Neighbour's home build could impact yours

Question: The house next door to me was torn down and they are now excavating for the new construction. The hole is within inches of my fence and four to five feet away from my foundation. My house was built . . .

Posted: 2017-07-22

Stylish, to go

Create a warm, inviting living space you can pack up when you move

Just because your space is temporary doesn't mean you have to live without flair. Whether you're renting an apartment, a condo or live in a student residence, you can have an affordable, portable, stylish decor. Depending upon your specific situation, . . .

Posted: 2010-12-18

CONNIE OLIVER: No more excuses; get decorating already!

If you are feeling like your decor needs a change but are procrastinating for one reason or another, perhaps it's time to change your mindset. Maybe those reasons that are keeping you back need a closer look and a reality . . .

Posted: 2010-07-24

CONNIE OLIVER: There are many ways to highlight quirky spaces

Our feature photograph, courtesy of Dulux Australia, has a feature in it that I wanted to address. The back wall has a fireplace that is inset into a protruding section of wall, which is necessary to house the fireplace workings. . . .

Posted: 2010-12-31

Keeping plumbing vent clear of ice requires a plan

Question: I have been having problems with the top of my stack getting covered in snow this winter. It is six inches tall and I was going to extend it this spring. I was going to add a 12-inch . . .

Posted: 2023-01-07

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Light-coloured shingles way to go for your home

QUESTION: Do darker shingles have any effect on heat retention in the winter compared to those of a lighter colour? T. Stubbington, Oakville, MB ANSWER: I am surprised your very interesting question is rarely ever posed to me during regular inspections. . . .

Posted: 2009-10-04

Placement of insulation important in crawl space

Question:I have a question that I have not been able to answer through my extensive research and I appreciated the light you shed on heated cold crawlspaces. My situation is that I have a crawlspace below my kitchen which has . . .

Posted: 2015-06-13

Making waves at home

Couples turn to life on the open water

VICTORIA, B.C. -- Living on board a boat is the essence of living a simpler life. For some, it's a chance to escape suburbia while still living next to the city. For others, it's an opportunity to realize a lifelong . . .

Posted: 2010-05-01

Furnace ‘reboot’

Chilling for a week without forced-air heat

In high school when I had spare time, I customized a 1952 Chevy half-ton truck. For vehicles of that era, most mechanical issues that arose could be addressed with a wrench and a screwdriver. Nowadays, the technological advancements that heighten . . .

Posted: 2026-02-14

ASK THE INSPECTOR: You can make your habitat more humane

QUESTION: I am a single mother and live in a Habitat for Humanity house constructed in 2005. It is a bi-level, about 800 square feet on the main floor with the lower floor being a fully finished basement with two . . .

Posted: 2009-11-28