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.
DECK INFO: New Life for Middle-Aged Decks
Do you have an old wooden deck that needs a facelift? Steve offers insights on how to get your old…
CASE STUDY: 60-something Couple Build a House
Have you ever wanted to build your own house? The story of Chuc and Linda Willson might give you encouragement…
CASE STUDY: Preventing Frozen Pipes in a Seasonal Cottage Landscape
Supplying your seasonal cottage with a year-round water supply system is easier than you think. Learn how it can be…
TECH REPORT: Why You Should Love LED Light Bulbs
The home lighting landscape is changing and energy saving LED lighting is becoming a more affordable and efficient way to…
OLD-TIME STONEWORK: How I Build with Real Stone in Real Ways
While you can’t become a masonry expert by reading an article, you can tackle this DIY traditional masonry stone project…
Q & A: How do I repair a deep crack in my concrete slab and add flexibility to prevent the crack from growing?
Repair a crack in your concrete slab: Q: Hello Mr. Maxwell;Thanks for previous help re Lichen & Roof problems. Now…
VIDEO FEATURE: How to Install Basement Insulation
Planning to finish your basement? Don’t make the mistake so many homeowners and contractors do. Steve’s video shows how to…
VIDEO FEATURE: Cedar Sidewall Shingles Drainage
Got a building where vinyl siding just wouldn’t look right? Cedar shingles used as exterior siding is an excellent option…
VIDEO FEATURE: Double Life of Wooden Deck Plans
Watch Steve’s deck construction video tutorial and see how to easily double deck board life by design. It makes a…
FRIENDLY ADVICE: Avoid Biggest Wood Fence Stain Mistake
A long-time reader is about to waste time and money doing something to her fence that a lot of people…
VIDEO FEATURE: How to Properly Build a Deck on Brick Veneer
Watch this 3-minute video to avoid the classic deck building mistake people do when anchoring a deck to brick veneer…
VIDEO FEATURE: Improve Your Deck Plans
Let Steve show you what goes into a great new deck or deck finish. You won’t find this information anywhere…
Let Steve Answer Your Home Improvement Questions
Have a Question about Home Improvement? Steve welcomes his readers to send in their questions for his expert advice.
Tougher Times
Red tape and regulation piled higher for tradespeople.
Can You Suggest an Inexpensive, Good Quality Roofing Product?
Hear Steve offer advice about his choice of roofing that delivers good looks and long life at reasonable cost.
How do I Add a New Basement Window to a Masonry Foundation?
Steve offers advice about strengthening the area above a new basement window opening cut into a concrete foundation.
Deck Finishing Advice from Steve Maxwell
“Canada’s Handiest Man”, Steve Maxwell, shares his tips for finishing your deck to have a 20+ year lifespan.
How do I replace a rusting steel garage support?
Steve explains how to replace a rusting steel garage support post and how to make the new one last.
How do I properly insulate my basement using foam insulation?
Steve answers a question about using foam insulation properly in a basement.
How do I deal with mold behind my basement walls?
In this Q and A video Steve explains how to deal with mold hidden behind basement walls, and how to…
Concrobium Mold Stain Eraser: Best Deck Wash Product So Far
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, shares the best deck brightener he’s found for removing deck mold – Concrobium Mold Stain…
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Everything you need to know to make the outside of your home better, more durable and more beautiful.