ASK THE INSPECTOR: Let's address some fireplace safety issues

QUESTION: Yesterday, I burned some wood in our fireplace. At bedtime, I left the flue open because there were still some hot embers in the hearth. I covered the fireplace opening with a blanket to keep the cold air from . . .

Posted: 2010-02-06

Get it in writing from contractors this summer

Now that winter weather appears to be behind us, Manitobans are turning their attention to preparing for spring yard work, gardening and planning on how best to enjoy the long and beautiful summer we all deserve. Sometimes, that also means . . .

Posted: 2026-04-25

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Aging boiler heats upstairs more than down

QUESTION: In my home, which is 95 years old, I heat with hot-water radiators from a gas-fired boiler. Originally the boiler was gravity fed, but 41 years ago a circulating pump was added when a new boiler was installed. Currently, . . .

Posted: 2010-03-06

Spaghetti for 60 requires many large pots

QUESTION: I am cooking supper for 60 people next week. I would like to know how much romaine lettuce to purchase for Caesar salad, how much garlic bread should I purchase and what quantity of spaghetti noodles should I buy? . . .

Posted: 2014-09-27

Drain snake is best bet to unplug toilet

QUESTION: I plugged the toilet and tried to plunge it, but it won't drain. Help! Brad, WinnipegANSWER: Wow, I admire your honesty. Most people would have blamed this on someone else. Since the plunger failed, your next step is to . . .

Posted: 2014-10-18

MIKE HOLMES: Deal with ice, snow around home

CANADIAN weather can seem a bit unpredictable: one minute it's sunny and warm and the next thing you know we're hit with a snowstorm. Don't let the occasional spring-like day fool you -- we are still in the middle of winter. . . .

Posted: 2013-02-09

Range hood could be key to solving lingering kitchen smell

Question: I have an 1, 100-square-foot house. When we cook, the odour lingers in the house for at least two days, which is worse in the winter months. I have an HRV. I shut all the bedroom, bathroom and basement doors . . .

Posted: 2019-12-07

THE PRAIRIE GARDENER: Fillers, spillers and thrillers

You've got to have a plan when shopping for plants

Now that the weather has turned the corner, it's hard to resist the call of the greenhouse and garden centre. And, there are advantages to shopping early when selection is at its best and the plants will never be healthier. The . . .

Posted: 2009-05-10

Protect yourself when doing home improvements

While it feels like this winter weather may never leave, Manitobans are starting to turn their attention to planning and preparing for spring yard work, gardening, and how best to enjoy the long and beautiful summer we all deserve. . . .

Posted: 2023-04-01

Close that ugly gap

deckALL skirting a cut above that's not limited to decks

SO you've just built a deck and have discovered that you've got something of an esthetic dilemma. Because your new deck is raised several feet above the terra firma below, a gap between the deck and ground has been formed. Upon . . .

Posted: 2011-08-27