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.
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…
“What Interior Design Features Make Sense for Aging in Place at Home?”
Question: What are some interior design features that make sense for seniors wanting to stay in their home as long…
OLDER HOMES: Deciding Which Issues Matter and How Much
A number of years ago a friend of mine had enough of living in a dim, smelly, noisy apartment building,…
WINTERIZE YOUR PRESSURE WASHER: Fast, Easy, Reliable Method
In this video (4 minutes) learn how to use plumbing anti-freeze to protect a pressure washer against freezing & damage;…
How to Build a Mason Bee House: Plans, Instructions & Video Tour
Want to boost pollinators in your garden? Encourage mason bees with this simple but effective DIY project. Click here or…
VIDEO: See Better Building Wrap In Action
Watch as Steve uses a heavy duty breathable building wrap typically used on roofs and how fast it’s attached using…
Simple Valve Extends Water Well Pump Life & Improves Water Pressure
Does your house have a water pump for delivering household water? Take a look at Steve’s review of a simple…
WOOD FOUNDATIONS: Pressure-Treated Panels are Warm, Dry and Easy to Build
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, explains and answers questions about structural insulated panels as a foundation alternative to concrete.
DIY EXTERIOR DOOR: Downloadable Plans for Building Your Own
Wooden handmade doors add soul to the front of any home.
WHEELCHAIR RAMPS: 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…
CLOTHES DRYER VENTING: How To Do It Much Better Than Average
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, informs homeowners about improved dryer vent inventions, which are more aesthetically pleasing and safer too.
MOUSE-PROOF DOOR SWEEP: A Simple Idea That Makes A Big Difference
If you’ve ever lived in a rural area, you know that mice are always on the lookout for comfortable accommodations…
HOW TO BUY A HOUSE: Four Simple But Important Tech Issues to Look At
What makes a house good to buy on a technical level? It’s a question that not enough prospective homeowners ask…
How to Insulate an Old, Brick House
Steve answers your questions about metal roofing, adding insulation to older brick homes and how to prevent deck rot.
Oregon Chainsaw Sharpener: Fast Sharpening With PowerSharp
Chainsaw sharpening is one of those skills that separates pleasant cutting from frustration. A sharp chain pulls itself into the…
Top-Down Roof and Floor Insulation
In this video, watch Steve explain how to insulate a cabin roof from the top, leaving the rafters and roof…
Four Ways to Make Renovations Feel Right
Ever notice how some indoor spaces feel great and others make you feel lousy? The difference comes down to a…
Portable Power Stations Deliver Backup Electricity Without Fuel & Fumes
Until a few years ago, fuel-powered generators were the only way to create substantial amounts of electrical power for household…
SUBMERSIBLE WATER PUMP: Watch a Detailed Troubleshooting & Installation Video
In this week’s video episode, see a weird water well pump failure issue, watch a real-world troubleshooting procedure for discovering…
MASONRY: Why It’s a Great Homebuilding Choice
If you’re planning to build a new house or major addition, I’d like to make the case for masonry. It…
HOW TO PAINT YOUR HOUSE: Five Tips from the Pros & a Video
Got some painting to do at your place? Check out these five tips from professional painters that Steve has worked…
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Everything you need to know to make the outside of your home better, more durable and more beautiful.



















