Home Exteriors

Chainsaw sharpening is one of those skills that separates pleasant cutting from frustration. A sharp chain pulls itself into the…

In this video, watch Steve explain how to insulate a cabin roof from the top, leaving the rafters and roof…

Ever notice how some indoor spaces feel great and others make you feel lousy? The difference comes down to a…

Until a few years ago, fuel-powered generators were the only way to create substantial amounts of electrical power for household…

In this week’s video episode, see a weird water well pump failure issue, watch a real-world troubleshooting procedure for discovering…

If you’re planning to build a new house or major addition, I’d like to make the case for masonry. It…

Got some painting to do at your place? Check out these five tips from professional painters that Steve has worked…

Frozen water supply pipes are bad enough, but a frozen sewage or drain line can be much worse. When wastewater…

Every home has dark spots. Sometimes it’s a hallway, sometimes it’s a bathroom, sometimes it’s the space over a kitchen…

Outdoor wood finishing seems simple until you try to keep new wood looking new. Cedar, pine and other exterior woods…

The term “passive house” refers to a certain style of building that uses far less energy than an ordinary home,…

Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, urges homeowners to maintain their oil tank heating systems and avoid an environmental mess and…

Canada’s Handiest Man, Steve Maxwell, informs homeowners about the Safer Living Homes campaign and discusses the importance building of strong…

Good woodworking often comes down to small details that are easy to overlook. Saw blades and router bits are a…

If you want better soil, fewer weeds, and less watering, garden mulch is one of the best tools you can…

Features of Good Tiny House Plans Not all tiny house plans are equally livable. Some look clever on paper but…

Key Takeaways What Makes Cottage Insulation Different from House Insulation? A seasonal cottage often begins life with very different assumptions…

Unventilated attics can work well when built properly, especially when spray foam or insulated panels are used to prevent air…

Summer is the season you’re most likely to refinish outdoor trim, door frames, window sashes and finickity woodwork of all…

Pressure-treated wood is the most common and economical lumber for decks, fences, pergolas, and many other outdoor projects. It lasts…

If you own a septic system, regular pump-outs are one of the cheapest ways to avoid a very expensive and…