Welcome to Odd Small Jobs
Big Solutions for the Small Stuff
Custom, Clever Handyman Services for Low-Risk Projects in New England
At Odd Small Jobs, we specialize in the kind of practical, low-risk projects most big contractors won’t touch — unless it’s part of a larger job. These are the odd jobs that make your space smarter, more organized, and more functional. Whether it’s building a custom bed frame, headboard and footboard (see below) with built-in lighting, shelves, hooks and USB ports, installing new shelving in your shed, or swapping out old outlets for modern upgrades, we’ve got the tools and the know-how to get it done right.
Based in Merrimack, NH, we proudly serve homeowners and landlords across New England with light carpentry, minor drain and faucet plumbing, light electrical work, estate cleanups, custom rough-lumber furniture builds, and other hands-on projects that deliver real value — without large contractor involvement, and at a reasonable price. Let us tackle the odd, small stuff — so you don’t have to.
About Odd Small Jobs
Odd Small Jobs isn’t just a handyman service — it’s the product of decades of hands-on experience, craftsmanship, and a passion for practical problem-solving. My journey started over 40 years ago, learning the trade the old-fashioned way: on the job. I was fortunate to be trained by two master carpenters — John Bernard of Wilmington, MA and North New Portland, ME, and later his brother Dan Bernard of Wilmington, MA and Salem, ME. Their mentorship set the foundation for everything I do today.
Over the years, I’ve tackled projects ranging from building complete home additions (like the one featured above) to custom woodworking pieces built for people with specific needs — including furniture for the handicapped, personalized bed frames, coat racks, wall organizers, computer desk shelving, and gun racks. More recently, I’ve been doing light electrical like replacing ballasts, switches, and standard or USB outlets, and creating functional touches like wood bases for electric fireplaces.
This isn’t about chasing big contracts — I’m here for the interesting, meaningful projects that larger contractors don’t have time for, but homeowners still need done. I charge fairly for my time and prefer working directly with people who appreciate solid craftsmanship on smaller-scale tasks they’d tackle themselves — if only they had the time, tools, or know-how.
I’m selective with what I take on, focusing on reasonable, low-risk projects that align with my tools and experience. I operate on a straightforward, cash-only basis and come fully equipped with a full range of Makita 18V cordless tools for remote work, along with a solid lineup of powered shop tools. If you’ve got a small project that matters, let’s talk.
Our Odd Small Jobs Services
At Odd Small Jobs, we focus on practical, low-risk projects that improve your home without the hassle of hiring a full-scale contractor. From light repairs to custom builds and clever home upgrades, we offer a range of handyman services tailored for homeowners and landlords who just need the job done right — and done simply. The photo above shows the rail of a deck I built, along with a custom fence made from pressure-treated lumber, featuring built-in plant shelves all the way around — a great example of the kind of creative, functional work I enjoy taking on.
Contact Odd Small Jobs
The photo above shows one of my favorite detail projects — a tongue and groove pine ceiling paired with birch plywood upper walls and boxed-in beams for a warm, finished look. The mounted deer adds a personal touch (no, I didn’t hunt it — I just thought it fit the space). If you're into custom woodwork or unique touches like this, feel free to reach out and let's talk about what you're envisioning.
Merrimack, NH 03054 — Serving All of New England
Project Gallery
Take a look at some of the work I've done for homeowners and renters around New England — from custom furniture and creative carpentry to small repairs and detailed finishes. Each project reflects the kind of practical, hands-on work I enjoy most — the jobs that make a space more functional, comfortable, and uniquely yours. I'll be adding more as time goes on.
Framing the Bed
Precut all the lumber outdoors prior to assembly inside the apartment. Made initial outside frame using 3.5" deck screws connecting all of the 2x6 lumber. I carried this section outdoors again to use the orbital sander on exposed areas.
Spacing the 2x4 Slats, Attached Slats, and Added 2x3s to Attach the Headboard
Figured out how many slats I would need and calculated the spacing. Attached all slats leaving about 1-11/16" spaces between. Added the 2x3s that would be used to attach the headboard.
Attached Headboard
I pre routed the headboard outside for a nicer look. Using clamps I drilled and mounted the headboard with nuts and bolts for easy removal if needed.
Added Legs and Initial Bling to the Headboard
Removed the headboard to attach legs. Re-attached headboard and added the lantern hooks and center shelves (pre-made) for remotes and other items. Also glued on wooden eagle emblem for a little ornate feel.
Added More Functional Accessories to Headboard, Trim Under Headboard and Footboard
Added underlighting below the middle shelf and built in a USB outlet for phones, speaker and other devices. To fill the space under the headboard, I used some large bead panel moulding, just to keep pillows from sliding away and for looks. On the headboard, I added a small shelf to hold a phone and a hook for glasses or a necklace. I wasn't initially going to do a footboard, but after seeing it I decided it was necessary for looks. For both the headboard and footboard I used material from a previous project that I dismantled a while back.
Initial Plans and Interior
I didn't take too many pictures while building this addition, as I was doing the work primarily by myself. This was back in the mid 2000s, so cell phone cameras weren't quite as big of a thing. Although I don't plan to build any full additions, this shows some of my prior experience relating to many aspects of carpentry and general construction. I did the entire plans from scratch based on how I thought it should be built.
Ground and Floor Plans
These are the footing foundation and floor structure layout. To all of you Microsoft Word users, there was a time when I could do this type of drawing in MS Word. I doubt it is even possible now. I can't believe I was able to do this level of drawing to scale using MS Word. The build was proabably 99% accurate to these drawings. One difference was that the building code required spread footings, so I had to change to that.
Side and Gable Views of Framing and Construction
Here you can see the layout of the walls, windows, doors, footings, sheathing, rafters, etc.
Rafters/Roof Tie-In Plans and Roof/Gable End Sheathing
This shows the placement of the rafters, rafter ties, and the upper sheating of the construction.
Overhead and Side Views of Deck Layout
Because the deck was going to resolve on some original footings, the plans for the deck were kept to a rough layout, but ended up being very close to the final results.
Addition Interior
Here is a couple of interior pictures of the finished product. I used tongue and groove pine and finished birch plywood on the gable end upper walls.
Addition Exterior
These are a couple of pictures of the outside of the addition, deck, back stairs, and concrete patio. I dug, made the forms, and spread the concrete for the patio. Note that I did not do the siding or the roofing, leaving that to the experts in those fields. These are recent pictures, so the deck is somewhat in need of new stain at this point.
Purpose for the Fireplace Pedistals
These electric stove/fireplaces were bought for ambiance and to take the chill out of the room at times. The issue was that they were just a little too low when sitting on the floor. I designed a pedistal that would raise them up enough to make a difference, but would not look too out of place. I made two of them at the same time, one for myself and one for my client. I gave her the one that I thought ended up with the best finish, but both worked out great. If you are looking for a realistic looking flame, logs, and brick background, I highly recommend this model fireplace. You can order here. I may receive a small commission, but at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
The Duroflame DFI-5010-03 Fireplace and Assembled, Routed, Sanded Pedistal
After cutting and assembling with pocket holes and angle brackets inside, I sanded and used a Makita trim router to give a nice shaped edge to the pedistals. I was experimenting with pocket holes at the time, but if I were to do this again, I probably would just use glue and finish nails in this application.
Fireplace Pedistals Prepared for Staining
Using a quasi Shou Sugi Ban (焼杉板) technique, I burned, brushed, wiped, and ligthly sanded the pedistals preparing for stain.
Fireplace Pedistals Finished and Wiped
I used a red stain to match the cinnamon color stoves, wiping down immediately after staining to expose the grain. The first one here is the one I gave to my client as the color match came out a little better and her's was going to be in a more prominent place. The second one is the one I used for myself is in a bedroom that is usually a darker environment. Both came out good, but you can just never tell exactly how the final product will look using this technique. How much you burn, brush, wipe and sand can change a lot, as well as the grain of the wood.
Both Fireplaces on Pedistals
The first is my in my client's living room and the second is in my bedroom. Again, I highly recommend this model fireplace. You can order here. I may receive a small commission, but at no extra cost to you. They come in multiple colors. If you want a pedistal built for it, just contact me.
Trees Removed, Privacy Fence Constructed, and Spruce Tree Planted
Many trees and bushes were removed by neighbors, which exposed the street and neigborhood behind. Adding a privacy fence and a new spruce tree restored the look of the yard. Because of the large rocks and possibly ledge, this fence was constructed on concrete blocks and attached to the shed. Only two posts are fully into the ground.
Privacy Fence Finished and Shelves Added
The fence was built entirely with standard pressure treated lumber and decking boards. It has been standing strong for many years, as you can see by the new height of the spruce tree. The shelves were added later to display plants and other decorations.
Request Our Service
In addition to filling out the form below, please provide detailed images emailed to: davidwest316@gmail.com or texted to 603-438-1903. You can also mail images to 251 Daniel Webster Highway, 2B, Merrimack, NH 03054.