
Perry Carpenter is a freelance writer living in Springfield, Missouri. Her love of everything DIY was instilled from an early age by her mother. Growing up, creativity was encouraged, and Christmas prep involved making lots of homemade presents.
Perry has been a successful freelance writer since graduating from Missouri State University with a degree in journalism. She has worked on dozens of home renovations, completing projects from garage rebuilds and asbestos removal to shower installation. She has covered everything from auto repair to plumbing for DoItYourself.com.
In her spare time, Perry enjoys traveling, especially abroad. Her best friend since kindergarten has lived in many places around the world, giving Perry and her husband lots of vacation destinations. She currently has plans to visit Germany and Italy, followed by Scotland and England. Scotland especially holds a special place in her heart because of her deep Scottish roots. In fact, her profile picture was taken in Fort William, a town in the western Scottish Highlands.
Perry loves to cook for family and friends and can often be found prepping for the next big get together, whether it is a family birthday, or just another NFL Sunday.
She also volunteers by coaching youth volleyball, as well as by raising money for her father’s memorial scholarship fund.
-
How to Get a Building Permit Post-Construction
Here's how to get yourself out of the sticky situation of not having permits for your home cons...
-
How to Clean Mold Off Brick
Mold produces digestive enzymes that eat any surface it is attached to. Removing mold from bric...
-
How to Fix a Stuck Lock
Sticky locks are a common problem with older doors....
-
How to Use a Plumbing Snake
A plumbing snake is typically used as a last resort to unplug household drains....
-
Nails and Screws 101
The majority of DIY projects around the home will require the use of nails or screws at some po...
-
A Beginner's Guide To High-End Upcycling
High-end upcycling produces a gorgeous final product out of used materials....
-
7 Tips to Pest Proof Your Pantry
Small rodents and certain insects invade more frequently when the cold weather hits....
-
How to Winterize a Sprinkler System
Preparing your sprinkler system for winter's cold weather will prevent work down the line....
-
How to Stay Organized Ahead of a Move
Packing all of your belongings and getting to your new home can seem daunting....
-
Monkey Wrench vs. Pipe Wrench
Adjustable wrenches are handy for all kinds of different projects around the house....
-
Auto Repairs: 3 You Can Do Yourself and 3 Only a Professional Should Do
You can save a lot of money working on a car yourself, but there are certain auto repairs that...
-
How to Make Your Own SAD Light Box
Light therapy is frequently recommended to people who deal with seasonal affective disorder....
-
Peace Lilies 101
Peace lilies require almost no maintenance....
-
How to Accommodate Last Minute Guests
While it is great to see a friendly face drop in to spend a few days, entertaining them can be...
-
How to Collect Rainwater
Water is one of the most precious resources on the planet....
-
Wallpaper Trim 101
Wallpaper is steadily making a comeback....
-
Different Types of Cooling Systems
Picking the right cooling system for your home will save you time and money....
-
How to Organize a Neighborhood Watch Group
Neighborhood watch groups prevent crime and lead to a better sense of security around the home....
-
How to Install a Decorative Doorknob
Adding decorative doorknobs throughout your house can highlight your unique style....
-
7 Ways to Make Cheap Furniture Look Expensive
Just because it's cheap doesn’t mean it has to look like it....
-
6 Common Auto Repair Questions Answered
Being able to troubleshoot common auto problems can save you serious time and money....
-
How to Chop and Store Firewood
You want to chop firewood around six months before using it....
-
How to Install a Dimmer Switch
Installing a dimmer switch is a little more involved than simply swapping out a few wires....
-
Troubleshooting: Sounds Like Water but Nothing Is On
It is never a good feeling when you hear water flowing through your pipes....
-
Murphy Beds 101
Murphy beds save space....
-
The Best Spots for Motion Sensor Lights
Motion sensor lights are a great way to deter intruders....
-
How to Organize a Community Garden
A community garden can bring a neighborhood together....
-
How to Create a Secret Garden
A secret garden can provide the perfect outdoor escape....
-
How to Create Seamless Floor Transitions
Transitions can make a floor appear seamless....
-
How to Build a Home Entertainment Center
An entertainment center is a great way to organize your home’s audio and visual equipment....
-
How to Paint Trim for a Home Refresh
Freshen up your home without a complete makeover....
-
How to Cover Up Popcorn Ceilings
Removing an unsightly popcorn ceiling can breathe new life into your home....
-
11 Weekend Projects Using Low-Cost Materials
Updating old pieces of furniture and building a message board are inexpensive projects....
-
Most Common Cool Weather Pests and How to Get Rid of Them
Some pests are more likely to invade during the winter....
-
How to Homestead on a Budget
Get started on your homestead right away with these money-saving ideas....
-
Common Oven Problems
From uneven cooking to faulty self-cleaning, here's 6 ways your oven may not be performing its...
-
The Best Ways to Become Your Own Auto Mechanic
Don't let car repair intimidate you. Here are 7 simple repairs you can do on your own....
-
How to Install Beadboard
Add some dimensional interest to your walls in 7 steps....
-
Troubleshooting Home Electrical Problems
Here are six fixes you can safely tackle on your own....
-
Uneven Heating and Cooling Troubleshooting for Two-Story Homes
Regulate your home's temperature better with these tips....
-
Installing Window Air Conditioning
Window air conditioners cool off a room without breaking the budget....
-
10 Creative Ways to Make Money From Your Property
Have some spare acres? Put it to work with these money-making ideas....
-
Succulents for Beginners
Succulents are the perfect plant for new green thumbs....
-
Increase Your Curb Appeal in a Weekend
Each of these 4 projects can be accomplished in a day....
-
How to Cut Rabbet Joints
Rabbet joints, a commonly cut woodworking joint, are L-shaped joints used to finish wood pieces...
-
Decorating for Boomerang Kids
Boomerang kids are those young adults who come back home after being away for a while....
-
4 Types of House Siding
Siding can protect your home and give it a new look....
-
Must-have Power Tools for the Intermediate DIYer
As your skills advance, so should your tools....
-
How to Weatherproof an Outdoor Kitchen
Constructing an outdoor kitchen? Use these tips to make sure it withstands any weather....
-
How to Earthquake-Proof Your House's Foundation
If your home was built more than two decades ago and has not been upgraded, then it likely need...