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.
Managing Moisture In Building Envelopes
In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, there was a housing boom in Vancouver, Canada that had developers scrambling to…
Why Cast Iron Radiators Are Still Great
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, discusses the aesthetics and efficiency of cast iron radiators as home heating options.
PORCH LIFTS: Learn About the Compact Option for Boosting Household Accessibility
I’ve been advising a senior couple lately, Susan and Ian, helping them decide exactly how to renovate their home so…
CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR: What the Good Guys Really Look Like
A few years ago, my oldest son, Robert, and I had the chance to make some promotional videos about four…
Essential Guidelines for Purchasing Pre-Owned Generators
Opting for a large, industrial-sized pre-owned or low-hour used generator can bring a plethora of advantages, especially for companies, both…
VIDEO: Leak-Proof Alternative to Eavestrough
Sick and tired of leaky, clog-prone eavestrough? You might consider a trough-free alternative that Steve has used at his own…
The Toronto Homeowner’s Guide to Exterior Waterproofing Techniques
Exterior waterproofing in Toronto, or anywhere for that matter, is a vital consideration for homeowners. Toronto’s diverse weather, ranging from…
STONE HOME FINALE: Watch Video of Last Stone Being Laid
On July 4, 1987, I laid the first stone in what would be the basement of my homestead house on…
SEE WORLD’S BEST BRICK TIE: Plus Click to a Free Brick “Best Practices” Construction Guide
Brick ties are hidden pieces of hardware that tie brick veneer to the underlying wall frame of some modern house…
Furnace-Free Home in a Cold Climate
Learn About Reiner Hoyer’s fantastic super-efficient furnace free home and how he stays warm during the Toronto winters.
STONEWORKING VIDEO: See How I Build an Arch With Natural Stone
Building with the natural limestone of Manitoulin Island, Canada is one of the things I’ve learned to do in my…
EASIER TIMBER FRAMING: Canadian Hardware Brings Big Wood Into View
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, explains an alternative lumber framing method called Timberlinx.
Q&A of the Week: Building Foundations on Bedrock
I recently answered a subscriber’s question about building a foundation on bedrock – one of the best options for support…
3 Options for Anchoring to Concrete, Brick and Stone
When it comes to anchoring things to masonry, the process is not as simple as working with wood or drywall…
RENOVATION SANITY: How to Keep Smiling During Home Renovations
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, outlines his philosophy for home builds and renovation projects.
INDOOR CLOTHS DRYING: High-Quality Racks Make it Easy to be Green
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, shows you how to hang up clothes and your power gobbling habits with energy efficient…
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Display Houses: Tips and Tricks for Inspiration
Observing display houses can help you get inspiration and knowledge when looking for a new home. These display houses help…
QUICK & EASY CONCRETE FOUNDATION PAD: Build One Without Pouring Concrete
Do you need a concrete support pad for a shed, hot tub, standby generator or anything else small and in…
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…
FIBER vs. FOAM: 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…
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…
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Everything you need to know to make the outside of your home better, more durable and more beautiful.