Choosing paint colors is probably the number#1 challenge faced by people looking to paint their homes. There are so many choices and so many opinions about what looks good that it often leads to indecision and second guessing. Colour issues […]
Continue ReadingEASY COTTAGE WATER SYSTEM PRIMING: How to Avoid the Seasonal Misery
Seasonal water system are great when they work, but can also be troublesome to get going again. Did you have trouble priming your cottage water system this spring? Add a few pieces of hardware this coming fall and your troubles will be over.
Continue ReadingWOODWORKING CHISELS: See French-Made All-Steel Framing Chisels
Steve Maxwell, “Canada’s Handiest Man”, reviews Lee Valley All-steel Framing Chisels as must haves for the home woodworking hobbyist.
Continue ReadingQ&A OF THE WEEK: Insulating a 1950s Brick Bungalow
Q: What’s the best way to insulate the double-brick walls of my small bungalow built in 1952? There’s just plaster against the inside layer of brick with no insulation as far as I can tell. I’m having loose fill insulation […]
Continue Reading
Got a Question for Steve?
[pirate_forms]
POWER NAILERS: A Close Look at Their Progress
It’s hard to believe, but when Paslode invented the air nailer back in 1959, nothing much happened. Most professionals weren’t interested. It took 25 more years for air nailers to begin appearing on job sites in a big way, and […]
Continue ReadingQ&A: “How Should I Install a Pellet Stove?”
Q: What’s involved when installing a pellet stove as a heating appliance? We’re planning to build in the country next year, and I’m sold on the cost savings of this heating system. Can you recommend specific models? Do pellet stoves […]
Continue ReadingBAILEY LINE LIFE EP. 18: Submersible Water Pump Installation Video
In this week’s video episode, see a weird water well pump failure issue, watch a real-world troubleshooting procedure for discovering the problem, see the installation of a new submersible water pump and more . . .
Continue ReadingOUTDOOR WOOD FURNACE: Heating Technology Offers Energy Security
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, outlines the benefits of an outdoor wood furnace as an alternative heating option thats energy efficient.
Continue Reading50% ENERGY SAVINGS: How to Build With Structural Insulated Panels
30 March 2019: Earlier this week I talked to a young pastor about a building project he has in mind. His church is planning to put up a new multi-purpose building, and their architect recommended structural insulated panels (SIPs) for […]
Continue ReadingQ&A OF THE WEEK: “Should I install a backwater valve in my basement?’
Q: Is it a good idea to install a backwater valve to protect my basement from sewage backup? I live in Ottawa, Canada and I’m considering this upgrade. A: The short answer is yes. A backwater valve is a great […]
Continue Reading