Off-grid power technology is getting better quickly in surprising ways, and this means it’s never been easier to enjoy running water and electric power for lighting and small cooking jobs in cabins and lakeside cottages that can’t connect to utility…
This Guide Helps You Avoid Expensive Regrets If you’ve worked on modern houses, you already know how much can be systematized.Materials are standardized. Methods are familiar. Surprises are limited. Older houses are different. Homes built before — and even shortly…
I’ve built houses from scratch from foundation to roof peak, and I’ve also managed and worked on a number of older home renovations and restorations. Because of that, I can say with confidence that these two types of projects are…
Outdoor painting projects are common, but not all paint jobs last equally long or look equally good. This article explains three essential outdoor painting details that help your paint job endure weather and wear — from surface preparation to technique…
Steve Maxwell, Canadas Handiest Man, takes a look at intelligent roofing products and techniques that have come about to help create smarter roofs.
Video Watch Time = 11 minutes Inverters are a type of fuel-powered generator, and the new larger sizes and dual-voltage output make them suitable for whole-house backup. Learn more from the video above, including how a very well-priced option compares…
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, doesn’t accept excuses, and explains how simple it can be to work on DIY home improvement projects.
Question: As the weather warms up in spring I sometimes hear a faint drip-drip sound coming from the attic of my 17 year old bungalow. Water stains and dripping also showed up on the ceiling. When I opened the attic hatch,…
Masonry wasn’t my favourite homebuilding material when I got involved in building and renovation back in the mid-1980s, but 35+ years of dealing with reality has changed my mind. Brick veneer, in particular, offers the best combination of quality and…
In the late 1980s I faced a choice, and it was like many of the big choices we all face in life. Do I do the harder thing that I know is best, or do I choose the easier way…
Do your eavestroughs work the way they’re supposed to? Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, provides step by step home repair solutions for leaky roofs.
If you rely on a septic system – and especially f your septic system is currently showing signs of failure – you’ve come to the right place. You don’t necessarily need a whole new system when things look hopeless, despite what…