Build yourself a shower in the sun

Soak up those rays for free hot water

A BLACK garden hose, a ring of piping and an adjustable nozzle are the building blocks for a basic outdoor shower. Best of all, the hot water is free. What a waste of hot water. For years, I was using a . . .

Posted: 2008-08-17

Builders want return to 30-year mortgage

Canadians have been extremely diligent in paying off their mortgages as quickly as possible, generally in about two-thirds of the original intended time period. In a recent report by the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals (CAAMP) for mortgages completed from . . .

Posted: 2013-07-13

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Three options for fixing porch movement

QUESTION: We have a 1929 two-storey house in Crescentwood. Sometime before we became the owners of it in 1962, a porch had been attached to the north wall of the living room. It's a 10-foot-by-10-foot interior porch, with a gable . . .

Posted: 2013-06-15

Flying feathers have her feeling down

Question: I purchased a down-filled jacket. The feathers are leaving an embarrassing trail behind me wherever I go. Feathers fly out every time I remove my jacket. What should I do? — Candy Answer: Expensive and inexpensive down-filled jackets alike tend to . . .

Posted: 2018-01-13

There are many causes for excessive moisture in the home

Question: My house has drain tiles coming to the basement floor drain above the trap. My continuously running furnace pulls moist air from the drain in spite of a five-inch exterior air intake. Are there solutions to block this humid . . .

Posted: 2016-06-18

SOLUTIONS: Elmo's bedbugs can survive a freeze

QUESTION: I'm sure you have been asked this question before, but a search on your website did not bring up an answer. I collect Elmo (from Sesame Street) dolls. Sometimes when I buy them, they are a little unclean. But . . .

Posted: 2013-03-30

CONNIE OLIVER: Thrifty shoppers find decorating bargains

I popped into my favourite thrift store the other day. The Nearly New Shop at 961 Portage Ave. has been a regular haunt of mine for over 30 years. The store is run by McKinnon Guild volunteer members in support of . . .

Posted: 2010-02-13

CONNIE OLIVER: Kid's room needs fun colours, accessories

Decorating a child's room can be a fun project. You can let your hair down with respect to design rules and have a lot of fun with colour and pattern. Creating an atmosphere of fun and adventure might just bring . . .

Posted: 2012-07-07

This may require some special(ist) attention

Culprit in case of ceiling stains is likely warm-air leakage in the attic

Question: I have several spots that have caused me problems in the spring, when I come back from my three-month snowbird getaway. I had my roof replaced four years ago and the roofer has been back almost every year trying . . .

Posted: 2019-03-16

Savvy projects

Use rugged beauty and shades of summer to create timeless treasures.

I found some fun summer projects from Beauti-Tone paints I wanted to share with you. Adding your personal decor touches truly makes your space unique to you. If you can have a hand in the outcome, you can take pride . . .

Posted: 2016-06-25