Thinking of a bathroom renovation? See how one handy homeowner did an outstanding job using best-practice methods.
Continue ReadingQ&A of the Week: Workshop Wall Treatment
Q: What should I put on the interior walls of a garage I’m converting to a workshop? I’ve kicked the car out and two of the walls are currently covered with OSB. Should I cover the remaining walls in OSB […]
Continue ReadingFancy Cedar Shingles for Exterior Walls
In this video (8 minutes) visit with Steve as he shows how to make and install fancy cedar sidewall shingles; introduces a weatherproof outdoor extension cord connection port (really cool); and shows how to boost the life of all types of wood siding with an installation tip.
Continue ReadingROOFTOP MOSS Q&A: Does This Stuff Damage My Roof?
Q: Is moss on a house roof a serious problem? About 20% of the asphalt shingle roof area of a house we’re looking to buy has moss growing on it, mostly near a large maple tree. Is there a proper […]
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FIREWOOD FROM THE FOREST: How to Turn Trees into Fuel the Right Way
UPDATED 3Oct2019 (with videos below): If trees grow where you live, then cutting them can be a rewarding stewardship responsibility. It can also be a great way to heat your home. I’ve been cutting firewood and heating with it for […]
Continue ReadingFINISHING A BASEMENT REC ROOM: Avoid these 5 Deadly Mistakes
Are you thinking of finishing your basement? That’s a great home improvement goal, but you need to be more careful than most people if you expect good results. Even professional contractors often get basement finishing details wrong. It happens all the time and […]
Continue ReadingGENERATOR CONNECTION: Watch the Simplest Safe Method in Action
UPDATED 26Sep2019 + 2 VIDEOS: As generator prices fall and confidence in electrical utilities declines, you may be wondering how you could safely and legally connect a portable generator to your home. One of the simplest options is something called […]
Continue ReadingCEDAR RAIL FENCES: A Few Thoughts While Fixing an Heirloom
In this 4 minute video, watch Steve as he fixes a century-old cedar rail fence in the backwoods of Manitoulin; offers some thoughts on the responsibility of keeping farm land going; spends time doing some hard-but-fun outdoor work
Continue ReadingSMART THERMOSTATS, BETTER HEATING: How Today’s Best Hydronic Heating Controls Deliver More Comfort for Less Money
PUBLISHED 17Sep2019 (Video below): There’s more to optimal control of heating systems than just a thermostat that turns heat ON when it’s too cold, and OFF when temperatures rise. Today’s smartest hydronic heating controls serve this purpose in a way […]
Continue ReadingSix Top Tips for Succeeding With Rough Lumber (Videos, Too)
UPDATED 13Sep2019: Be sure to watch the videos below and the Q&A section at the end. 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 […]
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