Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, outlines his philosophy for home builds and renovation projects.
Continue ReadingBRICK VENEER: A Great Homebuilding Option
UPDATED 23Jul2020 + video below: Masonry wasn’t my favourite homebuilding material when I got involved in building and renovation back in the mid-1980s, but 30 years of dealing with reality has changed my mind. Brick veneer, in particular, offers the […]
Continue ReadingSTAIR TREAD TRICK: See Simple Jig on Video
Are you building or renovating stairs? Or perhaps you need to precisely fit pieces of wood between two fixed surfaces? You’ve got to watch this video. It’s the first I ever posted online, it’s been public since November 28, 2008, […]
Continue ReadingBUILD YOUR OWN EXTERIOR DOOR: Downloadable Plans for Shop-Built Design That Delivers Warmth and Class
Wooden handmade doors add soul to the front of any home.
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Attics Offer Big Potential for Great Living Space
Here’s how to make your attic potential a reality.
Continue ReadingQUALITY & MORALITY: Build Unto Others As You Would Have Them Build for You
If you do anything at all creative with your hands, you need to understand an idea I call “the challenge of a thousand decisions”. From moment to creative moment we’re all faced with decisions – many of them small – […]
Continue ReadingCERAMIC TILE INSTALLATION VIDEO: How Should I Reinforce My Floor Before Installing Ceramic Tiles?
Q: How should I reinforce my floor before installing new ceramic tiles? A written quote I received from a contractor includes 3/8” plywood fastened on top of the existing subfloor, but my friend says it should be 5/8”. What do […]
Continue ReadingSKILLED TRADESPEOPLE: Why They’re Harder to Find Than They Used to Be
A while ago I heard from a reader named Mike about an article I wrote on the long-term shortage of skilled tradespeople in North America. The reality we’ve both observed is at least half a century old, and I hear about […]
Continue ReadingPLANNING A NEW HOME OR ADDITION?: Follow These Steps to Make the Place Your Own
UPDATED 29MAY2020 Q: How should my husband and I choose an architect? We’ve bought five acres of waterfront property that’s blessed with interesting topography. We envision a small, green home, perhaps using water reclamation technology and solar energy, incorporating local […]
Continue ReadingNEED A NEW ROOF?: Understanding Your Top 3 Options
Considering a new roof for your house this spring? Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, gives a quick overview of three interesting roofing options.
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