A while back a reader asked me about an insulation strategy for a wine cellar he’s building, and my advice applies to people looking to build root cellars for storing produce, too. The best approach involves insulation and, perhaps, a…
I often hear from distressed homeowners who make me wish I could have talked with them before renovations were done. Most often this has to do with finished basements gone bad. The dialogue you’ll read here is a glimpse into…
The world of industrial electrical components isn’t likely to win any design awards. These switches, conduits, relays, enclosures, and sockets lack the sleek lines and cutting-edge tech that draw attention. However, underestimate their importance at your peril. The seemingly simple…
Picture yourself unwinding in a bathroom that feels like a personal spa, or whipping up culinary delights in a kitchen that inspires your inner chef. A dream home isn’t just about square footage; it’s a haven tailored to your unique…
Ensure you’re not lamenting over your laminate flooring choice. Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, talks about this fast and easy to install flooring.
A few years ago I delivered 8 quarts of raspberries we’d picked for an elderly lady in town, and I noticed three things when she came to the door. First, this woman was very feeble. It took her a long…
As a homeowner, it’s your job to safeguard your house against fire hazards. This helps to protect your home, family, and neighbours. No one thinks it will happen to them but when it does it’s too late. Fortunately, there are…
Choosing the best windows for your basement renovation project can be tough, especially if you don’t pay attention to the little details involved in basement window replacement. Here are ideas to help you make the best choice. Some of the…
In homeownership, ensuring a safe and secure environment is important. One often overlooked aspect of this endeavor is pest protection. Unwanted pests can wreak havoc on homes, causing structural damage and posing health risks to inhabitants. By implementing the right…
Q: What’s the best way to make threads in steel for small bolts? I know there are tools for this, but I’ve never used them. A: The name of the tool used for cutting threads inside a hole is a…
Q: How can I get rid of the sulphur smell coming from our sink and bathtub drains? We brought in a plumber to investigate but all he suggested is to get our air circulation system cleaned. The problem first surfaced…
I get basement renovation questions by email from people around the world, and I do my best to answer as many as I can. Below you’ll find a Q&A exchange I had with JM, a homeowner looking to finish an…