Welcome, friend! I’m downright tickled that you stumbled across my little corner of the internet, HowToSpecialist.com. Out of all the home improvement sites out there, you landed here, and that makes my day! If you’ve poked around a bit, you’ve probably noticed that I’m a jack-of-all-DIY-trades. From patching up drywall to crafting outdoor structures, I’ve got plans for just about everything—and they’re all packed with step-by-step images and handy materials lists. You might say they’re detailed enough to make a Swiss watchmaker blush.
Now, here’s the scoop: I’m a woodworker at heart, but I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and dabble in concrete, masonry, or whatever new challenge catches my eye. Self-improvement is my middle name (well, metaphorically), and I’m always tinkering with fresh techniques and materials. I whip up a new project idea just about every week, usually on Sundays—because what better way to cap off the weekend than with sawdust in your hair? So stick around; there’s plenty more where this came from. Who knows? You might just catch me building something wild next week!
Who I am – My story
Hi there! I’m Jack Sander—DIY enthusiast, woodworking addict, and a guy with a serious love for sawdust. When I’m not in my workshop or dreaming up new builds, you’ll find me traveling the world or buried in classic literature (yes, Dostoevsky and Turgenev are my jam). Oh, and in case you were wondering—that’s me in the photo, likely daydreaming about my next big project. Fun fact: I’m also a self-taught guitar player, proving that stubbornness and YouTube can take you far!
On the academic side of things, I earned a master’s in business administration and finally defended my PhD thesis on October 10, 2016. But enough about diplomas—this isn’t a resume; it’s a story about building. My love for tools and sawdust started with my grandfather, the guy who sparked my passion for creating things with my own two hands. As a kid, I spent summers tackling wood projects, like the time I built my grandmother a white picket fence. Was it perfect? Not even close. But boy, was I proud.
Over the years, I’ve picked up a range of DIY skills, from tiling to drywalling, thanks to an uncle who’s a home remodeler. I’m no pro, but I’ve got the confidence (and grit) to tackle medium-sized projects without breaking a sweat. My ultimate dream? To build my own house, complete with a workshop where I can let my creativity run wild. I’ve even got plans to finish the go-kart I dreamed about as a kid—I bought the engine when I was 14, but that’s a story for another day.
In 2011, I started HowToSpecialist.com, where I’ve documented hundreds of DIY projects and plans. It all began with a pizza oven I built for my grandma’s countryside property. I saw one in a magazine, thought, “I can do that,” and sank my entire college savings into the materials. I snapped photos of the process, and years later, that project became the cornerstone of this blog. Firing up that brick oven for the first time was pure magic. What some might call “three months wasted,” I call “three months invested.” That project lit a spark that hasn’t burned out since.
Today, HowToSpecialist.com attracts thousands of visitors daily, and I couldn’t be prouder of the growing community. Every plan I share is packed with passion, care, and a goal to make DIY accessible for everyone. Whether it’s a woodworking project, an outdoor structure, or a simple home improvement task, I’m here to help you build something you’re proud of. And hey, if you tackle one of my plans, send me a photo—I’d love to see your work!
So here’s to tools, sawdust, and chasing big dreams. Let’s build something amazing together!
Is money what I am for?
This blog runs entirely on advertisements—no gimmicks, no hidden fees, just good old-fashioned support from readers like you. My promise has always been to keep all plans and projects completely free because my main goal is to help you save money while building something amazing. I’m not here to get rich off this site, which is why you can access my plans 24/7 without signing up for any suspicious newsletters or sneaky subscriptions.
For some projects, I’ve added the option to purchase premium plans designed to make your DIY experience even smoother. These plans are easy to download, completely ad-free, and tailored to save you time—because let’s face it, we all want to spend more time building and less time navigating distractions. It’s a small upgrade that offers big convenience, helping you focus on what matters most: bringing your project to life!
The blog earns just enough to cover the “rent” (hosting fees) and occasionally upgrade my tools, but I also have other projects that support my family and hobbies. If you’d like to stay connected, I’d love for you to join the blog feed and give my Facebook page a LIKE. You’ll also find me hanging out on Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube, where I regularly share new ideas and behind-the-scenes content. Come follow along and be part of the adventure!
What are the values I believe in?
Safety
Safety is always my top priority when it comes to construction and DIY projects. That’s why the methods and techniques shared on this site have been reviewed with safety in mind. That said, if you choose to take on a project, you do so at your own risk. Always use your common sense, follow best practices, and keep safety at the forefront. For more guidance, please check out the safety page on this site before getting started. And just to be clear, I can’t assume responsibility for any loss, damage, or injury resulting from the use of the information shared here—so stay smart and stay safe!
Respect
I firmly believe that mutual respect and an environment free of discrimination are essential for success. Whether it’s my interactions with readers, partners, or anyone I work with, I strive to uphold my values and treat everyone with fairness and integrity. Respect is the foundation of everything I do.
Hard Work
Hard work builds character—there’s no doubt about it. I’m constantly pushing myself to grow, whether it’s becoming more reliable, learning new skills, or taking the initiative in challenging situations. For me, passion and hard work go hand in hand, and everything I do is fueled by that belief. There are times when I get so immersed in the process that all I want is to outwork everyone. That said, I’m still on the journey to finding the perfect work-life balance, and one day, I hope to master it. Until then, I’ll keep showing up, working hard, and chasing my dreams.
What is the mission of HowToSpecialist.com?
This blog, a humble little corner of the internet, is one of the most wonderful things to ever happen to me. Imagine, if you will, a carpenter’s dream leaping from the sawdust-covered floor straight into your hands! Every time I hit that glorious PUBLISH button, I feel a rush of gratitude, as if the cosmos itself gave me this small but mighty role: to bring inspiration, one plank and nail at a time, into homes near and far. Technology, that wild and wondrous thing, has made it possible to share my values and projects with people separated not just by streets, but by oceans and mountain ranges. Truly, what a time to be alive!
At its heart, HowToSpecialist.com has a simple but profound goal: to inspire. I want to be the spark that ignites your passion to make your home not just a shelter, but a haven—a place where you can thrive, grow, and live beautifully. When I created this site, I envisioned a community of people from all walks of life, each searching for ideas, guidance, or maybe just the courage to pick up a hammer for the first time. My mission is to meet those needs, whether it’s showing you the latest trends or sharing timeless methods to transform your space. So, with great humility and a bit of sawdust still clinging to my shirt, I say: let’s work hard, dream big, and make something truly extraordinary together.
What is my vision?
At HowToSpecialist.com, my vision is simple: to help you create a better home for your family while saving money and enjoying the incredible satisfaction of building something with your own hands. That’s why this site offers a wide range of articles covering the home improvement spectrum—from helpful tips and general advice to detailed, step-by-step guides that break down the methods and techniques you’ll need. Each project is print-friendly, making it easy to bring the instructions right to your construction site. Plus, many projects feature photos submitted by readers showcasing their completed builds, adding inspiration and a sense of community to the experience. My focus is on the projects, not on me, because this site is about YOU and what you can create.
I absolutely love hearing from you—whether it’s questions, feedback, or stories about your DIY journey. I encourage everyone to send pictures of your completed projects and share your experiences with the rest of the community. And if you have suggestions for new projects, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can contact me anytime HERE. While I’m just one person behind this blog and may not be able to fulfill every request, I’ll do my best to help whenever I can. Together, let’s keep building something amazing!
My other online projects!
If you are here, you could take a look over the key features of my site. I also contribute with plans and projects at MyOutdoorPlans.com, one of the largest collections of woodworking projects for outdoor. For lots of drywall projects, make sure you check out HowToFixAHoleInDrywall. Lots of garden projects on GardenPlansFree.com
Yours sincerely,
