ASK THE INSPECTOR: Don't use HRV unit during summer months

QUESTION: My question is concerning the family cottage in Whiteshell Provincial Park. My parents built a 1, 900-sq. ft., two-storey cottage about five years ago. They have an electric forced-air furnace with a heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system and central . . .

Posted: 2011-09-03

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Condensation in crawl space requires proper vapour barrier

Blown-in foam may be solution</strong>

QUESTION: Last year we added an addition to our cottage, which is now our year-round residence. Below the addition is a storage area. We completely skirted the cottage and, where the new room is, there is a wooden floor placed . . .

Posted: 2009-09-27

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Bad plumbing may cause sewer-gas smell

QUESTION: We have just recently completed a cabin at Lake of the Prairies and are having some issues with sewer gas. The cabin is constructed close to the lake which is man-made, where the Assiniboine River has been dammed at Shellmouth . . .

Posted: 2010-09-11

SOLUTIONS: Lose the lipstick on fur hat

QUESTION: Can you please tell me how to get lipstick out of a white rabbit-fur hat? Many thanks. Moira (Oakbank, Man.) ANSWER: Get a hold of a bottle of waterless hand cleaner. It is available at hardware stores. The beauty of . . .

Posted: 2013-02-16

MIKE HOLMES: Termites can eat a home from the inside out

Living on Canadian soil has its benefits, such as world-class resources, a robust economy and workforce, and nature's playground in our own backyard. Another huge benefit -- especially as a contractor and homeowner -- is something our soil doesn't have: . . .

Posted: 2012-10-27

Put some heat beneath your feet

Heated flooring a great feature all year round

Homeowners can easily conclude that heated flooring will keep your feet warm on otherwise cold tiles, but they may not realize it can also accelerate evaporation and increase the overall temperature in a room. There are also a few other must-have . . .

Posted: 2021-06-05

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Central fans work, but duct and fan sizes crucial

QUESTION: We have a 2, 000-square-foot cab-over home with central exhaust in two bathrooms and one vent in the main living area. The central exhaust in the large ensuite off the cab-over bedroom does not clear the moisture as well . . .

Posted: 2010-06-26

Beware of over insulating attics in older homes

Common defect leads to unexpected problems

111There are several existing vents near the peak of the roof but they are usually covered with snow. I want to add more insulation but I have to solve the ventilation issue. Thank you for any information you may be able . . .

Posted: 2008-11-16

Gimme SHELTER

Patio season starts NOW with projects designed to extend your time outdoors

Enough with the view from indoors. It&rsquo;s time to step outside onto our patios, decks, balconies, or terraces and embrace the changing season. To really get the most out of the three seasons that are ahead of us, consider redefining . . .

Posted: 2016-03-19

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Beware of lifetime warranty on shingles

QUESTION: I am hoping you might be able to help me regarding roof shingles. I am in a custom-built house that was built in the fall of 1988. We moved into the house at the end of January 1989. We . . .

Posted: 2013-06-01