All good with wood

Concrete stairs receive a classy cover-up

The topic of unsightly concrete stairs leading to the front door arises often with clients. Subjected to years of weathering the elements, most concrete surfaces tend to deteriorate. And when this occurs, is it better to try salvaging the old . . .

Posted: 2020-11-21

Building with MHBA members just makes sense

Building a new home is one of the largest investments a family will ever make — so doing your due diligence before selecting the right builder is critically important when a family is making this type of major investment. So . . .

Posted: 2023-10-21

Make the most of home spa experience

Soothing music, few nice spa recipes

With Mother's Day just around the corner, it's time to turn your home into spa central for the woman who does so much! 1. Perhaps the most important part of the home spa experience is being sure you have uninterrupted quiet . . .

Posted: 2008-05-04

Turning crisis into opportunity

When a leak ruined my client's kitchen floors, he took the chance to change them up

In late fall 2015, my client Bruce Palansky took possession of his new 1, 800 square foot bungalow in Linden Ridge. Although the house was 99 per cent finished on both floors, he had commissioned me to perform a few . . .

Posted: 2017-02-25

MIKE HOLMES: We need to salute plumbers everywhere

St. Patrick's Day seems to be the main event in March. But how many people know about World Plumbing Day? It's in March too -- on March 11 every year. But it always seems to go under the radar. Why? . . .

Posted: 2013-03-30

New name, same great show

Winnipeg Renovation Show kicks off next weekend

Newsflash: the Kitchen, Bath & Reno Show has a new name. The show -- which is now run by Vancouver-based Marketplace Events -- is now known as the Winnipeg Renovation Show. However, while the show's title has changed, its focus . . .

Posted: 2016-01-09

Steps to prep outdoor plants for a long prairie winter

Each fall I get a number of inquiries from readers and clients about how to prepare their trees and shrubs for winter. There are now signs of leaves turning yellow. Did you know that trees and shrubs go through a . . .

Posted: 2014-09-13

Retrofit renovations can lead down unknown path

Replacing window with door requires some additional planning

With any renovation project, it is often the retrofit which presents the greater challenge. When building new, materials are ordered to specifications based on the design plans, and the tasks are completed systematically with few, if any, surprises. A renovation, however, . . .

Posted: 2018-06-23

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

DEBBIE TRAVIS: Splurge on quality furniture for teen's room

Dear Debbie: We are decorating our daughter's bedroom with input from her. The challenge is that Tracy changes her mind about every six months. She is 11 and we would like to come up with a look that can keep up . . .

Posted: 2010-04-10