Safe and sound with Bell MTS Smart Home

Revamped security system delivers peace of mind

As a young man still living at home, my parents’ house was broken into and robbed. The intruders backed their truck into our backyard in broad daylight, breached the back door and proceeded to steal audio components and a variety . . .

Posted: 2020-05-09

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

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

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

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

SOLUTIONS: Like popcorn? Grow some

QUESTION: I have taken on a new hobby, which is growing popcorn in my garden! What is the best way to store popcorn so it stays fresh? Biannce, Morden ANSWER: Popcorn is a great year-around treat. One of the advantages of . . .

Posted: 2010-04-03

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