Q: What’s involved when installing a pellet stove as a heating appliance? We’re planning to build in the country next year, and I’m sold on the cost savings of this heating system. Can you recommend specific models? Do pellet stoves […]
Continue ReadingQ&A OF THE WEEK: “Should I install a backwater valve in my basement?’
Q: Is it a good idea to install a backwater valve to protect my basement from sewage backup? I live in Ottawa, Canada and I’m considering this upgrade. A: The short answer is yes. A backwater valve is a great […]
Continue ReadingQ&A OF THE WEEK: “How Do I Freeze-Proof a Cabin Water Line?”
Q: What’s the best way to freeze-proof a water line from a spring to a vacation cabin we visit year-round? There’s not enough soil to bury the pipe below frost and we don’t want to invest in anything fancy or […]
Continue ReadingTHE REAL REASON CRAFTSMANSHIP MATTERS
Craftsmanship is the extent to which a person aims towards excellence, especially in any venture involving hands-on workmanship. It’s a product of skill, knowledge, experience and effort. And while craftsmanship pays off for the people in your life who enjoy […]
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Q&A OF THE WEEK: “Can I Leave Cottage Heat Off During Winter?”
Q: Can I safely leave the heat turned off in my cottage over winter? The floor is hardwood and I’m concerned about warping. I’m retired and don’t want to spend the $200 a month it costs to keep minimal heat […]
Continue ReadingQ&A OF THE WEEK: “Am I Being Scammed by a Mold Expert?”
Q: Am I being scammed by a mold expert? I found a 24” x 24” area of discolouration on my garage ceiling after a roof leak was discovered and repaired right away. One contractor wants to cut out the area […]
Continue ReadingQ&A OF THE WEEK: Repairing Wooden Chairs
Q: What’s the best glue for restoring teak dining room chairs? I’ve dismantled a couple of teak chairs that were originally assembled with old-time hide glue. I cleaned the joints and reassembled with wood glue, but the joints failed. I’ve […]
Continue ReadingQ&A OF THE WEEK: “How Do I Finish a Wooden Countertop”
Q: How should I finish a 3 foot wide x 10 foot long lodgepole pine countertop I’m making for a kitchen and bar? I want the wood to be protected from spills. A: The challenge with every wooden countertop is […]
Continue ReadingQ&A of the Week: “What Type of New Furnace Should I Get?”
Q: What type of new furnace should I get? My existing oil furnace has a problem and I’m getting an oil smell in the house. My oil tank is currently 15 years old, and my service technician says I should […]
Continue ReadingHOW TO INSTALL TRIM Q&A: “Should I Trust My Contractor’s Advice?”
Q: What should I think of a contractor who wants to fasten 8” wide Douglas fir exterior window trim using stainless steel screws? Not the nicest look in my opinion. He also wants to do the same thing with interior […]
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