MIKE HOLMES: Minimize the VOCs in your home

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are in a lot of the products we put in our homes. Everything from carpeting, cabinets and furniture to the paint on our walls and caulking around our tubs, showers and toilets contain VOCs. Some materials . . .

Posted: 2014-02-15

MIKE HOLMES: Renovations, new construction take different skill sets

As a contractor, I've built a few new houses and I've renovated many more. I can tell you there's a huge difference between building new and renovating -- and that is something you need to be aware of when you . . .

Posted: 2012-02-04

Art and soul

Home-based gallery a labour of love

It’s an idea that’s simple, yet powerful: an art gallery in a home. The seed for the concept was planted some 18 years ago, said Julie Walsh, owner of Soul Gallery at 163 Clare Ave. in Riverview."I started working in . . .

Posted: 2016-02-27

Insulating air ducts to prevent mould

Minor maintenance required to keep airways in tip-top shape

Question: I have a question related to insulated fresh air intakes. Should those intakes be replaced periodically? Can they be a source of concern for air quality in a home? Can mould and other unwanted products be caused by the . . .

Posted: 2018-12-15

Stopping air leakage in older homes always a challenge

Question: I’m wondering if you could offer a practical solution for an issue which is a real problem in very cold weather. I had the basement, with a poured concrete foundation, insulated with foam a while ago. This was . . .

Posted: 2022-11-05

Ace that base

Although pre-fab shower bases are available in many standard sizes, they don’t often provide the custom look desired by homeowners, especially if the entire shower stall is meant to be tiled. Moreover, most pre-fab base sizes don’t cater well to . . .

Posted: 2025-02-01

Sprayed-on poly foam OK for stone foundation insulation

Question: I have been trying to do some research on the risks associated with stone foundations that have had spray foam applied on the interior in the crawl space. We have had an inspection done on a house that had this . . .

Posted: 2019-03-23

Keeping your evergreens green

The shrubs require a dedicated effort but are well worth it

From time to time I get inquiries about the browning of evergreen ground junipers. Typically these evergreen plants are planted in low lying ground beds in groupings of 5 to 25, or even larger.Initially, the clusters of low-lying evergreen shrub . . .

Posted: 2016-09-24

Hiring right in battle against rot

Helpful hints will help you find a reliable contractor

Question: Hi, I enjoy reading your articles in the Free Press on Saturdays. Perhaps you can direct me to a reputable business that can possibly do a repair for me. The wooden pillar on our front porch is starting to . . .

Posted: 2017-06-24

Selecting MHBA builders just makes sense

Building a new home is one of the largest investments a family will makes in its lifetime. Doing your due diligence when selecting the right builder is critically important when a family is making this type of major investment. So . . .

Posted: 2021-10-30