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.
Simple Portable Off-Grid Power for Cabins, Cottages and Blackouts
Off-grid power technology is getting better quickly in surprising ways, and this means it’s never been easier to enjoy running…
The Old House Renovation Guide
This Guide Helps You Avoid Expensive Regrets If you’ve worked on modern houses, you already know how much can be…
Why Restoring an Old House Is Nothing Like Building a New One
I’ve built houses from scratch from foundation to roof peak, and I’ve also managed and worked on a number of…
OUTDOOR PAINTING TIPS: 3 Details That Improve Durability & Finish
Outdoor painting projects are common, but not all paint jobs last equally long or look equally good. This article explains…
ROOFING: How to Make an Asphalt Shingle Roof Last 50 Years
Steve Maxwell, Canadas Handiest Man, takes a look at intelligent roofing products and techniques that have come about to help…
INVERTER GENERATORS: New Larger Size Supports Household Backup
Video Watch Time = 11 minutes Inverters are a type of fuel-powered generator, and the new larger sizes and dual-voltage…
PHILOSOPHY: Busting DIY Home Improvement Excuses
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, doesn’t accept excuses, and explains how simple it can be to work on DIY home…
HOME REPAIRS: “Why Is My Roof Leaking on a Sunny Day?”
Question: As the weather warms up in spring I sometimes hear a faint drip-drip sound coming from the attic of…
HOMEBUILDING: Why Brick Veneer Is An Excellent Exterior Option
Masonry wasn’t my favourite homebuilding material when I got involved in building and renovation back in the mid-1980s, but 35+…
PHILOSOPHY: Masonry, Life & Choosing the Hard-But-Good Things
In the late 1980s I faced a choice, and it was like many of the big choices we all face…
EAVESTROUGH LEAKS: Two Options to Consider for Back-Of-Trough Leaks
Do your eavestroughs work the way they’re supposed to? Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, provides step by step home repair…
SEPTIC SYSTEMS: How I Fixed My Failed Mess
If you rely on a septic system – and especially f your septic system is currently showing signs of failure…
HOME TECH: Automatic Backup Generators Get Smarter
In December 2013, relatives of mine in Toronto spent Christmas in a cheap hotel miles from their home because of…
CLOTHES DRYER VENTS: How To Build Them Better
Clothes dryer vents have got to be one of the last things builders consider when they’re putting a house together,…
ELECTRICITY SECURITY: Automatic Standby Generators Smarter Than Ever
A number of years ago, some Toronto relatives of mine experienced an extended power outage over Christmas, and like many…
EXTERIOR WOOD FINISHING: All You Need to Know About Oiling
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, explains to handy DIY homeowners how to make oiling exterior wood easy and effective.
PLUMBING: Electricity-Free Frozen Drain Vent Solution
For those of us living in cold climates, one of the most annoying (and mysterious) problems happens when rooftop plumbing…
HOME IMPROVEMENT: “How Can I Stop My Garage Door From Sticking Shut In Winter?
Question: How can I stop my garage door from freezing to the concrete floor when it gets really cold? I…
TOOLS: How to Choose & Use a Pressure Washer
Watch the video below for tips and tricks on using your pressure washer, including some uses you’ve probably never seen…
HOMEBUILDING: Optimal Energy Performance for New Homes & Additions
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, explains four insulation options to ensure your new home or addition is energy efficient.
AGING AT HOME: Key Renovations help Avoid Nursing Home Life
Aging in place in your own home is a hot topic these days, but the various pieces of information needed…
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Everything you need to know to make the outside of your home better, more durable and more beautiful.