Back in June 2018, I got an email from a woman wondering about roof shingles, and it reminded me how easy it is for contractors to destroy their own credibility with white lies. As a homeowner, you need to watch […]
Continue ReadingCOOLER UPSTAIRS ROOMS: See a Great Way to Keep Upper Stories Comfortable
Want to keep a lot cooler in summer without relying so much on air conditioning? Check out Steve’s 2-minute video tour of how openable skylights can do this for you.
Continue ReadingOUTDOOR WOOD FINISH: 28 Years Experience With One Great Product
Back in 1990, I prepared my first outdoor wood finishing sample to see how a particular product actually performed in the sun, rain and weather over the long haul. Since then I’ve tested many other finishes in the same way, […]
Continue ReadingQ&A of the Week: What Replacement Skylight Do You Recommend?
Q: My current skylight is damaged and needs to be replaced. Can you recommend a reliable brand and installer? A: There are many brands of skylights out there, but I’ve never seen any that match the quality of VELUX. I’ve installed […]
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MASONRY: Why It’s a Great Green Choice
PUBLISHED 22Jun2018: Everyone makes choices in life, and many of these choices affect the environment. The funny thing is, choices don’t always align with the values people claim to hold. It’s surprising how often this disconnect happens. For instance, I […]
Continue ReadingQ&A of the Week: “How Can I Shorten a Door to Allow for New Flooring?”
Q: What’s the best way to shorten two wooden doors as part of a laminate floor job I’m planning? I need advice for marking and cutting the bottom of these doors accurately. A: This job is actually trickier than it […]
Continue ReadingBRICK VENEER: A Great Homebuilding Option
Masonry wasn’t my favourite homebuilding material when I got involved in building and renovation back in the mid-1980s, but 30 years of dealing with reality has changed my mind. Brick veneer, in particular, offers the best combination of quality and […]
Continue ReadingRUSTIC, MAINTENANCE-FREE SIDING: A Close Look at One Option
When it comes to exterior siding for homes and cottages in rural locations, it’s not easy to find a durable option that works visually. For some of us at least, choices such as vinyl or aluminum siding simply look too […]
Continue ReadingSEPTIC SYSTEM DISASTER: How It Happens & What To Do About It
UPDATED 16May2018: Millions of people rely on septic systems to handle household waste water, and all these systems are an expensive time bomb waiting to explode. It’s not a matter of if your septic system will fail, but when the […]
Continue ReadingWOOD SIDING: What’s the Best Way to Finish It?
Wood siding that’s stained needs to be refinished frequently. The longest lasting results I’ve seen don’t look good much longer than 5 or 6 years in full sun. The trick is refinishing with the least amount of effort and so […]
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