Wet iPhone? No problem, just rice it

Question: I dropped my iPhone in the water. Is there anything I can do to fix it or is it garbage? — KarlaAnswer:Step 1: Turn the phone off immediately.Step 2: Dry the phone with a soft towel (not a hair . . .

Posted: 2016-05-21

MIKE HOLMES: Rushing a reno isn't always a good thing

Who says a renovation needs to be continuously worked on until it's finished? Renovating in stages is a simple concept that might work well for homeowners who can't afford to do the whole project at once. But before you read this, . . .

Posted: 2010-01-23

CONNIE OLIVER: Vintage-style kitchen evokes fond memories

The kitchen is often the hub of the home and a place where family and friends gather to eat, cook or just visit. Many fond memories are created in the kitchen so it should be functional welcoming. Although the cabinetry and . . .

Posted: 2010-04-17

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Slow watering closes gaps next to foundation

QUESTION: We just went through all your articles from the Free Press concerning foundations, and while they did answer a lot of questions, we wanted to specifically ask about dry weather and the soil drying and pulling away from the . . .

Posted: 2011-10-01

Most small rooms can handle high drama

What can you say about today's feature photograph except... wow! This small Kohler bathroom is teeming with drama and style. The wide horizontal bands of vivid colour make this small space feel larger but also give it tons of personality. . . .

Posted: 2013-03-02

These stairs will have them staring

Carpet removal enhances appearance and safety

The process of converting old carpet-covered stairs with vinyl laminate can be daunting and includes several crucial steps. Once the carpet has been removed, along with the underlayment, any protruding staples and tack strips must also be lifted – . . .

Posted: 2023-03-04

MIKE HOLMES: Respirator an essential tool

I remember the days when if you had work boots and a hammer, you were good to work on a job site. Back then, a lot of contractors would demolish a house without thinking about the potential risks, such as . . .

Posted: 2012-08-18

SOLUTIONS: Sediment, funny smell... it all comes out in the wash

QUESTION: Can you help me with a problem? When my dishwasher has gone through its cycle, sediment appears on the glasses, inside cups and the back of saucers. It looks like sand, but isn't gritty. It only shows up in . . .

Posted: 2009-09-13

When worlds collide

Classic, modern merge in 1907 home

It's an adage that, over the years, has become something of a cliché: Don't judge a book by its cover. Cliché or not, it's an adage that applies big time to a turn-of-the-last-century vintage, two-and-a-half storey Crescentwood home found at 866 . . .

Posted: 2011-02-05

Give tilts a whirl

Angled drawer inserts turn unused space into bonus storage

The most satisfying renovations often involve adapting a home’s existing features in order to improve functionality, based on the homeowners’ longtime wishes. This requires a bit of creativity. One recent jobsite called for some innovative updates that are not only . . .

Posted: 2025-06-21