Q: What’s the best way to insulate a cottage? I’m converting the place into a four-season home, but I want to preserve the interior wooden wall finishes. Paper-covered batt insulation is in the 2×4 wall frames now, but I’m concerned […]
Continue ReadingCHOOSING PAINT COLORS: Three Steps for Making Better Choices
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 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 ReadingPOWER 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 […]
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Learn More from Bailey Line Road
Q&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 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 ReadingHow to Protect a Cabin Water Line from Freezing
It’s not always possible to protect water supply lines in the usual way, by burying them under enough soil. Some landscapes don’t have enough dirty for this, and some building are constructed above ground only, with no basement. The simple […]
Continue ReadingQ&A of the Week: “What’s the Best Way to Level An Old Basement Floor?”
Q: What’s the best way to level a concrete basement floor in my 1931 house? The space is dry and in good shape, and I’m planning to install basement subfloor tiles as part of a campaign to finish the space. […]
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