Home Exteriors
Everything you need to know to make the outside of your home better, more durable and more beautiful.
Review the entire Archive of Home Exteriors Articles here, or do a more in-depth search to find what you’re looking for.
STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS: This Wall and Roof Framing Alternative Cuts Heating Costs in Half
Steve Maxwell talks about a unique building product that replaces both wood framing and conventional insulation.
STRIPPING WIRE: Simple Tools That Make the Job Easy
Success in the workshop comes down to a bunch of skills – many of them small – that let you…
PHILOSOPHY: The Impracticality of Beauty
Although it’s not thought of very often – and perhaps spoken of even less – a life surrounded by beauty…
4 Home Inspection Tips Before Buying a House
When searching for their dream home, many people focus on the house design and its location. However, due diligence is…
Garage Door Care: When to DIY and When To Call the Pros
Your garage door is one of the hardest-working things in your home. Opening and closing, up and down dozens of…
HOME INSULATION: Why R Values Don’t Tell Anything Like the Whole Story
In this informative video, Steve Maxwell, explains the difference between fiber and foam based insulations to help with home…
WHEELCHAIR RAMP PLANS: How to Build a Good One for Your Home or Business
A wheelchair ramp is one of the single most important feature you can build into any home where people with…
MULTI-FUEL GENERATORS: Ideal Technology for Extended Outages
Portable generators are getting better in surprising ways, especially when it comes to keeping you powered during outages lasting more…
How to Properly Lay a Foundation: Key Principles and Essential Equipment
Building a home from the ground up is a long and meticulous process. It’s crucial to plan every step properly…
PEST CONTROL: How to Get Rid of Ants
There are reasons why ants are considered pests. With so many different species of ants, most homeowners face an unwanted…
CHOOSING PAINT COLORS: Three Steps for Making Better Choices Digitally
Choosing paint colors is probably the number#1 challenge faced by people looking to paint their homes, both inside and…
OFF-GRID POWER: “What Equipment Do I Need to Sell Electricity Into the System?”
Have you ever thought of selling your own off-grid electricity back to the grid? This article is my answer a…
eXTERIOR WALL SIDING: Fancy Cedar Sidewall Shingles
Watch Steve’s quick video on how to cut and install fancy cedar sidewall shingles as an artistic accent to any…
What I Wish I Knew Before Installing Exterior Insulation
The idea was straightforward: wrap the house in a thick blanket of rigid foam and watch the energy bills drop…
HOMES: The Hidden Costs of Rental Property Ownership
Buying a rental property sounds like a smart move. You expect steady rent payments, tax benefits, and long-term value. But…
DECK BUILDING & FINISHING: Learn How to Do So Much Better Than Average
If you’re planning to build a new backyard deck this year (or refurbish an old one with a good frame…
WINTERIZING WATER SYSTEMS: This Simple System Is 100% Reliable
Got a seasonal water system to put away for the winter? Watch the video below to learn about a fast,…
WOODEN DOORS: Tips for Making Them Swing Easy Again
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, explains solutions to a common problem during Canadian summers: wood doors swelling and sticking.
CLOSING UP THE COTTAGE: Real-World Tricks That Make The Job Easier
If you own a summer cottage, you know there’s always a lot to do when closing up for the winter…
HOME ENERGY: Don’t Get Fooled By Convincing Nonsense
Don’t be fooled by tricky language that makes convincing but false claims about energy efficiency. Get the basics of home…
OUTDOOR WOOD FINISH: Watch a New Version of an Old Favourite in Action
Click below to watch me apply a new, coloured version of a favourite outdoor wood finish of mine. It’s called Ecowood…
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Everything you need to know to make the outside of your home better, more durable and more beautiful.