Turn to the feds and pros to deal with mould

Question: I was recently cleaning out a bedroom closet that had been packed tightly with unused belongings that needed to be purged. This closet has two walls exposed to the outside and gets really cold in the winter. It is . . .

Posted: 2017-06-21

Applying proper oil preserves teak furniture

Question: What is the best way to care for teak furniture? — Alton Answer: Teak furniture is a lifelong investment that requires a minimal amount of care, while still retaining its beauty. Polish teak furniture by applying either teak or coconut oil . . .

Posted: 2018-12-22

Showing good taste

Wine barrels make great flooring, countertops

There are dozens of products you can consider for your floors or kitchen countertops, but chances are, recycled wine barrels aren't among them. But Blue Grouse Wine Cellars of North Vancouver thinks you may want to do just that. And while, yes, . . .

Posted: 2012-03-31

Taking care of your vacation home

Home-watch service gives peace of mind

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Owning a second home in the sun-drenched desert can give you paradise on Earth or your worst headache. Take the couple who closed their new Phoenix home for the summer without making arrangements to have their property checked. . . .

Posted: 2011-03-12

It's not too late to save that white plastic furniture

QUESTION: A short time ago you gave a solution to rid outdoor white plastic furniture of the black weathered marks. I have a favourite chair that looks very weathered but have forgotten your solution. Can you share it with me? . . .

Posted: 2016-10-01

Measure twice, cut once for perfectly cooked fish

Question: I am trying to incorporate fish into our family diet, how do I determine how long to cook fish? Rebecca Answer:  Measure the thickest part of the fish and cook it for six to eight minutes per half-inch in a 425 . . .

Posted: 2020-04-25

Designers pine for natural wood

Using wood in design is nothing new. Keeping it natural — without a stain or a single stroke of paint — isn’t new, either. However, a growing number of designers and woodworkers are putting the natural aesthetics of bare wood . . .

Posted: 2016-08-06

Plant a victory garden to combat coronavirus

During Second World War gardens were grown to ease food shortages and boost morale

Forced to shelter in place, most of us are coming down with a bad case of cabin fever. Instead of worrying about the future and whether that scratchy throat you woke up with this morning is something serious, plant a . . .

Posted: 2020-03-28

HOP creating happy homeowners in West End

At long last, Housing Opportunity Partnership is back building homes in the city's West End."It's been a while, " said HOP's president, Lori Thorsteinson. "I believe we finished our last home on McGee Street back in early 2013. Now that . . .

Posted: 2014-08-22

SOLUTIONS: Prevent rust from forming around paint can

QUESTION: How can I prevent rust from forming around the lid and the rim of a latex paint can after I have used it? I tried putting plastic wrap on the top but it still rusts and when I open . . .

Posted: 2012-10-06