems over time.

Quick DIY tip:

1. Never apply new caulk over loose or dirty old caulk
2. The surface must be completely dry before applying silicone
3. Smooth the bead right away before it skins over
4. Less caulk usually looks better than too much caulk

Small repair. Cleaner look. Better protection.

05/04/2026

Fence replacement from the ground up.

The old fence was leaning, sections were falling apart, and at that point patching it just doesn’t make sense anymore.

We tore everything out and rebuilt it the right way — new pressure-treated posts, straight layout, and fresh cedar pickets all the way through. Clean line, solid structure, and it will last.

If you’re planning to do this yourself, the biggest mistake is posts. Don’t rush that part. Set them 6 inches deep frost line (42 inch+6 for Hennepin county).

Align them carefully, and let them lock in properly before attaching anything. If posts are off, the whole fence will look bad no matter how good your boards are.

04/30/2026

Lattice skirting upgrade and full refresh.

The old skirting was damaged, uneven, and partially missing, leaving the area under the deck exposed and visually messy.

What was done:

1. Removed old broken lattice sections
2. Installed new PVC lattice panels across the entire perimeter
3. Cut and fitted panels to follow grade and deck geometry
4. Painted all visible interior posts to match the black lattice
5. Built a removable section for future access

Result:

1. Clean and consistent look around the deck
2. Protected space underneath from debris and animals
3. Easy access for maintenance when needed

04/15/2026

Lattice skirting installation.

The area under the addition was open, which made it look unfinished and allowed debris and animals to get underneath.

What was done:
1. Installed new lattice skirting around the perimeter
2. Painted interior posts to match the color of the PVC lattice
3. Designed one removable panel for future access for maintenance and storage when needed

04/08/2026

Fence repair after storm damage.

The fence had multiple failed sections — panels were completely down and posts had shifted from the load. This is typical when aging wood meets wind and moisture over time.

What was done:
1. Removed all damaged panels and hardware
2. Reset and reinforced existing posts where possible
3. Rebuilt sections with proper alignment and spacing
4. Secured panels to restore structural integrity

Result:
1. Fence is straight and stable again
2. Panels are properly supported and secured
3. Extended the life of the existing structure without full replacement

03/26/2026

Attic moisture problem solved the right way.

This project started with a serious issue — moisture buildup in the attic. Condensation was so bad it was dripping back into the house. Roof nails were turning green from constant humidity, which is a clear sign the attic was not ventilating properly.

After a full inspection, the root causes were obvious:
- Old insulation had settled and lost its R-value
- Warm air was leaking into the attic through multiple unsealed penetrations
(wires, pipes, electrical boxes)
- Ventilation system was not working
- old baffles were installed incorrectly
- soffit vents were blocked by insulation

This combination creates the perfect conditions for condensation.

What we did:
1. Air sealing
All attic penetrations were properly sealed using fire-rated foam to stop warm air leakage from the house.
2. Ventilation correction
Installed new rafter baffles correctly to maintain clear airflow from soffit vents.
3. Insulation restoration
Existing insulation was fluffed up, dried, and redistributed to restore its performance.
4. Insulation upgrade
Added new blown-in insulation to reach proper depth and recommended R-value (see measurement in photos).

Final result:
- Proper airflow restored
- No more moisture buildup
- Improved energy efficiency
- Attic is now performing as it should

This is not just adding insulation — this is fixing the system the right way.

03/18/2026

03/18/2026

Hardwood floor transformation in a high-traffic area.

This project involved refinishing existing oak flooring that had visible wear, uneven color, and surface dullness. After sanding and proper preparation, the floor was brought back to a clean, uniform surface and finished with a new stain and protective coat.

The updated finish gives the space a completely different look — cleaner, brighter, and more modern — while keeping the natural character of real wood.

We handle both types of flooring depending on the client’s goals:
• Hardwood (like oak) offers a natural look, can be refinished multiple times, and adds long-term value to the home
• Laminate is a practical and budget-friendly option, with a wide variety of styles and fast installation

We also work on stair renovations using both hardwood and laminate materials, matching the style of the floor and ensuring a consistent finish throughout the house.

03/11/2026

Mailbox post replacement along the roadside.

Mailboxes placed close to the street often get damaged by snow plows, delivery trucks, or cars drifting onto the shoulder during winter. In this case the old post was damaged and replaced with a new aluminum mailbox post, which is a popular choice because it doesn’t rust, stays straight over time, and requires almost no maintenance.

A useful detail many homeowners don’t know: the USPS guideline recommends that the bottom of the mailbox be about 41–45 inches above the road surface, and the front of the mailbox be about 6–8 inches back from the curb or edge of pavement. This position allows the mail carrier to reach the box safely from the vehicle.

Aluminum posts are commonly installed with a ground anchor or set directly into the soil so the post stays stable but still has a little flexibility if something bumps into it.

The damaged mailbox was removed and a new aluminum post installed and aligned properly so it sits at the correct height and distance from the road.

01/27/2026

Installed a Kwikset smart keypad deadbolt on a metal door 🔐

A quick helpful tip for anyone planning to upgrade their door lock themselves.

When installing a smart lock on a metal door, alignment is everything.
Even a small shift in the latch or strike plate can cause the deadbolt motor to strain, drain batteries faster, or fail to lock smoothly.

What actually matters during installation:

• The bore holes must be perfectly centered — metal doors don’t forgive mistakes like wood does.
• The latch has to be installed exactly flush with the door edge — no tilt, no gap.
• The strike plate must line up so the bolt slides in freely without resistance.
• If the bolt rubs even slightly, the lock will work… but not for long.

Another important detail many people miss:
smart locks are very sensitive to friction. If the deadbolt doesn’t move freely with one finger before electronics are installed — something is wrong.

In this case, the old hardware was removed, alignment corrected, and the smart lock installed so the deadbolt moves smoothly with zero resistance.

A properly installed keypad lock should lock and unlock quietly, without force, and without shaking the door.

I can definitely recommend this model.