Compact fluorescent lights not hazardous

Check brand to be sure it can be used in cold climate

NEWS about the federal government mandating the use of compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) generated a number of questions about the safety and cost of these products. With a planned government ban on the sale of inefficient light bulbs by 2012 . . .

Posted: 2008-02-17

Vinegar: not just for french fries anymore

Question: I want to put my winter boots away (optimistic, I am sure); however, I see there are salt stains on the leather. What suggestions do you have for getting the stains off? JanetAnswer: As in many cases, vinegar is . . .

Posted: 2016-03-19

Get over dream-reno blues

These mini-makeovers can tide you over

It's a reality of our fragile economy: Many homeowners who dream of the perfect kitchen or master bath are putting full-scale renovation on hold in favour of more limited changes. "What's on everyone's minds is making the space feel a little . . .

Posted: 2011-10-15

Ending build season with a splash

This is Reno Boss column No. 416, and marks eight full years of weekly commentaries on renovations and construction projects I have undertaken. And what better way to mark the milestone of wrapping up this year’s summer build season . . .

Posted: 2024-10-05

Metallic hues from spoon to ceiling

Dear Leanne: I was in a restaurant recently and loved the ceiling effect. They had painted the entire ceiling silver, and I would like to try that in my dining room. Are there any tricks that I should be aware . . .

Posted: 2011-09-03

How will your garden grow?

Roof and community plantings among 2011's green-thumb trends

Trends in gardening for 2011? It often comes down to whom you talk; everyone has an opinion. The Garden Media Group in Philadelphia, which puts out its list of trends annually, thinks "gardening with a purpose, " as it is manifested . . .

Posted: 2011-02-12

Do your home work

Avoid house reno heartbeak

Chris Meyers was determined to transform his family home into a dream home, but not before he plotted every step along the way. Meyers, a 48-year-old engineer, was eager to double the square footage of his Oakville, Ont. home. He and . . .

Posted: 2009-04-12

H2-oh!

Lovely water features easy to install, maintain in the yard

Water is becoming an irresistible feature in big and small gardens, even on small elevated terraces and balconies. "A water feature can be something as simple as a birdbath or as elaborate as a 20-by-20-foot pond, " says Richard Bown, who . . .

Posted: 2008-06-01

CONNIE OLIVER: Cottage kitchen renewal

Creating interesting and personal spaces can be done cheaply

Cottage season is finally upon us. If you're lucky enough to have a cottage you know how long it's taken to get here. Cottage living is relaxed and kick-back and a cottage décor, whether in an actual cottage or as a . . .

Posted: 2009-05-24

Close up holes to prevent rodents from entering your home

Question: I read one of your articles about insulation and rodents. Do they chew through soft spray foam insulation? Do they chew through hard spray foam insulation? I’ve put up hardware cloth with one quarter-inch spaces over any openings. But now . . .

Posted: 2018-08-04