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…
A number of years ago I was asked to testify in a lawsuit involving a father who fell off a ladder building a shed for his adult son. This man was suing his son for not providing a safe working…
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, goes over how DIY homeowners can install ceramic tiles that last.
Furnace Room Ventilation Q: Do I need to install vented doors when I build a wall around the furnace and water heater in my basement? I’d prefer to use solid doors if I could, but I’m concerned that the furnace…
Sooner or later every deck, shed, fence and outdoor wood surface gets moldy or weathered in time. Even non-wood surfaces such as composite decks, plastic lumber and vinyl siding start to grow things as the forces of nature have their…
Q: My current skylight is damaged and needs to be replaced. Can you recommend a reliable brand and installer? A: There are many brands of skylights out there, but I’ve never seen any that match the quality of VELUX. I’ve installed…
Q: Is it possible to blow insulation into the wall cavities of one of those little veteran homes built right after WWII? I’m afraid to shop around for this work to be done because I don’t want to be taken…
Q: Can you help me make sense of all the options for potlights? I’m confused by all the choices, sizes and types. A: Potlights are also called recessed lighting in the industry, and they’re a terrific feature when used properly. But…
If you’ve dealt with practical matters much, you know there can be a big difference between theory and practice. The theory of a finished basement, for instance, is that it’s warm, and dry and inviting. That’s why people pay tens…
Congratulations! Someone who cares about you has bought you the gift of four of my instructional video ebooks. Click here to use your gift code now, or read on to learn more about what you get. Now it’s time to get…
The quickest way to change the look of your home is by changing the colours on your walls. Use these steps to ensure that your walls look like they were repaired and painted by professionals.
Back in the 1980s I did some exterior woodworking for a client. They were very pleased, at least at first. Eight months later I got the phone call. The finish was peeling and ugly. “How could you let this happen?”,…