The Kilted Workman

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About the Kilted Workman

30+ years of remodeling, repairs, and quality craftsmanship.

My name is Sova, aka the kilted workman, and I offer quality handyman work and help with your remodeling and smart home needs. I’m based in Portland, Oregon but do work up and down the West Coast. My focus is on providing services with over 30 years of skills and experience in construction and remodeling.

I got my start in the trades by reading the Time Life Home Repair and Improvement book series. I must have read the entire series cover to cover so many times and when my parents got divorced, I started taking care of the house for my single mother. One of the first projects I did was to install a garbage disposal, taking care of the plumbing, electrical, and sourcing all the parts and supplies.
My mother was thrilled, and a bit shocked that I was able to do it all professionally at my age. I painted my room and repaired and paint trim throughout the house. Later, we added a bedroom to the basement, including framing, electrical, and drywall. My 80-year-old neighbor sometimes would help and taught me the importance of craftsmanship. I still make sure all my outlet cover screws are oriented vertical from his instructions. Around 16, I started working for another neighbor that built custom homes. That’s where I learned how subcontracting and project management works, as well as the permitting and legal processes. I even used my computer skills to help him start using CAD to design homes and offer newer designs than his competitors.

Today, I’m stepping away from intangible computer work and returning to repairing and building things with my hands. There is a real sense of accomplishment and job found in taking an idea and turning it into a design and a physical manifestation of that initial idea.

The Kilted Workman is about providing experience, craftsmanship, and reasonable rates to help others enjoy seeing their ideas and dreams manifest. I pride myself on being someone people can trust their home improvement or repairs with as not just a job but an investment. Unlike some of the other solo-contractors, I ensure I ever over-commit my time and energy and set high standards for my work and my subcontractors. By using CAD and project management software, I can ensure that projects are completed on-time, within budgets, and thoroughly documented for permitting and resale of your home. Additionally, by using these tools and skills, modifications and additions I can accurately estimate the changes in cost and delivery timelines. Don’t settle for a contractor that will undersell and then overcharge, leaving you in a drawn-out remodeling job that feels like it will never end and cost a fortune.

Below you’ll find some of the services that I offer along with a portfolio of my past work. All my handyman work is personally done by me and guaranteed and insured. For remodeling, additions, or changes that require permitting, I only work with the best licensed, bonded, and insured sub-contractors acting as your designer and project manager. I don’t even mark up their services, but just have them bill you directly, only charging for my time managing the project and supervising their work.