HOME INSULATION: Why R Values Don’t Tell Anything Like the Whole Story
In this informative video, Steve Maxwell, explains the difference between fiber and foam based insulations to help with home building decisions.
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MULTI-FUEL GENERATORS: Ideal Technology for Extended Outages
Portable generators are getting better in surprising ways, especially when it comes to keeping you powered during outages lasting more than a few hours. Multi-fuel generators keep electricity flowing using more than one source of fuel. Click below to watch…
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How to Properly Lay a Foundation: Key Principles and Essential Equipment
Building a home from the ground up is a long and meticulous process. It’s crucial to plan every step properly to achieve the desired results. The most important part of every house is its foundation. It literally supports the whole…
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CHOOSING PAINT COLORS: Three Steps for Making Better Choices Digitally
Choosing paint colors is probably the number#1 challenge faced by people looking to paint their homes, both inside and out. There are so many choices and so many opinions about what looks good that it often leads to indecision…
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OFF-GRID POWER: “What Equipment Do I Need to Sell Electricity Into the System?”
Have you ever thought of selling your own off-grid electricity back to the grid? This article is my answer a student’s question about how this is possible in many areas. Greg was in a previous session of my online course POWER…
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eXTERIOR WALL SIDING: Fancy Cedar Sidewall Shingles
Watch Steve’s quick video on how to cut and install fancy cedar sidewall shingles as an artistic accent to any exterior siding installation.
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What I Wish I Knew Before Installing Exterior Insulation
The idea was straightforward: wrap the house in a thick blanket of rigid foam and watch the energy bills drop. No drafts, no cold spots, no regrets. That’s how it looked on paper. But a few days into the project—tools…
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HOMES: The Hidden Costs of Rental Property Ownership
Buying a rental property sounds like a smart move. You expect steady rent payments, tax benefits, and long-term value. But many new landlords face one major problem: They underestimate the true cost of owning a rental. These aren’t just one-time…
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DECK BUILDING & FINISHING: Learn How to Do So Much Better Than Average
If you’re planning to build a new backyard deck this year (or refurbish an old one with a good frame but rotted top), you’re probably about to make a mistake. Several mistakes, actually. The reason is because standard deck building…
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WINTERIZING WATER SYSTEMS: This Simple System Is 100% Reliable
Got a seasonal water system to put away for the winter? Watch the video below to learn about a fast, fool-proof way to winterize pipes inside your place. It even works with washing machines, dishwashers and water dispensers. Perfect for…
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WOODEN DOORS: Tips for Making Them Swing Easy Again
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, explains solutions to a common problem during Canadian summers: wood doors swelling and sticking.
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CLOSING UP THE COTTAGE: Real-World Tricks That Make The Job Easier
If you own a summer cottage, you know there’s always a lot to do when closing up for the winter. That’s why it’s good to look for ways to make the job more effective. When I began my cottaging career…
