ASK THE INSPECTOR: Avoid overkill when dealing with rodents

QUESTION: I had a real mouse problem at the cottage last fall and after dispensing poison and finding all the holes, I hope, where the mice could enter, I think the problem is solved for now. We have a dirt . . .

Posted: 2011-06-04

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

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