When it comes to home maintenance, minor problems can escalate quickly if left unchecked. What starts as a tiny leak, crack, or squeak can lead to costly repairs if you don’t address it promptly. The key to avoiding expensive repairs…
Ordinary dryer vents and bathroom exhaust vents hardly ever work properly. The flimsy plastic internal flap door opens and closes in the wind, and most of these flaps eventually fall off in time. The only vent I’ve ever seen that’s…
Considering a new roof for your house this spring? Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, gives a quick overview of three interesting roofing options.
Vinyl siding is an aesthetically pleasing exterior cladding option for buildings. It is a popular type of cladding used in construction because it is durable, versatile, and requires low maintenance. It is used on many types of buildings and has…
If you’re building a deck or renovating an older one, I’ve got some thoughts to share when it comes to composite or wood for the top surface. You’ll want to understand these points before you make a choice.
Watch as my son, Robert, and I split a piece of limestone that’s way too big for a mini excavator to move. We used a technique involving some ancient tools called “plug and feather” wedges, plus the fastest rotary hammer…
Sometimes a little woodworking trick can deliver a lot of value. That’s the case with an operation called “kerfing”. Click above to watch how I used kerfing to tighten up a visible joint on a deck project that’s got more…
In this video, Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, explains the usefulness of scale architectural models before beginning a custom home build.
Like slate roofs but not the high price? Check out this review of a slate substitute that’s half the price and less than half the weight.
Question: Can I drill a two-inch hole through the concrete floor of my basement for the drain tube of an air conditioner? The nearest drainpipe is 25 feet away and I don’t want to install plastic pipes running along the…
In at least one way, wooden residential fences are like most other home improvement projects. The more you put into design and construction details, the more you get back. This article is for people who want a lot from their…
Question: How should I choose a contractor to stop my basement from leaking water during wet weather? I don’t want to be ripped off and I feel like a sitting duck. Answer: You’re wise to be concerned because the technical…