Exterior House Renovation projects don't have to be difficult, expensive, or time consuming. With our home improvement resource database, you'll find renovation articles and DIY tips to help you learn more about both exterior and interior projects, as well as a contractor directory to help you find a local renovation professionals. Check out all of the exterior home renovation resources we have to offer today!

• Decks and Porches • Doors and Windows • Driveways and Walkways • Foundation Repairs	• Fences • Garage and Carports • Exterior Home Renovations • Masonry and Brick Work	• Painting • Roofing and Gutters • Siding and Stucco • Waterproofing

Decks, Patios & Porches	TOP

	Basic Tips and Steps on How to Construct a Patio A well constructed patio can enhance the enjoyment of your home for you and your family by increase your living space. With the proper planning and construction, it can also increase the value of your home. Learn the basic steps required in the construction of your own patio.
	Deck Building Tips Deck building is a seasonal activity in Canada because in many parts of the country the outside activity is much shorter than that of our southern neighbours. Unlike decks made in warmer climates the Canadian weather also has an effect on deck building materials. This means that wooden deck surfaces must be protected, or the deck surfaces should be constructed from more durable materials like composite decking or cedar.
	Deck Building Tips for the Handy Person Deck building is a renovation that can add hundreds of square feet of living space for a fraction of the cost of a room addition in a much shorter time span. For any deck project planning is crucial because there are many other things to consider besides price. These include municipal bylaws and codes, property lines, the positioning of the deck and the materials used to build the deck.
	Planning and Preparation Guide to Build a Patio Patio designs are important just so you know what kind of patio you will build before you actually build it. It needs to fit your home, as well as the environment around you. In this article, you will be able to read about some tips on how to design your own patio.
	Landscaping With Outdoor Patios Outdoor patios can extend the Canadian summer by allowing a dry, flat places to relax out of the cold spring and fall winds. Patios should be planned for budgetary concerns and also to take advantage of the sun and to avoid noisy traffic areas. Outdoor kitchens, hot tubs and recreational equipment can also be considered.
	4 Tips For Installing Railing on Your Deck or Patio Choosing the best railing and installing it well takes some consideration. Think about how you will use the space, how large and open it will feel and whether it will comply with local building codes. Invest in something that will last and provide a low maintenance product for your backyard. With these things in mind you can have a deck or patio that is perfect for your family.
	Top 5 Tips for Simple DIY Deck Designs Build the best possible deck you can for your home, using a well thought out design that won't be complicated to construct. Design for a good size and an open feeling. Include skirting for a seamless look and add details to express your personality. Low maintenance materials are another good option for DIY deck designs. With these tips in mind and a little planning, your backyard DIY deck project will be a hit.
	Deck Building A deck is a great way to add living space to a home without breaking the budget. It can be a do-it-yourself project but in most areas of Canada decks that are going to be over two feet off the ground usually require both development and building permits. A deck contractor should be consulted for elaborate deck designs and roof decks.

Deck Materials How long a deck lasts depend upon the materials from it is constructed. From the many resources available the most common choice is still real wood - including cedar, redwood and pressure-treated softwoods - however composite wood products made from wood fibers and recycled plastic are also being popular. In addition both solid and hollow vinyl planks, aluminum is making inroads into the decking industry.

Deck Innovations The new decking ideas are all about increasing the size, shape and use of the decks, both on the surfaces and below them. With waterproofed deck surfaces storage is now available underneath the decks where only dead space existed before. Decks are functioning as swimming pool and spa edging as well as outdoor living spaces complete with grills, ovens, outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and comfortable furniture.

	Add Extra Living Space to Your Home with a Stunning New Deck! Part 1 This informative and helpful two-part article on deck design and construction provides helpful insight and instruction; on available material choices, planning, and actual construction procedures and considerations.

	Add Extra Living Space to Your Home with a Stunning New Deck! Part 2 In part 2 of “Add Extra Living Space to Your Home with a Stunning New Deck!” more valuable information on deck building is covered; decking material and application, and stairs. Deck railings and selecting a quality finish to keep your deck looking stunning are also covered in this 1,234-word article.

Driveways & Walkways	TOP

	How to Paint a Concrete Floor Handycanadian.com provides step-by-step instructions on how to prepare and paint concrete surfaces. The article goes over the benefits and disadvantages of painting concrete surfaces. All the materials and tools needed are listed. The article includes insider professional tips on how to avoid the common pitfalls of painting concrete.
	Concrete Driveway Construction Concrete driveway construction can greatly enhance the curb appeal of a home. Whether it is made from dyed concrete or exposed aggregate concrete driveways provide a stable, functioning deck for the yard while providing a beautiful design statement. A professional contractor should be involved in the design and process of pouring the concrete for the driveway.
	Top 10 Tips for Pouring Concrete in Your Own Yard Complete your DIY poured concrete carefully and using the proper tools. With these top tens tip your poured concrete patio, pad or walkway will be solid and beautiful. From method to conditions, tools and product, a perfect concrete job is one that covers all of these details.
	Concrete Contractors Concrete products have evolved over the past decade to include many products that are just as welcome inside the home as outside. A concrete contractor can use various methods like acid-stain and stamped concrete to transform an ordinary concrete floor into a dazzling piece of art. Concrete polishing will also bring out the character of an indoor floor or exterior patio.

	Paving Contractors Paving contractors work seasonally and so are on the go almost every day from spring to fall. Like any other trades there are good and bad contractors and so it is always wise to do background checks and to visit the sites of their work. Also, remember to get references and as many as 3 – 4 quotes before settling on a paving contractor.

	Today's Concrete Industry Offers Many Options with Décor in Mind This article gives homeowners insight into the decorative possibilities for any concrete project they might be planning. Complimenting their home décor and adding aesthetic appeal to their property using affordable, modern-day technology.

	Preparation is the Key - Install Asphalt Paving That will Last Accurately done, asphalt paving is cost-effective and durable. This 736-word article gives helpful tips for proper road bed preparation and quality pavement.

Exterior Doors & Windows	TOP

	Energy-Efficient Windows is a Hot Topic Energy-efficient windows are a key element in saving energy in a home. New Low-Emissivity windows with argon gas filling between the spaces has reduced the heat loss in the home and this translates into hundreds of dollars a year. Other improvements in window manufacturing include plastic spacers between the panes and vinyl window frames. This new way of making windows is also cost-effective and this translates into greater savings for the consumer.
	4 Tips for Your Sliding Glass Patio Door Installation Project To create an open, bright and sunny feeling in your home install a sliding glass patio door. Before you begin and whether you call the contractor or start a DIY project, think about these four factors to maximize the impact. Consider the size, opting for the largest you can given the layout of your room. Think about the style and be sure to take accurate measurements based on standard ordering procedures. Finally, consider how you will access the door from the exterior and plan for a landing or patio outside. With these tips you're well on your way to a fantastic new home improvement project with a sliding glass patio door.
	Tips for Window Replacement Window replacement for older homes not only increases the selling value of the home it will help with the energy efficiency of the whole home. By replacing old windows with triple-pane units, featuring with a low emissive coating and an argon or kryton filling, the r-value can increase as much as three times as much as the double-paned windows.

Home Window Remodel Home Windows are potentially the greatest portal for heat loss in the home as glass by itself is a conductor for cold. This is why window manufacturers are improving all aspects of window construction from the numbers of panes of glass, the type of gas to fill the spaces between the panes and low-emissivity and reflective coatings to  reflect the heat back into the home and also deflect the summer heat.

Windows: Quality Can Be Inexpensive Energy-efficient windows are no longer in the domain of the high earning buyer. Because of new government standards in energy conservation window manufacturers are taking the hint from buyers that they want high efficiency windows and are switching their factories to provide these products. This means that triple-pane, low-e and argon windows are becoming more popular and, in addition, more inexpensive.

	Interior and Exterior Door Types and Painting Tips Interior and exterior door choices are nearly endless, making door selection a complicated process. This handy 1,021-word article highlights various types of doors, and offers door painting tips for the diy home improvement homeowner.

	Home Window Replacement; Facts, Options, and Tips With the types, styles, and choices offered on today’s market, replacing home windows can be a little mind boggling. This 918-word article helps homeowners organize their thoughts in considering available options and offers helpful tips.

	Choosing the Right Interior Doors and Exterior Doors There are a wide variety of different exterior doors and interior doors. When choosing you should consider the style of your home, your lifestyle, personal preferences as well as where the doors will be used and what you require of them.

	Choosing Replacement Windows When getting replacement windows you will want to consider what goes with the style of your home, their quality, energy efficiency, as well as the material it is made of and how easy it is to install.

Fences	TOP

	3 Trusty Tips on How To Build a Wood Fence When you want to know how to build a wood fence, go the pros who do it all of the time. They will tell you that location is important, both where the fence is and where any underground utilities are. They will also encourage you to do a thorough, careful job of the posts. The top and bottom finish on your fence boards may be something you've never thought of, but with a little planning you can be more assured that the fence will be built in the right way, designed to be solid for decades.
	Installing a Fence; Considerations for Purpose, Style, and Layout Proper layout and installation of an attractive, quality picket fence requires several thoughtful considerations, including property lines, style, and gate installation. This informative article provides insight and helpful steps for project completion.

	Privacy Fence Building a fence not only requires negotiation with your neighbor but the structure must follow the property lines as set out by the original survey. After this is settled then there are a multitude of designs and materials depending on the major usage. Vinyl, metal and composites have usurped the role of the traditional fence material because they are durable and maintenance-free.

Foundation Repairs	TOP

	Water - the Root of Foundation Damage; Technology Offers New Innovations in Home Foundation Repair An insightful 506-word article with information on the causes and problems of home foundation damage. Explaining new technology problem solving methods for innovative foundation repair.

Garage & Carports	TOP

	7 Steps to a Cheap Garage Remodel By doing a light remodeling job in the garage you can free up a huge amount of storage space and organize the area into a springboard for other projects in your home. This not only includes the ability to use it as a workshop but by organizing the existing materials and tools so that everything can be found without wasting time.

	Standard DIY Garage Construction; Other Viable Options This 1,264-word article gives homeowners a realistic perspective on which type of garage they can easily undertake as a DIY project. Costs for traditional garage construction are included, as well as helpful, basic steps for construction of three different types of garage buildings.

	Garage Door Installation; Tips for Do-it-yourselfers and Common Mistakes to Avoid This helpful article gives insight on selecting and installing a garage door and garage door opener system. Also included are helpful cautions about common installation errors that necessitate repair or replacement AFTER warranties expire.

	Choosing a Garage or Carport Although carports and garages may seem simple you have a number of different options available and which you choose will depend on your budget, space requirements, style and whether you intend to do the project yourself.

Masonry & Brick Work	TOP

	The Strong Beauty of Stone Veneer Stone veneer is a great way to add both beauty and value to the home. In essence, stone veneer pieces are made with Portland cement in the shape of real stone and dyed to for a realistic-looking, stone finish to the home's exterior. For installation over concrete or brick walls these surfaces do not need any sheathing components underneath. However, wood-sheathed walls should be covered with a moisture-proof barrier to avoid deterioration. A metal lath is installed over this and the pieces are mortared into place.
	DIY Brick Repair Can Be Done With Patience and a Steady Hand With plenty of time, plenty of security measures in pace and plenty of practice over time, a DIY brick repair repointing project is entirely possible. Follow this basic plan which consists of grinding, cleaning out, mixing and then finally applying the mortar. Your brick repair work will increase the stability of your walls and bring back their original beauty.
	Masonry Contractor Masonry contractors have been around longer than almost any other profession. The Great Wall of China and the pyramids of Egypt are good examples of masonry work although today much of the work is decorative rather structural. Concrete and glass are two examples of modern styles on masonry work and many in the trade will also provide stamped and dyed concrete work.

	Masonry a Broad Profession with Several Sub-Specialties This 994-word article gives project owners information helpful in evaluating the qualification and expertise of a masonry contractor before hiring. Also included are new innovations in design masonry.

Home Renovations	TOP

	Fall; a Great Time for Exterior Home Renovation Projects Don’t put that exterior home renovation project off any longer! Fall is the perfect time to weatherproof your home by caulking, and replacing damaged roof shingles. This handy article takes the guess work out of which types of caulk work best for what type project, and offers important advice to prudent homeowners in regards to roof repair.

Painting	TOP

	How to Paint a Vinyl Fence Now you can get rid of the old boring colour of your vinyl fence. The process of starting and completing your fence painting project is detailed in the article.
	Choosing the Best Colours for your Home’s Exterior Choosing a colour for your home isn’t easy. In this article, we’ll talk about the best ways to choose exterior paint so that your home makes you happy and has curb appeal.

	Surface Preparation and Careful Paint Color Selection; Key Factors for Exterior Painting Success This handy 540-word article gives homeowners valuable insight in regards to two key factors in any successful exterior painting project. Complimentary paint color and surface preparation.

	Why Hiring a Painting Contractor Makes Good Sense When it comes to painting the interior or exterior of a house, many homeowners rely upon the expertise of a painting contractor. Here’s why!

Roofing & Gutters	TOP

	Guide for Roof Removal Roof removal is a very difficult undertaking, but for the motivated homeowner, all it should take are the right skills to do the job, and the right knowledge about it. Learn more about roof removal in this article that discusses the basics of it.
	Repair Leaks in Your Roof A roof leak can be a great nuisance and a household problem that must be addressed as soon as possible before it get worse. Of course, to repair a roof leak, you will need the right tools and equipment. Read more about this article so that you can find out how to fix your roof leak.
	When You Should Replace Your Flat Roof Flat roofs are modern and minimalistic, and their unique composition keeps water from leaking into your house. Read more to find out how to maintain flat roofs, how to repair damages and how to completely replace them if the damages are too great already.
	5 Tips for Roofing Your Home Hassle Free By planning ahead with your finances and choosing a straightforward installation schedule, your home's roofing replacement will be easier to handle. You can help to increase the durability of the roof project by choosing top quality roofing materials and having only a trained, experienced contractor handle the job. Get the job done before the problem causes too much damage in other areas and blossoms into a large scale, expensive and complicated process.
	Thinking About Metal Roofing for Your Home? When it's time to replace your shingles, the idea of a lifelong roofing option seems like a good one. Examine the pros and cons of choosing metal roofing, a durable but expensive addition to your home. An environmentally friendly alternative that will last for decades with little maintenance, metal roofing is also safe. The appearance is attractive, depending on your tastes and can replicate gorgeous historical buildings. However it isn't easy to alter once up and will run you much more than the cost to replace those shingles. Once you have a chance to weigh these factors, it will be easier to decide whether a metal roof is the best choice for your home.
	Will DIY Roof Repairs Really Save You Money? You might be wondering whether DIY roof repairs are worth the time, effort and risk they take to complete. After a thorough attic inspection you should have found the source of the leak and now you can think about roof safety. Practice all of the necessary precautions and don't take any chances, otherwise the DIY project will never be worth it. Replacing and repairing missing and damaged shingles is simple in small areas and with rubber asphalt cement. When larger areas and more complicated repairs are needed, you should seriously consider a professional.
	Roofing Contractors A usual roofing contractor does not do all types of roofs because the materials are different and each type requires a specific skill. Asphalt roofing contractors take all the old shingles off a home and then  treat the roof deck with tar paper, ice-and-water shield, drip edging and a ridge vent before sealing the roof with asphalt shingles. They can also install architectural shingles which is more durable that the regular three-tab shingle.

	Your Home's Roof The roof can be like a lot of other parts of your home, easy to overlook until there is a problem and then it becomes a very high priority.  Your roof can also become a high priority when you are having a remodel completed on your home or an addition put on.

	Asphalt Roofing Tips Canadian winters are hard on asphalt roofs which is why roofs use ice and water shield and tar felt before the shingles go on. Architectural asphalt shingles are heavier and cost more but they resist the heavy winds that can tear the light fiberglass-matt, asphalt shingles. The organic, paper-based, three-tab shingle is heavy enough to resist heavy gusts of wind.

	Roof Installation This informative 1,453-word article provides project owners with helpful insight on which type roofing material might be best for their roofing project. Also included are guidelines for DIY shingle installation.

	Metal Roofing Metal roofing has come a long way since the old dull-metallic roofs that were no match for high winds. A variety of standing seamless roofing, both aluminum and steel, are available in dozens of colors and, as well, in metal shakes. Besides outlasting asphalt and wood shingles they are completely recyclable, lightweight, uv-resistant and withstand high winds.

	A Certified Roofing Contractor-Your best Choice This informational article gives insight to the various choices in roofing and their special needs. A certified roofing contractor knows how to meet those requirements; this article offers valuable information to help select the best contractor for your project.

Siding & Stucco	TOP

	How to Estimate Vinyl Siding Estimating siding for a home does not take a mathematician's brain. In fact most of the measurements can be broken down into squares and triangles and then the area can be calculated. The additional pieces like corners and moldings are calculated in linear feet. Once the cost of the materials is figured out then the labour costs can be added in. Now the homeowner is ready to go through the estimates of siding contractors.
	Top 5 DIY Vinyl Siding Tips and Tricks Many homeowners are taking advantage of the simple beauty of vinyl siding. Perfect for a handyman or woman's talents, a DIY vinyl siding project will go more smoothly if you know a few tips. Follow the manufacturer's specific instructions and don't tackle it alone. Try to time the installation for good weather. Fastening vinyl siding can be tricky as you need to nail it down, but not too tight, and it should hang loose once locked in place. With these tips and tricks in your hands, a DIY vinyl siding project will be a breeze.
	Siding For Canadian Weather Home siding for the Canadian landscape has come a long way since the early, rough clapboard. Contractors are now installing a wide variety of materials and styles in almost any colour imaginable. The most popular siding comes in vinyl, aluminum, composite cement, wood clapboard and cedar shakes. In addition most siding requires very low maintenance besides power-washing, and wood and composite siding doesn’t have to be painted for many years.

	Modern Stucco; a Viable do it Yourself Project This informative 981-word article offers homeowners helpful information about the humble beginnings of stucco and plaster. With up-to-date information on its modern use; including instructions on how to apply stucco for DIY homeowners.

	Home Improvement With Low Maintenance Exterior Siding Modern technology has provided today’s homeowners with choices for low maintenance exterior siding. This informative article introduces 3 of the most popular, and sheds light on which might be best for you.

	What is Stucco and How is it Used? Stucco, or Portland Cement Plaster, is used widely on the interior and exterior of buildings and can come in a variety of colors and textures. It is low-cost, durable and resistant.

Waterproofing	TOP

	Waterproofing; Careful Planning and Prevention This article gives homeowners a helpful overview on the importance of waterproofing their home against potential problems. Included are types of moisture problems; their sources, and how to effectively prevent them from happening.

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