How to make sure your sump pump is working properly

Question: I read your recent article on covering a sump pump opening with interest. My sump pump opening has a bolted down cover, as you describe, about eight inches below floor level. When I go away for the winter I . . .

Posted: 2017-02-25

Grow your garden game with roses

Pruning, planting, and shopping for beautiful varieties to grow

With the late arrival of milder spring temperatures, gardeners are ready and eager to tackle a multitude of gardening tasks on their to-do lists. Simultaneously, many of us are visiting garden centres and shopping for plants. It may seem as . . .

Posted: 2022-05-07

Countertop repair proving to be a problem

QUESTION: I would like to change my bathroom countertop and paint the cabinets. What can I do, or should I "bite the bullet" and buy a new counter? Thank you, Sharon, WinnipegANSWER: Before purchasing a new countertop there are a . . .

Posted: 2012-12-29

Let there be light!

Let there be light!

How to configure the electrical requirements for the two-storey addition recently built on to the south side of my house has been a source of anxiety in recent months. Typically, running electrical wire throughout new framing is easy: the required holes . . .

Posted: 2017-12-02

How to have hummingbirds eating out of your hand

QUESTION: I would like to make my own food for hummingbirds, but I have run out of red food colouring. Is there something that I can substitute in place of food coloring to attract hummingbirds to my yard? Thanks, Vince, . . .

Posted: 2016-02-20

Be cheap; stay chic

No need to let a little economic downturn hamper your keen sense of style

There's no stopping style -- not even during a recession. Homeowners may not be out shopping for expensive high-end furniture and accessories but they're still bringing the designer look into their abodes with a new trend that has Canadians seeking cheap . . .

Posted: 2009-04-05

SOLUTIONS: Bring hardwood floors, ceramic tiles to life

QUESTION: Do you have any ideas for a homemade product that will clean hardwood floors and making them shiny? Also, do you have a recipe for something to wash porcelain ceramic tile that doesn't leave a dull streaky finish? Love . . .

Posted: 2012-01-28

Order, order

Seven ways to straighten up a disorganized mess

Clutter. Mess. Disorganization. Any way you say it spells mayhem. Yet not everyone can afford -- or is willing to face the humiliation -- of having a professional organizer tackle their bulging closets, messy basements and chaotic kitchen cupboards. Pack rats take . . .

Posted: 2009-10-31

Coffee grounds keep curious cats out of mischief

Question: I saw the blurb about using used coffee grounds to keep cats away from the Christmas tree. Will this work to keep cats from scratching behind furniture? Do the grounds have to be kept moist or can they be . . .

Posted: 2016-01-02

Turn your bed into a luxury hotel heaven

THESE DAYS SELF-CARE is more important than ever. And one of the simplest ways you can keep yourself healthy is by getting a good night’s sleep. We can’t think of a better way to truly spoil yourself right now than . . .

Posted: 2021-02-20