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
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The 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.
Continue ReadingVIDEO: Cabin Roof and Floor Insulation
In this video, watch Steve explain how to insulate a cabin roof from the top, leaving the rafters and roof boards visible from inside.
Continue ReadingVIDEO: Window Insulation & Condensation
Have you ever wondered what you can do about window condensation? Steve Maxwell talks about how the R-value of window glazings is about more than just saving energy.
Continue Reading$4000 Cabin plan? Not so fast!
There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding a $4000 cabin plan on the internet lately. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the author of this ambitious plan was none other than myself! This update corrects some information for a more accurate build.
Continue ReadingCASE STUDY: Waterfront “Silver Lining” Cottage Rises from Ashes
Using a beautiful lakeside site example, Steve Maxwell reveals four pivotal strategies that can help anyone interested in building elegantly and efficiently with minimal environmental impact.
Continue ReadingVIDEO: See Better Building Wrap In Action
Watch as Steve uses a heavy duty breathable building wrap typically used on roofs and how fast it’s attached using a cap stapler.
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