The Cheap Handyman, B.S. Harris
The Cheap Handyman, B.S. Harris
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The Cheap Handyman
True (and Disastrous) Tales from a [Home Improvement Expert] Guy Who Should Know Better

Author: B.S. Harris

Narrator: Edward Bauer

Unabridged: 5 hr 5 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 05/04/2021


Synopsis

This Old House meets #HomeImprovementFails in this collection of laugh-out-loud essays, perfect for fans of Nick Offerman, CarTalk, or The Red Green Show.

“This book is all the fix-it you need for your hurt home improvement ego.” —Harrison Scott Key, Thurber-prize winning author of The World's Largest Man

Meet Brian Harris, a (mostly) retired, self-proclaimed jack of all trades with a penchant for DIY and inventive money-saving schemes. Armed with a soldering gun, his trusty nine-foot ladder, and of course the handyman’s secret weapon—duct tape—Brian’s projects start out as simple chores: trim a tree branch, stain the cedar siding on his home...but all too often they end in costly disaster.

Sometimes he’s trying to do the right thing, like the time he wrecked his pool while saving some baby ducks. Often, he channels his inner MacGyver: he once taped his hockey skate back together so he could finish his rec-league game, only to get suspended for falling on the referee when it broke (again). But usually he’s just being, well, cheap! Like the time he inadvertently destroyed a $295 car key fob because he wouldn’t pay the (outrageous) $10 fee to have the battery professionally replaced.

In The Cheap Handyman, Brian anthologizes his hard-won wisdom, teaching us how (not) to cut down a tree, what to do if a stray cat has kittens in your HVAC system, three very incorrect uses for duct tape, the manifold hazards of pool maintenance, and more.

Filled with unforgettable true stories from the everyday life of an average guy just trying to save a few bucks, The Cheap Handyman is a delightful tribute to anyone who has ever thought, “Sure! I can do that!”

About B.S. Harris

B.S. Harris is a father and husband, now retired from his “day job” but still finding ways to fill his days as a cheap handyman. He grew up in an average, hard-working home and was fortunate enough to earn a post-secondary degree. He is an amateur athlete and musician, and a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast. He and his very understanding family live in Southern Ontario, Canada.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Morris on February 18, 2022

Some of the stories were amusing, but I’m honestly wondering how this man is still alive. I was too busy worrying about him and anyone who may be influenced by him to enjoy any of it. Unfortunately, I recommend readers give this one a pass. This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provi......more

Goodreads review by Joseph on April 19, 2021

Book was received for free from a contest here on Goodreads, if not for that the rating would probably be even lower. For the first third of the book I was mildly entertained, the stories were occasionally amusing in a cheesy 80's or 90's sitcom kind of way. The more I read though, the less interest......more

Goodreads review by Jim on June 26, 2023

Listened to this on CD. By disk 3 of 4 you're trying to guess how did he mess up this time and why hasn't he learned to just call a professional.......more

Goodreads review by David on October 23, 2021

as a non-handy person I occasionally enjoy reading with envy about the exploits of DIY heroes (the AskTheBuilder guy who writes a regular column in Wx Post real estate section is awesome for instance). From the jacket of this book I thought it might be in a similar vein, with the twist of some funny......more

Goodreads review by HappyBookWorm2020 on March 14, 2021

This is a hilarious book about the author's mishaps when doing home repairs. Anyone who has ever had an epic fail when doing a little home improvement or repair will appreciate and enjoy this book. I read it in a couple of days and had a good laugh (and a groan) with each story. Each chapter is a co......more