Projects
Almost every build from the YT channel lives right here, written up as a blog post with the full video, my notes, measurments, important links and so much more! Enjoy.
22:44 Home Repairs
How To Open a Pool & keep it clean (without paying $600)
Every spring, pool companies charge $500–$600 just to open your pool for the season. In this video, I show you exactly how to open your pool by yourself — from removing the cover, reinstalling the equipment, adding chemicals, backwashing the filter, and keeping it crystal clear all summer long. No experience needed. Works for both above-ground and in-ground pools.
44:48 Home Repairs
The Sketchiest Project I Ever Attempted. (Replacing my Water Main and Sewer Pipe)
What started as a sewer backup turned into one of the sketchiest projects I've ever attempted. A plumber came, ran his camera, cleared the roots — and then pushed it a little further. That's when we found pressurized water spraying inside the sewer pipe. Turns out I didn't just have a broken sewer line. I also had a busted main water line buried under my front yard. Right next to the foundation. So I did what any reasonable person would do. I rented a 3.5 ton excavator, took 4 days off work, and tried to replace both pipes myself. Nothing went according to plan. No water for days. My wife slowly losing patience. And me, 9 feet underground, questioning every decision I've ever made. This video is the full story — start to finish. The chaos, the mistakes, the moments where I genuinely thought I was in over my head (literally), and somehow, eventually, getting it done.
1:43:10 Landscaping
The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Backyard DIY
In this video, I show you step-by-step how to build a modern box-shadow privacy fence that looks perfect on both sides, and how to frame a heavy-duty gate that will never sag. I'll walk you through planting and landscaping, installing 12V landscape lighting system, improving the timber frame gazebo with integrated smart solar blinds, improving the outdoor wifi, and lastly, building that awesome outdoor shower!
20:05 Landscaping
I Tried to Finish My Backyard in One Weekend (River Stone Landscaping, Outdoor Wifi, Smart Solar Blinds in the Gazebo)
I tackled three projects in my backyard this weekend. I finished doing the River Stone Landscaping, I improved the speed of my outdoor WIFI, And I finally installed my Smart Solar Blinds in the Gazebo!
25:07 Garage & Workshop
I Built an EPIC Tool Wall in My Garage with my 3D Printer
In this video, I design and 3D print custom tool mounts, build a battery station, and create an illuminated logo sign — all while learning Fusion 360 the hard way. I also test out Bambu Lab’s new P2S and AMS 2 Pro and slowly turn this mess into a shop that actually works for me. My garage had turned into total chaos after a long stretch of projects, with tools everywhere and no real system in place. So I decided it was time to fix that — using 3D printing to give everything a proper home and make the space both functional and fun to work in.
32:25 Plans Outdoor Structures
How to Build a Private Box-Shadow Wood Fence
Most privacy fences look good on one side — and terrible on the other. And while box-shadow fences look clean from both sides, they usually sacrifice privacy. In this build, I break down the box-shadow fence design I built around my yard years ago — nearly 400 feet of it — and explain exactly how to build it the right way. From post layout and rail placement to picket spacing, backside alignment, and material planning, this guide walks through the entire system step by step. The example project is a changing-room fence that also hides pool equipment, but the method applies whether you’re building a short section or fencing in your whole yard.
21:51 Hardscape
DIY Paver Driveway Update: 1 Year Later
It’s been exactly one year since I built my mother-in-law’s paver driveway — a massive DIY project that took me 19 days, 184 hours, and a lot of sore muscles. In this video, I’m revisiting the driveway to show you how it’s holding up after an entire year of freeze-thaw cycles, cars, and harsh Canadian weather. 1st video - Paver Driveway Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scLrA_MRCmc 2nd - Walkway Deck Build: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD0X9J7bn6I
19:45 How to Build a Wood Gate That Won’t Sag (Full Build + How to Brace a Gate + Hidden Latch)
Building a fence gate seems easy until you’ve had one for a couple of years and it starts sagging. Suddenly the latch doesn’t line up, the gate drags on the ground, and you find yourself lifting it with your foot every time you want to open it. That’s why in this video, I’m showing you how to build a wood gate that won’t sag. I’ll walk you through my full build process, explain why the diagonal brace matters so much, and share some details you might not have thought about—like using longer screws, picking the right hinges, and even hiding the latch for a cleaner look. What You’ll Learn in This Video • How to measure and size your gate frame so it fits without binding • Why a diagonal brace is the key to stopping sagging • The difference between half-lap joints, brackets, and other frame connections • Choosing between exposed strap hinges and side-mounted hinges • How to hide your gate latch for a clean finish Most DIY gates fail because of one simple thing: the brace. Without the right diagonal brace, the weight of the gate pulls down over time, twisting the frame. I use what I call the “Hangman trick”—brace from the bottom hinge up to the opposite corner. That way the brace is always in compression, holding the frame square.
23:39 Backyard Makeover - How to landscape & how to install outdoor landscape lighting
In this video, I'm tackling the first phase of my backyard makeover by transforming the space with new landscaping, plants, and 12V low-voltage landscape lighting. I'll walk you through my process for planning out plants based on Montreal's zone 5 climate, including sun/shade considerations, plant hardiness, and where I sourced everything (some of it creatively). Then I get technical - showing exactly how I planned out my outdoor lighting, calculated wattage loads, chose wire gauge using a voltage drop chart, and installed everything step-by-step. If you're thinking of upgrading your backyard with better lighting or landscaping, this video covers both the creative and practical sides of doing it yourself DIY.
42:23 Garage & Workshop
I Built My Dream Garage Workshop (Full Build - DIY Makeover)
After years of working in a cluttered, unfinished space, I finally gave my one-car garage the DIY makeover it deserved. Using OSB, creative design touches and a modern industrial feel, I turned it into a clean, organized workshop that feels like a whole new shop in the house. I'll walk you through the entire transformation - from electrical upgrades and insulation to installing a full OSB ceiling and walls. You'll see the mistakes I made, the choices that paid off, and some easter eggs if you stick around to the end.
20:42 Home Repairs
DIY Spray Foam Insulation VS. Pros – Was it worth it? (Costs & Lessons Learned)
21:16 Garage & Workshop
How to Design and Plan Your Garage Workshop
I take you through the entire planning process for my garage workshop. From measuring, sketching, to experimenting with layout options using masking tape and 2D paper drawings, and lastly, 3D software SketchUp.
1:22:31 Garage & Workshop
How to Fix your Garage Concrete Floor - Full DIY Journey
I tackled a massive DIY garage (cracked concrete) floor replacement project. After receiving quotes ranging from $10,000 to $12,000 to fix my crumbling garage floor, I decided to take matters into my own hands and do it all myself for just $4,600. So, what could go wrong? Find out as I repaired my cracked concrete garage floor into a solid, functional space while staying well under budget. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more DIY adventures!
17:46 Landscaping
Learn How to Operate a Mini-Excavator in 3 Hours for DIYers
DIY beginner mini excavator operator takes you on his journey where he learns to go from noob to experienced in only 3 hours! In this epic excavation adventure, join me as I take on the ultimate challenge: learning to operate a mini excavator in just 3 hours! Watch as I go from a complete noob to a decent operator, all within the span of this video. - Witness my journey from struggling with the controls to mastering the excavator like a boss! - Experience the adrenaline rush as I tackle various tasks and obstacles, pushing myself to the limit. - Stay tuned for a surprise visit from a professional excavator operator who shares invaluable tips and tricks for ultimate mastery.
1:50:35 Hardscape
How to Build a Paver Driveway in 7 Days DIY for under $7,000
What started as a challenge to build a new paver driveway and walkway in just 7 days turned into a 19-day adventure filled with hard work, unexpected hurdles, and a lot of family teamwork! In this full-length video, I take you through every step of the process-from removing layers of asphalt and excavating dirt to laying down tons of gravel, stone dust, and finally, those beautiful Permacon Paleo pavers. Along the way, we encountered rainy days, truck troubles, and moments where we almost made costly mistakes. But with determination (and help from my amazing family and friends), we managed to transform the driveway and walkway into something I'm really proud of. If you're thinking about tackling your own driveway or walkway project, this video has it all-detailed steps, tips, lessons learned, and even some setbacks you'll want to avoid. Whether you're a DIYer or just curious about the process, this is an in-depth look at what it really takes to get the job done.
18:51 DIY Tutorial
How to Polycarbonate Roof Install DIY - Gazebo Project
I walk you through the entire process of installing a polycarbonate roof on my DIY gazebo. From the initial challenges to the tips and tricks I discovered along the way, I'll share everything you need to know. I even fix the cracking noises the polycarbonate sheets make a year later!
23:31 Plans DIY Tutorial
How to Design a Gazebo And Backyard in 3D (SketchUp)
Discover the secrets to creating your dream gazebo or pergola and backyard landscape in SketchUp. It's a free web software! Learn to find inspiration, measure your space, and design a structure in 3D. Plus, get access to a gazebo plan!
5:19 Home Repairs
How to Raise a Concrete Sidewalk DIY
Mateo fixes a 30-year-old sidewalk that sank 3 to 4 inches. He shows you how to fix it without breaking the bank. Discover the two methods he tried to lift the sidewalk, the first being an excavator, and the second, the use of bottle jacks and spray foam only. Learn valuable tips and tricks to ensure a successful sidewalk repair, like preventing cracking by using multiple jacks.
2:59 Home Repairs
How to Stucco Fireplace Brick DIY - Complete Makeover for Under 200$
Watch as I transform a basic brick fireplace into a sleek, budget-friendly DIY. Learn the tips and tricks, from stucco application to crafting a stylish mantel using leftover flooring. Spoiler: There might be a few failed tile attempts, but we bounce back! 🛠️ Whether you're into DIY or just want some home makeover inspo, this video's got it all. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and let the DIY adventures begin!
32:23 Hardscape
How to Build Your Own Paver Patio (Full Backyard DIY Project)
Mateo transforms his backyard by installing a paver patio. He turns starts this DIY journey to do it all himself to save over 22,000$ and look as best as possible.
53:08 Plans Outdoor Structures
How to Build a Modern Timber Frame Gazebo DIY
I built a massive gazebo next to our pool throughout the summer, totally transforming our backyard and giving us a shaded, but super bright and cool area to chill in!