Pro Tips & Projects
Smart fixes. Real projects. Straight talk from your local pros.
Keeping a home running smoothly is a full-time job — and most people don’t have the time, the tools, or the patience to figure it all out. That’s where we come in.
Welcome to your go-to hub for expert tips, real project breakdowns, money-saving strategies, and homeowner how-tos — all written in clear, real-world language, never contractor-speak.
Whether you’re trying to stay ahead of problems, plan a remodel, or avoid getting ripped off, you’ll find exactly what you need right here… from pros who do this every day.
No fluff. No guesswork. Just straight-up help you can use.
What You’ll Find Here:
Pro Tips to extend the life of your home
DIY-Friendly Fixes anyone can handle safely
Project Breakdowns from real jobs we've completed
Money-Saving Advice to avoid costly mistakes
Before & After Transformations to spark ideas
Seasonal Checklists to keep your home in top shape
Need Personalized Advice?
If you ever want help with a repair, a renovation idea, or just a second opinion, we’re only a message away.
2026 Home Remodeling: The Complete Guide – Part 4: Basements & ADUs : Turning Underutilized Space Into Income or the Ultimate Hangout
Sitting on an unfinished basement? In Part 4 of our 2026 Remodeling Guide, Mike Sansing of Your Handyman Pros breaks down how to turn that underutilized space into a rental income machine or the ultimate family hangout — covering HB 82 ADU rules, egress windows, fire separation, ceiling heights, HVAC zoning, and city-specific quirks from Herriman to Bountiful. Plus the ROI math: $800–$1,500/mo in potential rental income.
2026 Home Remodeling: The Complete Guide – Part 3: Bathrooms That Pay Off (Turning a Cramped Bath Into a Spa-at-Home)
Ready to turn your cramped bathroom into a spa-at-home? In Part 3 of our 2026 Remodeling Guide, Mike Sansing of Your Handyman Pros breaks down the 2026 bathroom trends that actually pay off — curbless walk-in showers, floating vanities, smart mirrors, heated floors, and proper ventilation. Plus what to splurge on vs save on for the best ROI in the Salt Lake Valley. Whether you're updating a historic home in The Avenues or a modern build in Herriman, this one's for you.
2026 Home Remodeling: The Complete Guide – Part 2: Kitchens That Sell (And That You'll Actually Love Cooking In)
The kitchen is the heart of the home — and the #1 room that makes or breaks a home sale. In Part 2 of our 2026 Remodeling Guide, Mike Sansing of Your Handyman Pros breaks down the 2026 kitchen trends that actually hold value: cabinet refacing vs full replacement, countertop ROI (quartz still king), layered lighting, layout principles, and the surprising stat that minor refreshes are outperforming full gut remodels in the Salt Lake Valley. Whether you're in Sugar House or Herriman, here's how to spend your money where it counts.
2026 Home Remodeling: The Complete Guide – Part 1: Where to Start (Budget, Timeline & Permits)
Dreaming of a big remodel in 2026 but don't know where to start? In Part 1 of our new series, Mike Sansing of Your Handyman Pros walks you through the five essential steps — defining your project scope, setting a realistic 2026 budget with a 20% contingency, navigating Salt Lake Valley permit timelines, and why hiring a licensed B100 GC first saves you money. Whether you're in Sandy, Herriman, or West Valley, this is the foundation you need before the first hammer swings.
The Complete Basement Apartment vs. Guest Suite Series: Your One-Stop Recap for Salt Lake Homeowners
Five parts. One complete guide. Whether you're shopping for rental income or a guest suite for mom, we've got the whole basement apartment vs. guest suite series wrapped up in one place. Mike Sansing of Your Handyman Pros walks you through zoning, costs, design, and the final pre-construction checklist — all tailored for Salt Lake Valley homeowners. Not sure where to start? This recap points you to the right post for your situation.
Basement Apartment vs. Guest Suite: Which Is Better For Your Salt Lake Home? – Part 5: Your Ultimate Pre-Construction Checklist & Final Verdict
After four parts covering everything from zoning to costs to design, we're wrapping up the series with the definitive guide to crossing the finish line. Mike Sansing of Your Handyman Pros delivers a 6-step pre-construction checklist — covering budget, site audits, permits, and hiring the right team — plus the final verdict on whether a basement apartment or guest suite wins based on your goals. Ready to break ground in the Salt Lake Valley? Here's exactly how to start.
Basement Apartment vs. Guest Suite: Which Is Better For Your Salt Lake Home? – Part 4: Layouts & Design Tricks to Make It Feel Like a Luxury Suite
Ready to turn your basement into a luxury suite but not sure where to start with the layout? In Part 4 of our series, Mike Sansing of Your Handyman Pros shares design tricks that make a basement feel like a boutique hotel — open floor plans, light illusions, soundproofing, curbless showers, heated floors, and smart storage. Whether you're building an IADU in West Valley or a guest suite in Sandy, these tips will take your space from dungeon to dream.
Basement Apartment vs. Guest Suite: Which Is Better For Your Salt Lake Home? – Part 3: What's It Actually Going to Cost You in 2026?
Worried about how much a basement apartment or guest suite will set you back in 2026? In Part 3 of our series, Mike Sansing of Your Handyman Pros breaks down the real costs for Salt Lake Valley homeowners — from $40k–$80k+ for a legal IADU to $15k–$35k for a simple guest suite. Plus hidden city fees, financing options, and what kind of ROI you can actually expect in Herriman, Sandy, Riverton, and beyond.
Basement Apartment vs. Guest Suite: Which Is Better For Your Salt Lake Home? – Part 2: 2026 Zoning Rules & Permits Decoded
Part 2 of our series breaks down Utah's 2026 zoning laws (HB 82) and the permit process for basement apartments and guest suites in the Salt Lake Valley. Whether you're in Herriman, Sandy, Riverton, or West Valley City, learn what's legal, what's required, and how to navigate city-specific rules like parking and owner-occupancy with confidence.
Basement Apartment vs. Guest Suite: Which Is Better For Your Salt Lake Home? – Part 1: The Big Picture Breakdown
Basement Apartment vs. Guest Suite: Which Is Better For Your Salt Lake Home? – Part 1: The Big Picture Breakdown
Thinking about finishing your basement? Before you start shopping for tile, there's a big question you need to answer — are you building a basement apartment or a guest suite? They might sound like the same thing, but legally and functionally, they're worlds apart. In Part 1 of our new 5-part series, I break down the difference between an Internal ADU (rental) and a guest suite (family use), why your city's zoning rules actually matter, and how to pick the right path for your home in Herriman, Sandy, or West Valley City. 🏠🔨
Don't Let a Burst Pipe Ruin Your Vacation: Smart Water Tech Every Utah Homeowner Needs in 2026
Don't Let a Burst Pipe Ruin Your Vacation: Smart Water Tech Every Utah Homeowner Needs in 2026
That "vacation dread" is real — but it doesn't have to be. With Utah's wild temperature swings and famously hard water, our pipes work harder than most. In this post, I break down how smart water shut-off valves and leak detectors can save your subfloors, stop catastrophic floods before they start, and ping your phone the second something's off — whether you're in Herriman or halfway across the world. The best part? It's a lot more affordable than a $50,000 insurance claim. 🏠💧

