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 SMARTS: Anchoring to house walls the Right Way
Planning to build a deck? Be careful how you anchor it to your house wall, if you should even do…
GAP-FREE WOODWORKING JOINTS: Simple Trick Makes It Easy
Sometimes a little woodworking trick can deliver a lot of value. That’s the case with an operation called “kerfing”. Click…
BUILDING SCALE HOUSE MODELS: A Great Way to Design & Practice Construction
In this video, Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, explains the usefulness of scale architectural models before beginning a custom home…
Canadian-Made Slate Roof Substitute Video Tour
Like slate roofs but not the high price? Check out this review of a slate substitute that’s half the price…
“How Can I Bore 2″ Holes in a Concrete Basement Floor?”
Question: Can I drill a two-inch hole through the concrete floor of my basement for the drain tube of an…
BETTER FENCES: Best practices for Building well
In at least one way, wooden residential fences are like most other home improvement projects. The more you put into…
Choosing a Basement Waterproofing Contractor
Question: How should I choose a contractor to stop my basement from leaking water during wet weather? I don’t want…
Sinking Sidewalks & Uneven Driveways? Here’s the Smartest Fix (Without Tearing Them Out!)
A smooth, level driveway or sidewalk isn’t just about looks—it’s about safety and durability. When concrete starts to sink, it…
How to Identify a Poor Siding Installation Job
The average homeowner isn’t necessarily an expert in everything related to home construction and repair. Unfortunately, this can lead to…
Attics Offer Big Potential for Great Living Space
Here’s how to make your attic potential a reality.
TIMBER FRAME DETAILS: Easier Ways to Build With Beautiful Timbers
Want to build a timber frame home but don’t have the budget? There are ways around that difficulty.
BIG FABRIC STRUCTURE: Watch the Unloading of my 12,000 lbs Project
When I needed more covered storage space on my rural property, I decided to put up a fabric structure. I…
SMARTPHONE CHOOSES PAINT COLOURS: Let Your Electronics Help You Out
Sometimes choosing paint colours for your home is as much of a challenge and putting the paint on, and that’s…
LIGHTEST & WARMEST BASEMENT SUBFLOOR OPTION – See This All-New 100% Foam Product
Building products are always getting better, and that goes especially for items made for finishing basement. Insul-Armor is an up-and-coming…
BEAUTIFUL BRICK: Watch These Videos & Learn Why Brick Construction is Great
There’s a lot to love about brick construction, and the two videos below shows some of the reasons it’s easy…
Building a Deck Foundation on Bedrock
A while back I got an email from a cottage owner asking about options for building a deck on bedrock…
Unique, New DIY Spray Foam Product
Until now, if you wanted to use spray foam on your house, you either call in a foam contractor (okay…
How to Build a Beautiful Gravel Patio or Walkway (Without Hiring a Pro!)
A well-designed gravel patio or walkway adds charm and functionality to any outdoor space. It creates a clean, defined area…
BUILDING FOR EFFICIENCY: Optimal Energy Performance for New Homes and Additions
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, explains four insulation options to ensure your new home or addition is energy efficient.
Creating Privacy and Security with Quality Residential Fences: Key Considerations for Choosing and Installing Fencing That Lasts
Residential fencing offers more than just a physical boundary; it transforms a property by enhancing privacy, security, and curb appeal…
VERMICULITE HOME INSULATION: Does This Material Pose a Health Risk?
A few years ago I got a question from a woman who moved into an older home, and discovered after…
Search Home Exteriors Articles
Everything you need to know to make the outside of your home better, more durable and more beautiful.