Relocating ducts and registers may be worth the effort

Question: When the second storey to my house was added on, about 30 years ago, the HVAC people ran the vents for the second floor through a bedroom on the second floor. These were for the heating system that was in . . .

Posted: 2021-01-02

Many potential causes for stained shingles

QUESTION: I was wondering if you can tell me what causes roofs to become discoloured. A black, wavy line appears on the shingles, particularly on the lower rows. I think it has something to do with how the roof breathes. . . .

Posted: 2015-04-18

CONNIE OLIVER: These updates won't cost you a cent

Admit it. You went a little overboard with your spending over the holidays and now things are a little tight. Just because your pockets aren't full doesn't mean that you décor has to suffer. You can create change in your . . .

Posted: 2010-01-16

If brownies are dry, remove from oven sooner

QUESTION: I am known for making dry brownies, even though I have experimented with six different recipes. The brownies are taken out of the oven as soon as the toothpick comes out clean, and I add the icing onto the . . .

Posted: 2019-09-14

Taking the fight to weeds with your own concoction

Question: I am interested in making my own weed killer for a variety of weeds. I am looking for one that won’t kill the grass. —Lorraine Answer: I am not familiar with any homemade weed killer that is formulated to kill only . . .

Posted: 2018-06-23

SOLUTIONS: Cloudy film on shower stall may be permanent

QUESTION: I have a problem with a cloudy stain or film on the inside glass of my shower stall. I've tried: Windex, vinegar and water, vinegar straight, razor blade scraper, CLR, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, and none have had any . . .

Posted: 2012-04-07

Spicing up the dorm

Brighten dreary study area without breaking house rules

Necessity is the mother of creativity for university students trying to brighten their dorm rooms. Decorating takes on a whole new meaning when you're a student. The rules are strict and straightforward: The walls cannot be repainted. The curtains cannot be . . .

Posted: 2011-10-08

SOLUTIONS: Cardboard proves a versatile resource

THE first corrugated box was manufactured in the late 1800s. By the early 1900s, wooden boxes were gradually replaced by cardboard boxes. The average American generates an astounding 56 tons of trash per year. Before you recycle your cardboard boxes . . .

Posted: 2010-11-27

Layering landscapes with greenery

Dwarf trees can add depth to old growth and make a huge difference in small yards

A multi-tiered approach to incorporating greenery in the landscape is always ideal. Indeed, the typically modest patch of mostly flat area on which the average house sits cries out for multiple layers of interest.In a mature, roomy landscape, creating an . . .

Posted: 2017-01-28

Have a 'staycation' to remember Oasis Leisure Centre

Why risk pandemics, political uprisings and getting less bang for your buck when you can just enjoy yourself at home this vacation? These so-called "staycations" are contributing to the huge popularity of the backyard home resort. Jason Lawrence, operations manager for Oasis . . .

Posted: 2009-07-26