Hire a pro to fix shoddy work

Question: I live in Thunder Bay. A few years ago, I had a backwater valve installed. The pit continuously fills with water and my husband drains it daily. I’ve had a few plumbers inspect it and nobody seems to really . . .

Posted: 2020-08-15

Upgrade windows for energy efficiency

UPGRADING windows is an investment that improves street appeal and makes a home more energy efficient. Retrofitting with Energy Starrated windows will improve the comfort of your home, but there are a few items to consider when choosing them. When looking for . . .

Posted: 2012-06-02

The tasteful garden

Add some wine and dessert to your flower beds

Would you like to enjoy some dessert and wine in your garden? I'm sure many say they already do this, but what about actually having these planted in your garden? Heuchera are summer-flowering perennials that will entice you not only with . . .

Posted: 2012-04-21

RELAX -- once you pick the right sofa

First, a few essential things to look for when you're shopping for one

To me, buying a new sofa is one of the most difficult furniture purchases to make. You really don't get to see what's benea th the pretty fabric, so you can't be sure that you're getting a quality piece unless . . .

Posted: 2010-01-30

Good paint finish starts with preparation

IF you've been putting off painting that bedroom, or avoiding the painting project for the spare room, it's good to know painting is not as onerous a task as you might imagine. The key to a successful and hasslefree painting job . . .

Posted: 2008-07-13

Split personality

Wildwood Park home's lodge-style addition offers comfy contrast

What do you do when you're from Manitoba and you love the ambience of ski lodges in Alberta and British Columbia? Bring the lodge to you, that's what. Thus, when homeowners in Wildwood Park came to builder Cal Dueck with the idea . . .

Posted: 2012-01-28

Another brick in the yard

Backyard patio laid out one stone at a time

Welcome to paradise, otherwise known as Alan Shepard’s stunning yard. Oh to have his skills and work ethic to get to this level. Back in 2010, the Butchart Gardens-type vista you see before you today, was a bare backyard with a . . .

Posted: 2021-06-19

Spring projects already looking for attention

Mustard has big plans for his grandsons

Spring having sprung, we switch our focus from moving snow from here to there (especially this winter), to the much more pleasant “PROJECTS” department. And no question, probably as with so many of you, I have a lengthy list of projects . . .

Posted: 2022-03-26

Perfecting pancakes every time

Question: What are some tips for making great pancakes every time? — Lindsay Answer: The number one rule is, don’t overstir the batter. When you see bubbles forming, that’s the sign that it’s time to flip (the pancake, not yourself). For a perfect . . .

Posted: 2017-12-23

SOLUTIONS: Decaying food cause of disposal-unit odour

QUESTION: I have a garbage-disposal unit connected to my kitchen sink. Lately, there has been a very strong odour coming from it. It is pretty bad, especially when we come in from the outdoors. The smell is wafting throughout the . . .

Posted: 2012-03-03