On May 25, 2012, a homestead homeowner inquired as to how she and her husband could support themselves financially after moving out of the city to a rural homestead property.  The biggest piece of advice, whatever you design for yourselves,…

How can I stop my three teenagers from taking really, really long showers? We’ve tried begging, guilt trips and timers. Is there some kind of device that automatically shuts off water flow after a certain period of time? We’ve got…

What are my options for getting power to a cottage I’m building? Neighbouring property owners don’t want hydro poles on their land, and going underground is too expensive. Off-the-grid power systems are more practical and affordable than ever, and the…

What’s the best way for me to learn how to create a rural homestead for myself? I’m a 23 year old college student and I want to move to the country and produce as much as I can for myself…

Steve Maxwell, a homesteader since 1985, takes us through a financial self-reliance reality check for the homesteading lifestyle.

Steve Maxwell passes on a few pieces of homesteading wisdom borne from his many years of hands-on experience.

Can you help me work past the confusion of equipping a cabin with photovoltaic panels? I could connect to the grid, but I like the idea of generating my own, cheap electricity. I recently priced a PV system to generate…

Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, still ruminates about all the energy information he learned at a conference from Nordic countries.

Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, ponders how our homes will cope without crude oil, an ever nearing reality.

Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, looks at a Canadian home that’s been built using many green energy efficient technologies and recycled material.

Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, reflects on his choice to create a self sustaining life away from urban cities and the road from then to now.

Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, tells homeowners looking to build new homes, cottages, or cabins, or renovate their siding about cedar wood shingles.