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 ReadingSix Top Tips for Succeeding With Rough Lumber (Videos, Too)
Milling rough lumber for workshop woodworking projects saves money, but it also opens more creative possibilities than standard, pre-dressed wood. That’s why some woodworkers work with rough lumber, but success demands more than just running boards through your jointer and thickness […]
Continue ReadingQ&A OF THE WEEK: “Am I Being Scammed by a Mold Expert?”
Q: Am I being scammed by a mold expert? I found a 24” x 24” area of discolouration on my garage ceiling after a roof leak was discovered and repaired right away. One contractor wants to cut out the area […]
Continue ReadingINSULATION MYTHS: Four Popular Misconceptions Busted
Winter is the season when people in cold regions rely most on home insulation because winter presents the greatest need – both physically and financially. The thing is, you have to think correctly about insulation if you want to make […]
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HOME INSULATION: The Invisible Investment That Keeps On Paying Off
UPDATED 21Dec2018: When it comes to home insulation, “overdoing it” today is often ordinary tomorrow. That’s been the trend for the last 30 years and it’s not likely to let up. The question is, when will we learn our lesson? […]
Continue ReadingSOUNDPROOFING: What Can I Put Underneath New Carpet To Make Things Quieter?
Q: What can I put underneath new carpet to boost floor soundproofing? My father recently sent me an old article of yours about a rubber soundproofing sheet material made especially for this job. Trouble is, I can’t find a source […]
Continue ReadingHOW TO PAINT: Five Tips from the Pros & a Video
Got some painting to do at your place? Check out these five tips from professional painters that Steve has worked with. Better painting in less time is what you’ll get.
Continue ReadingCERAMIC TILES: This is What a Proper Installation Looks Like
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, goes over how DIY homeowners can install ceramic tiles that last.
Continue ReadingEDGE-GLUING SOLID WOOD: Three steps for success in the home workshop
Gluing boards edge-to-edge to make wider pieces is an essential woodworking skill. Learn these three tips for getting this job done right.
Continue ReadingQUALITY & MORALITY: Build Unto Others As You Would Have Them Build for You
If you do anything at all creative with your hands, you need to understand an idea I call “the challenge of a thousand decisions”. From moment to creative moment we’re all faced with decisions – many of them small – […]
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