Key Takeaways Thinking about a home standby generator? This guide explains how standby generators work, what an automatic transfer switch does, how load shedding can reduce generator size and cost, and when a portable generator may be the better backup…
Video Watch Time = 3 1/2 minutes Key Takeaways Finishing a basement can dramatically increase the usable space in a home, but full basement renovations can be expensive and risky in areas where moisture may occasionally appear. A semi-finished basement…
See Steve explain the difference between nitrile and latex gloves; understand how to choose disposable work gloves so they can be reused; watch unboxing of biodegradable disposable work gloves; recognize why protective gloves make sense in the workshop
Making delicious chocolate chip cookies in our homestead kitchen!
Can a 12 volt reciprocating saw really do a decent job in the real world? See this quick video tool tour and see why Steve likes this small but spunky tool. It may be small, but it’s pretty tough.
Outdoor wood boilers rely on combustion air to burn wood efficiently. If the blower fan supplying air to the fire is weak or poorly directed, the wood burns slowly and produces less heat. This can lead to smoky exhaust, creosote…
Epoxy garage floor coatings can create a durable, glossy surface, but many DIY epoxy floors fail within a few years. The most common problems are poor concrete preparation, moisture in the slab, and using thin epoxy paint instead of industrial…
Hand planes are one of the most useful tools in woodworking, but many people struggle to use them well. Learning how to use a hand plane properly allows you to flatten boards, smooth surfaces, and create precise edges without sandpaper…
If you’re planning to build a deck, dock, fence, gazebo, or any outdoor structure that uses screws, there’s one power tool that will make the job dramatically easier: an impact driver. Deck screws and structural screws are excellent fasteners for…
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, outlines his philosophy for home builds and renovation projects.
Question: Can I install carpeting over the luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring in my basement? The current floor is dark in colour right now and makes the place feel like a dungeon. Answer: Do you happen to know if your…
This Tremclad rust paint review is based on more than 50 years of hands-on experience with outdoor steel. There’s one product I’ve happily used for decades, and it’s made especially for exterior steel: Tremclad rust paint. It’s my go-to paint…