Creating a year-round workshop

How to convert an uninsulated area into a comfortable space

Question: I live in one of the newer developments in Winnipeg. I believe the house was built in 1996 or 1997. I am also a hobbyist woodworker, so I have left the basement unfinished and use it as my workshop. I . . .

Posted: 2018-09-08

How much fresh air does your home need?

Question: My concern is with the fresh air intake for my furnace. I was told that I needed a 12-centimetre duct, which they ran through the foundation at the front of the house. This is in addition to the 10-cm . . .

Posted: 2017-04-29

Radiant barriers can complicate insulation job

Question: I have a closed-in deck room that had the roof extended over it, with spray foam insulation over the original metal. It has an open-joist ceiling, and I want some more insulation to cover the joists. This room is . . .

Posted: 2020-05-23

Knowledge blossoms

Study group learns about tomatoes, peppers from a fearless experimenter

When a group of gardeners get together to talk about growing vegetables, it leads to some interesting dynamics. Curious gardeners ask many questions because they know that to be a successful food gardener, learning from one another is key. Networking . . .

Posted: 2020-08-22

Have a certified plumber inspect smelly drain

Question: About a year and a half ago I had our bathroom completely renovated with a new tub, toilet, flooring and Ikea sink and vanity. Since November I have noticed a slight sewer smell coming from the sink. A friend . . .

Posted: 2020-01-18

Older furnace doesn't necessarily require replacement

QUESTION: I recently had a problem with my furnace that turned out to be a worn out sensor. While the man from the heating company was here he noted because my furnace is 15 years old I should seriously be . . .

Posted: 2015-07-11

CONNIE OLIVER: New fixtures can fancy up a tiny powder room

Many of us dream of having an enormous grand bathroom with double sinks, a chaise lounge, a soaking tub and a fabulous shower. Most of us, though, have to keep dreaming and deal with what we have. A small bathroom . . .

Posted: 2009-08-02

SOLUTIONS: Carpet cleaning tip can clean cleaner too

QUESTION: Here is my solution for soap scraps and bars; you can purchase a soap saver bag at Wal-Mart. Hang one in the shower for every member in your family. When the bar gets worn, keep it handy for sink, . . .

Posted: 2012-01-21

Singing the praises of the Larsen Truss system

Composer, wife make aging home look and feel like new

As is often the case with so many renovation projects, the scope of musical composer/producer Danny Schur’s home-renovation project was to be relatively small."We had a problem with a badly insulated wall in our dining room, as well as ice . . .

Posted: 2016-11-19

The personal touch

Mix things up in home decor to avoid generic look

Those glossy furniture catalogues in your mailbox offer a pleasant vision of home decorating. They show how easy it is to order up a stylish, thoughtfully designed living space where everything blends smoothly. But where do you fit in that equation? . . .

Posted: 2008-11-09