Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, shares insight and tips towards finishing your basement.
Continue ReadingCan I install vinyl flooring directly on top of a concrete basement floor?
Although it’s possible to install vinyl flooring directly on concrete, it’s not a great idea. I’ve seen vinyl separate from the concrete over time, besides the fact that a basement floor constructed this way won’t feel very warm underfoot. That’s […]
Continue ReadingHow can I extend the height of a wooden fence from?
How can I extend the height of a wooden fence from five feet to seven feet tall without putting in new posts? I want to install a wooden lattice above the five-foot mark. If this were my fence I’d bolt […]
Continue ReadingWhat should I use to strip paint off one outside wall of my house?
What should I use to strip paint off one outside wall of my house? The last time I stripped before painting I used a propane torch on the other walls, but that was before I realized I was dealing with […]
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Got a Question for Steve?
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What kind of furnace should I have installed?
Our insurance company tells us that our 25 year-old oil tank needs to be replaced or they won’t extend coverage. Is it better to spend $1,100.00 on a new oil tank or $3,000.00 on a gas furnace? The heating oil […]
Continue ReadingCan you help recommend an insulation upgrade for my 150-year-old home?
I’m planning to restore an 1860’s board-and-batten home, and need some advice about insulation. Right now there’s none in the wall cavities and I want to change this as part of the restoration. What’s the best type of insulation to […]
Continue ReadingCan we install drywall over plaster and lathe?
We’re fixing an older home with plaster walls and want to apply drywall over top. Can we do this? I’ve heard that you can’t screw drywall down in situations like this. What about construction adhesive instead? I’ve never heard any […]
Continue ReadingHow can I soundproof the suspended ceiling in my basement?
How can I soundproof the suspended ceiling in my basement? My daughter is moving in and I’m hoping that fiberglass batts installed above the ceiling tiles will keep the sound down. Effective retrofit soundproofing is never a quick and easy […]
Continue ReadingWhat’s your opinion of macerating toilets?
What’s your opinion of macerating toilets? I’m planning to build a two-piece bathroom in a finished basement. Macerating toilet systems allow bathrooms to be built below the level of a drain. They include a toilet that connects to a sealed box […]
Continue ReadingMy husband and I would like to paint our Formica countertop to change its colour. Will this work?
My husband and I would like to paint our Formica countertop to change its colour. Will this work? The cost of a replacement countertop is too high, and our old one remains in good shape. Although I haven’t tried it […]
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