About Marcus Delgado

Hey there, welcome to The Homeroom Fix.

I’m Marcus Delgado, and I’m the guy who genuinely believes most homes do not need a miracle; they need a plan, a level, and about 20 minutes of patience.

If you grew up thinking home repair was a mysterious art that required “a guy,” you are in the right place. If you grew up like I did, where calling a repairman was never the first option, you are also in the right place. Either way, my goal is the same: help you feel calm, capable, and confident enough to say, “Yeah, I can handle that.”

Where I came from

I learned the basics the old-fashioned way: alongside my grandpa, before I could even drive. Drywall patches, leaky faucets, squeaky doors, loose railings. The little stuff that keeps a house from slowly turning into a list of annoyances. My grandpa had a simple philosophy: try first. If we messed it up, we learned. If we fixed it, we saved money and slept a little better.

Later, I spent 10 years working in residential construction for general contractors. That’s where I got deep into the work that makes a home feel solid and finished: framing, finish carpentry, tile work, and basic plumbing. I’ve installed doors that fought me the whole way, fixed trim that looked “easy” until it wasn’t, and learned (repeatedly) that measuring is faster than redoing.

Somewhere in the middle of all that, I realized the part I loved most was not just building; it was teaching. Showing homeowners how to tackle a project safely and watching their shoulders drop when they realize it’s not magic. It’s steps.

These days I live in Michigan with my wife and our golden retriever, Wrench, who is great moral support and terrible at holding a flashlight.

Why The Homeroom Fix exists

Homes are expensive. Hiring help can be expensive. And the internet can make DIY feel either ridiculously overcomplicated or suspiciously easy. The Homeroom Fix is my way of meeting you in the middle with advice that is:

• Practical: Projects that actually make a difference in a real home.
• Budget-friendly: Smart tool choices and material options that do not require a second mortgage.
• Step-by-step: Clear sequences, not vague encouragement.
• Beginner-safe: I call out what can hurt you, what can damage your home, and when to bring in a pro.
• Reality-based: Because sometimes the “quick weekend project” turns into “why is the subfloor damp?” and we need a new plan.

I’m not here to impress you with jargon. I’m here to help you get the job done without panic-buying tools at 9:30 p.m. (No judgment. I’ve been there.)

What to expect

Most posts on The Homeroom Fix are designed like a workshop lesson you can follow at your own pace. You’ll typically see:

• Tools and materials lists that keep it simple.
• Prep and safety steps up front, so you do not backtrack mid-project.
• Checkpoints to confirm you’re on track before you move on.
• Common mistakes (including the ones I’ve personally made more than once).
• Budget options for when you need “good enough and solid” instead of “designer showroom.”

You’ll also see the occasional reminder that DIY is supposed to build confidence, not crush your spirit. A project can go sideways and still be a win if you learned something and kept yourself safe.

My DIY philosophy

1) Start small

If you’re new, pick a project with a clear finish line. A wobbly handrail. A leaky P-trap. A door that won’t latch. Small wins build momentum.

2) Measure twice, cut once

I know it’s a cliché. It’s also the cheapest advice you’ll ever get.

3) Safety is not optional

Eye protection, hearing protection, and shutting off the correct breaker are not “overkill.” They are what lets you DIY for decades instead of one unlucky afternoon. If you’re working near wiring, treat it like it is live until you verify it is not.

4) Know when to call a pro

There’s no shame in calling a licensed electrician or plumber when the job crosses into “high risk, high consequence.” My goal is to help you know the difference and handle everything you reasonably can.

• Electric: Anything inside the service panel, or if you cannot positively identify and shut off the right circuit.
• Gas: Anything involving gas lines, gas appliances, or gas smells.
• Major plumbing : Active leaks you cannot stop, sewer issues, or water damage that is spreading.
• Structure: Removing walls, cutting framing, or anything load-bearing.
• Mold: Visible mold you cannot contain and clean safely, or any situation that points to a bigger moisture problem.

If you ever see me mention an outlet tester, the order is always the same: shut off power, verify it is off with a tester, then put hands on the work.

Salvaged materials

If you ever read an article and notice I’m especially excited about an old piece of lumber, that’s because I am. I love hunting for salvaged wood and reusing materials when it makes sense. It’s budget-friendly, it’s sustainable, and it adds character you cannot buy in a plastic wrapper.

Come on in

Whether you’re trying to fix one squeaky problem or finally tackle that “someday” project, I’m glad you’re here. Look around, start where you are, and remember: you do not need to be fearless. You just need a good next step.

If you ever get stuck, take a breath, reread the step you’re on, and don’t be afraid to pause the project. Houses have been around a long time. Your to-do list can wait until you’re ready to do it safely.

Welcome to The Homeroom Fix. Let’s build something you’re proud of.