Clearing the air-conditioner

Removal of bulky unit long overdue

Remember going on family roads trips, and staying at a motel midway through a tedious drive to the actual destination? For me, thoughts of road trips while touring with my band trigger memories of a dimly lit and tiny . . .

Posted: 2024-02-03

MIKE HOLMES: Older homes built better? Not necessarily

They say they don't build them like they used to. But were older homes built better than the homes going up today? Was there real craftsmanship going back 50 or100 years ago that we don't see anymore? Well, it depends. Older . . .

Posted: 2012-07-07

Developing trust makes end product better

Contractors often find themselves alone in clients' homes

My favourite aspect of the client-contractor relationship is the development of trust — which sometimes allows the evolution of a friendship. Because much of the work a contractor completes occurs during regular business hours on weekdays, it is necessary for the . . .

Posted: 2017-12-16

TREE CARE: Don't worry, black knot disease can't hurt you

Within the last three months I have had easily 150 questions about black knot disease on Schubert choke cherry. No other tree related inquiry directed to me has generated so much concern and interest in such a short period of . . .

Posted: 2011-05-07

Familiarize yourself with the process

A lot goes into building a new home -- make sure you know what to expect and when

A very common and important question most new homebuyers ask when looking at building a new home is "How long it will take for our new home to be built?" Just how long does the whole construction process usually take and . . .

Posted: 2019-07-13

SOLUTIONS: Dye in wash makes black clothes look new

QUESTION: I have a tip and a question. To keep my black clothes looking new and fresh, about every six months or so I put a package of black fabric dye (Rit or Tintex) in with all my black loads. . . .

Posted: 2011-09-24

Age in place in your community and your home

As baby boomers officially become seniors, many begin to look at what “home” will look like for them in the coming years. Aging in place,  living safely and independently in one’s own home and community for as long as possible,  is often the . . .

Posted: 2026-02-27

MIKE HOLMES: Stick with stucco in dry Manitoba climate

Traditionally, stucco has been a popular exterior wall system. It adds character and can give a house a sophisticated finish, especially when combined with other masonry wall systems such as brick. If it's done right, stucco can also be a . . .

Posted: 2012-12-01

You'll feel better if your home can breathe

NOTHING says winter more for me than sitting by a roaring fire with my dog, Charlie. I have the urge to stay indoors and hibernate when winter rolls around -- it's the Canadian bear in me. And I know I'm . . .

Posted: 2011-12-17

Resurfacing gives tired old deck new life

Added bonus is serious savings on construction costs

With the cost of lumber still soaring, the decision to replace or resurface has never been more relevant. These days, the prospect of building a new deck from scratch can definitely be daunting. There are, however, certain circumstances that will . . .

Posted: 2021-07-10