Why We Started the Dovetail & Shim Almanac
We started documenting our home improvement journey in 2022 not out of expertise, but out of necessity. Our house needed work, and we wanted to learn how to do it right. Four years into that journey, we’ve learned that the difference between a renovation that holds up and one that falls apart isn’t talent or luck—it’s preparation, research, and knowing when to call in someone who has already solved the problem you’re facing.
The more we tackled our own projects, the more we realized how much we didn’t know. We’d find a leaky roof, think we could patch it, then discover the sheathing was compromised and the entire roof system needed replacement. We’d start a deck with pressure-treated lumber, then learn that installation method matters more than the wood itself. Every setback taught us to read deeper, ask better questions, and trust contractors who could explain their reasoning.
The goal isn’t to become a general contractor yourself. It’s to know enough to recognize when someone is actually taking your project seriously.
That’s what this site is for: to share what we’ve learned in a way that helps you make decisions about your own home. Not to sell you on anything, but to give you the foundation to recognize quality work when you see it—and to know which conversations with a contractor are red flags versus green lights.
What We’ve Documented
Over the last four years, we’ve done roofing, siding, decking, and interior renovations. We’ve hired contractors, managed timelines, dealt with weather delays, and learned to ask for documentation of every decision. We’ve also tracked costs, compared materials, and figured out which upgrades actually add value to a home and which ones are just nice-to-haves.
Every page on this site comes from a real project we’ve completed or investigated. The materials guide comes from standing in a showroom comparing options. The cost guide comes from actual invoices and research into what things actually run in our area. The contractor vetting guide comes from calling contractors, asking the hard questions, and learning which answers made us confident in their work.
The Next Step
If you’re starting your own project, take it one section at a time. Read the resource on your specific project type—whether that’s roofing, siding, renovation, or choosing a contractor. Then look at the cost guide for realistic pricing. Finally, use the contractor-vetting guide to interview people in your area.
The reason we started this almanac is simple: we’re more confident in the work happening on our home because we did the reading and asked the right questions. We want the same for you.
How to Use This Site
- Find your project. Start with the resource that matches what you’re doing: roofing, siding, renovation, or materials.
- Check the costs. Use the cost guide to understand realistic pricing in the region so quotes don’t blindside you.
- Vet the contractor. Read how to choose a contractor, then ask those exact questions when you call.
- Ask for proof. References are one thing. Ask contractors for photos of finished work, insurance certificates, and itemized proposals.
