Carpenter brings real life experience to handyman service
Carpenter Bailey Harris is going out on her own, having launched Mend and Make Handyman Services.
Growing up in a family of handymen, Harris said she was motivated to embark on a career as a carpenter while learning on the job with her father as they restored an historic house in Guelph.
After the family sold their home in Rockwood, where Harris grew up, she said her parents helped her buy her first house. They thought it would need some cosmetic fixes but the 200-year- old house presented some unexpected challenges.
She said they discovered serious structural issues immediately after taking possession.
“The house was basically sinking so while working for the city, my dad and I, every weekday and every weekend for an entire year, we worked on this house,” said Harris.
The whole family was enlisted to help.
“My dad came through. He’s super talented and he can work with anything. This house should have been a tear- down,” said Harris, but he refused to give up.
During the construction period, she said it was her mom who drew her attention to a 33-week government funded program at Conestoga College, Women in Skilled Trades (WIST).
She signed up in 2019 and that program led to getting connected with Mike Holmes, and an opportunity to work on his shows, like Holmes on Homes. When production was halted due to the pandemic, Harris came to Stayner to work for her brother-in-law’s company Rad Builds.
She ended up working on the renovation of the Dorchester Hotel in Collingwood, spending many late nights working on the ceiling of the lobby.
Having had a taste of country life, going back to her roots of growing up in Rockwood, she knew she wanted to live in the area. She decided to establish her own handyman service with a focus on helping her clients realize their creative vision.
“Running my own business, it’s really fun being able to take the time to get to know the clients and work with them,” said Harris.
She said she’s down for quick fixes, too but having worked in construction, she describes the finishing touches as the cherry on top, the most rewarding part of the job.
She said she works solo and her services range from trim carpentry and installing doors, to drywall and painting, and furniture repairs, refinishing and assembly.
“I love being a female in the trades,” said Harris. She said it gives her an edge, either through a unique perspective, an ability to see the artistic vision, or a little added trust.
“Being a woman in the trades ,luckily I have been blessed to work with great people. I haven’t had too many issues. It has been well received that I’m a female, especially if you can do the job. People may judge you and think you can’t but I’ve never let that get me down.”
For a full list of services, visit www. mendandmakeservices.com, or call 519-831-0949.
