Richard Brignall

A conked-out electric water heater is a silent problem that can lead to noisy shrieks when your family’s shower water suddenly goes cold. A tradesperson could resolve it on Monday, but on Friday night with a cottage full of...

Everyone buys the cheapest, longest cord they can find, but that old 100' 16-gauge cord can damage your expensive power tools, which are designed to work at 120 volts. Here’s the problem: The longer the cord, the more...

Under the floorboards and behind the walls, your cottage’s mechanical systems — plumbing, electrical, heating, and ventilation — hum away in the background to keep you comfortable. The difference between a well-oiled,...

At some cottages, Dad is around to “supervise” the winterizing jobs. At others, his legacy may be a well-worn list tacked up on the bulletin board. Or maybe you’re the dad (or mom) who will set up the winterizing routine at...