Digital word-of-mouth a powerful tool

Social media can bring in jobs similar to those already completed

It has been roughly 20 years since the dawn of my contracting services and things are busy as ever! And in all honesty, my greatest insurance for a continuous workflow has been word-of-mouth referrals. This may explain why my workload tends . . .

Posted: 2018-08-25

Tips to extend the life of your furniture

A lot of thought, care and creativity goes into picking out and designing your upholstered pieces. It is a labour of love. Once the piece is in your home, you want to be able to enjoy it for many years . . .

Posted: 2019-05-18

RENOVATIONS: The pause that refreshes

Flood of options available for hot-tub lovers

The Manitoba species of the naked ape enjoys a good soak in a salus per aquam even in the midst of a bitter winter. This is likely because of the relaxing and health-giving properties of an outdoor spa, coupled with the . . .

Posted: 2013-03-23

SOLUTIONS: Pour vinegar in tub to help clean out jets

QUESTION: Thank you for all the great tips. Today I have both a tip and two questions. My tip: When cleaning your tub or shower, spray it with cleaner and wipe it down while wearing a pair of dollar-store exfoliating gloves. . . .

Posted: 2011-02-26

Chimney smell sweeping through home

Question: How do I stop my wood-burning fireplace from smelling like smoke in humid weather? A faint smoke smell would be OK, but this is obnoxious. It seems worse when the air conditioner or even the washer and dryer are . . .

Posted: 2017-07-29

Wallpaper is back in style

Stylish prints have replaced the drab florals of the 1980s

Wallpaper is ready for its next act. The polarizing paint alternative and longtime decorating taboo has returned to fashion thanks to ultra-stylish prints, dimensional fabrics and new materials that make it easy to install and, yes, to remove. Offering more . . .

Posted: 2017-03-04

MIKE HOLMES: Suspended basement ceiling may beat drywall

When it comes to choosing a ceiling product for your basement rec room, there are two basic choices -- drywall and suspended. Most people prefer the look of smooth drywall, and I understand that -- it's relatively easy to install . . .

Posted: 2010-01-30

How to cushion kids' falls from play sets

Joshua Barry knows wipeouts are inevitable when children are climbing and sliding on outdoor play sets. So he placed shredded rubber under and around the climbing toys his two children use in the backyard of their Aurora, Ohio, home. "It gives . . .

Posted: 2012-05-12

Trembling aspen common and thriving

For many people the aspen poplar tree is mostly a nuisance on their cottage lots. The trees have a habit of dying, seemingly without cause. If I were to tell you that the oldest living tree species today anywhere on . . .

Posted: 2016-08-27

CONNIE OLIVER: Blending old with new

Kitchen fits your lifestyle -- whatever it is

I love this kitchen. It could be in a country manor, a cottage or right here in an urban home. Elements of old and new are successfully melded in this room, so it fits many lifestyle scenarios. What's cool about this . . .

Posted: 2009-05-03