UPDATED 28APR2017: I’m seeing more and more people walking with canes & walking sticks these days, but none of the factory-made, metal sticks look all that interesting. A home-made, wooden walking stick you whittle yourself is another matter. Even a simple […]
Continue ReadingCOMPOSTING TOILETS: How to Buy One That Actually Works
Steve Maxwell, “Canada’s Handiest Man”, informs cottage owners on choosing and operating an eco-friendly, composting toilet.
Continue ReadingINSTALL A SUBMERSIBLE PUMP: 6 Lessons for Doing It the Right Way
UPDATED 6Apr2019: “How can I install a submersible pump?” If you’re asking this question, then this is the post for you. Read on for all the details. As far as I’ve seen, this is the most complete set of instructions on […]
Continue ReadingQ&A: Is Knotty Pine Good For a Finished Floor?
Q: Is knotty pine a good option for a finished floor? We’ve read your recommendations of this material, and would love to use it, but we’ve been advised not to. We’re told the wood will probably buckle, crack and split […]
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An Outhouse, a Misunderstanding and Some Laughs
I’ve come to realize that the ability to laugh is the most valuable home improvement skill of all, especially when you’re laughing at yourself. I was reminded of this when I left the city in 1986 to create a home and […]
Continue ReadingVIDEO: One Simple Mouse-Proofing Idea
If you’ve had any experience at all in rural areas, you know that autumn is the time of year when mice start looking for comfortable winter accommodations. And what better place than a summer cottage closed up until next spring? […]
Continue ReadingSMALL COUNTRY BUILDINGS: How to Create Good Ones That Last
Q: How should I build the first small building on my 15 acre country property? I don’t have a lot of experience, but I’m thinking of completing a stackwall and timber frame structure measuring 16×24 feet this summer, then something […]
Continue ReadingQ&A: Tiny Home Bylaw Issues
Did you ever have trouble with zoning bylaws when you built the tiny house you’ve written about? I want to follow your plans, but the 550 square foot floor size is smaller than the 800 square foot minimum I hear about where I live. What should I do? Read on for Steve’s advice to this reader.
Continue ReadingSane & Sustainable Homesteading: Part 1
How to thrive on the land without burnout, despair and failure
Continue ReadingThe Hidden Truth About Insulation
Home insulation isn’t flashy or fun. And unless you’re weird, it’s hard to get as emotionally excited about insulation as, say, a granite countertop of a new hardwood floor. But the fact is, insulation upgrades offer plenty to get excited about. Read Steve’s thoughts and see for yourself.
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