Built-in safety

Innovative self-acting fire extinguisher available locally

A new and innovative fire fighting tool is now available to the public.Called the Haven automatic fire extinguisher — this device does far more than an ordinary extinguisher, said Spartan Fire Protection’s chief operating officer, Ben Rosentreter. "It’s actually been . . .

Posted: 2016-06-11

Wipe sink with oil to remove stains, restore factory colour

QUESTION: We have a seven-year-old Sil Granite sink. Its colour has really faded. Before, it was a very matte black, but now it is a very faded black with white smear streaks. We used a colour-enhancer product provided when I . . .

Posted: 2013-10-19

SOLUTIONS: Cinnamon buns perfect recipe to awake to

QUESTION: There is nothing better than waking up to the smell of fresh cinnamon buns, so I would like to try making them for my family. Can you give me a good recipe for cinnamon buns? Also, Christmas will soon . . .

Posted: 2012-09-01

Cutlery scratches on dishes a common household challenge

Question: I have everyday dishes that I really like that say they are lead-free. My stainless-steel cutlery leaves marks on the dishes, which makes them looked scratched and worn. I use Bar Keeper’s Friend and scrub them clean, but as soon . . .

Posted: 2019-05-25

Rust likely spells doom for old lawn mower

QUESTION: I have a beloved lawn mower — starts every time on one pull! But it has a rust hole on the body. Is there any way to repair this? Answer: If you ask a company that repairs lawn equipment, you’ll . . .

Posted: 2018-09-01

No windows? No problem

Fill empty spaces to distract the eye

There is a quote that declares: "Eyes are the windows of a soul."In the case of this home on a corner lot, which has a deficiency in openings, I will simply say this: If it's impossible to add windows because . . .

Posted: 2012-05-26

MIKE HOLMES: Building permits an absolute essential

You've heard me rant for a few years now about why you need a building permit for work you're having done at your house. But from the mail I'm still getting, it looks as though the message isn't getting through. Many . . .

Posted: 2011-03-05

How to make the best air mattresses even better

With the holidays on the horizon, it’s time to get guest-ready. That means testing out that old air mattress — and maybe finding a new one. Although you might wish you had a real bed set up for guests, David K. . . .

Posted: 2017-10-28

CONNIE OLIVER: Decorate on a dime

Twenty bucks says you can do a lot with $20

A few months ago, I decided to update our loft bedroom to create a lovely guest suite. The room had become a storage area and dumping ground over the years, so it was time to reclaim the space. The loft suite . . .

Posted: 2013-05-25

A plum-perfect paint shade

Dear Debbie: We are about to repaint our living room and dining room. It's been more than a few years since these rooms were done and they look tired. I would like to choose colours that won't date too quickly, . . .

Posted: 2009-03-21