ASK THE INSPECTOR: Cottage foundation concerns pose dilemma

QUESTION: I was reading an article about the proper foundation for Manitoba soil on the Internet and was directed to your site through the article. I have a small property in Matlock, close to Winnipeg Beach. We have spent the . . .

Posted: 2010-05-08

Winterize your home for comfort and savings

With colder days coming, right now is an excellent time to take stock of your home and prepare for the winter months. A few simple steps taken right now can lower energy bills and increase home safety and comfort this . . .

Posted: 2020-10-31

Bladeless fans cool in more ways than one

These 'air multipliers' are safer for kids and pets than traditional models

‘Cooool your jets” could be the hot saying this summer with the introduction of innovative bladeless fans. Called "air multipliers, " the new technology provides maximum air flow without any of the maintenance and safety concerns of conventional portable fans. You may . . .

Posted: 2011-07-23

Alkyd semi-transparent stain best for deck

Question: As soon as the weather allows, we will be preparing to refinish our front-porch deck, starting with a good sanding. We have asked several paint distributors what to use on our deck. Two years ago, we sanded and finished our . . .

Posted: 2014-08-09

Hydrangea conundrum

Hint: it has everything to do with the weather

  It’s right there in the name. The name hydrangea comes from the Greek words hydor, meaning water, and angos, meaning a vessel or vase. Hydrangeas thrive in consistently moist but well-drained soil. A consistent lack of adequate moisture combined with . . .

Posted: 2021-10-09

SOLUTIONS: Wicker basket smell nothing to snicker at

QUESTION -- We recently purchased some wicker baskets for our home. The problem is that they smell like cow manure! We are not able to keep them in the house. I have left them outside for a few weeks and . . .

Posted: 2009-06-14

Summer tips for your home, lawn and garden

It's finally time for sun and fun so get ready to soak up these easy summer-loving hints! Clean up the grill with citrus. Heat up the grill and slice an orange in half. Take the sliced orange and rub on grill . . .

Posted: 2015-07-18

Few simple steps to wrapping a gift

Dear Marc: I grew up with a father whose idea of wrapping a gift was to throw the box in a bag and tape it shut. I have never been good at this kind of stuff. I started reading your column . . .

Posted: 2012-12-22

He's baaack

It's time to show Ol' Man Winter you mean business

Face it, winter is upon us. Oh, sure, it's technically still early fall and we might get a few more mild days. But get ready for a sucker punch from winter -- the cranky season that bullies fall and spring . . .

Posted: 2009-11-07

Managing radon risk needn't be complicated

Solutions to serious health concern can be simple

Question: Public awareness of radon, its dangers and mitigation are increasing. With some of the older housing stock we have here in Winnipeg, such radon mitigation efforts are not without their challenges. How does one mitigate radon using active soil . . .

Posted: 2018-03-17