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

MIKE HOLMES: Planning for installation of built-in storage

If you've got a storage problem and nowhere to store all your electronics and toys, a built-in unit will solve the problem. Built-in entertainment units, bookshelves and window seats provide permanent, efficient storage, so rooms look neat and often larger, . . .

Posted: 2011-04-23

On the level?

Re-flooring process can be tricky when existing sub-floor elevations vary

The upgrade to vinyl-plank flooring has been popular over the past few years. Not only is it available in a wide range of styles and colours, vinyl planking with underlayment pre-mounted on the underside is relatively easy to install, provided . . .

Posted: 2025-05-10

Renovate with eye to returns

Home appraiser advises which makeovers increase value -- or not

Why do people renovate their houses? The standard answer is "to increase the resale value." Perhaps that was true during the great building boom between 1945 and 1970, when 40 per cent of Winnipeg homes, excluding the inner city, were built. . . .

Posted: 2013-04-20

Custom stringers provide versatility

Creating stairs fairly easy once process established

During the elaborate deck build at my own property years ago, it became obvious quite quickly that prefabricated stair stringers that could accommodate my design would not be easily found. As such, every single one of them was hand-cut on . . .

Posted: 2022-06-11

Proper planning can speed up deck build

Entire project completed in two days

Sometimes, potential clients assume contractors can simply snap our fingers and have their new deck built instantly. The reality is most contractors are generally booked well in advance, especially during the summer months. And secondly, co-ordinating the materials order, scheduling a . . .

Posted: 2019-09-07

Hosting an Instagram Worthy Brunch

Do you ever wonder how you can up your brunch game? You don’t have to be a professional chef to make your Sunday brunch look like something straight out of Food & Wine magazine. A carefully curated menu, a few . . .

Posted: 2019-11-01

Some assembly (and thinking) required

Not all renos are covered in the instruction manual

If installation instructions are available when doing a renovation it’s important to read them. Not taking a few moments to do so can result in a whole lot of wasted time. In the early days when working on my first home, . . .

Posted: 2020-04-04

Just lounging around

Deck chairs get new lease on life

While addressing the numerous lumber orders and deliveries for impending summer build projects over the course of the next few months, there are a few lingering tasks on my property that also require my attention. And although a few . . .

Posted: 2023-05-27