These New Year's resolutions might have a fighting chance

A clean room is a reward because it looks better, fresher and newer, but some people are not concerned about appearance, so here are other reasons to clean. Lack of dusting is a fire hazard, if a smoke detector or carbon . . .

Posted: 2021-01-09

When heated floors go cold

Nothing feels better than a hint of warmth beneath your feet, especially during the winter months.When I decided to renovate my home, the plans included an extension to the existing main bathroom on the second floor. My design called for . . .

Posted: 2016-10-15

SOLUTIONS: Dull marble tiles can have their finish shine again

QUESTION: We have marble tile in our TV room and I noticed a spill on the floor. After cleaning it with a damp rag, the finish seems to have been damaged and there is now a dull spot on that . . .

Posted: 2011-12-31

The waiting is the hardest part

Dream kitchen finally comes to fruition

Raising three daughters while both parents are working full-time jobs doesn’t allow for much free time — life was and is busy. Preparing breakfasts, lunches, and suppers would sometimes become overwhelming, especially if the kitchen wasn’t all that it . . .

Posted: 2023-06-03

RENOVATIONS: Dealing with decks

A look at planking, from treated and natural lumber to composite materials

Decks have become so ubiquitous that it's difficult to find a house or cottage that doesn't have some elevated appendage jutting into the back or front yard. Scientists suggest our need to dwell above the earth may be related to . . .

Posted: 2013-05-04

Let it slide

Custom barn-style doors a nice finishing touch

Nearing the completion of a total basement renovation in early 2015, my clients requested a feature I had not yet encountered up to that point — barn-style sliding doors. My clients had researched and purchased rugged hardware online, and shipped . . .

Posted: 2020-05-02

Retractable storm door a breath of fresh air

A breeze to install, hidden when not in use

The leaves have started to turn and the inevitible changing of the seasons is underway. Time to bring in the patio furniture cushions, partially drain the above-ground pool and mow the lawn one final time. With the searing heat and humidity . . .

Posted: 2018-09-15

Looking to be trendy? It all starts at home

WHAT'S hot in bathrooms and kitchens? The National Kitchen & Bath Association surveyed more than 100 designers, and the results identified seven kitchen and four bathroom trends: Kitchens 1. Shake up your cabinets. Traditional Shaker-style cupboards are making a comeback. They are . . .

Posted: 2011-11-19

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Where there's water, there's a solution

QUESTION: Our sump pump works but it seems our house is the lowest spot on our street. Our house was built in 1996 and our sump pump was replaced in the last couple of years. Our street is in a . . .

Posted: 2009-06-07

OK, construction has begun, when can we move in?

An important question that most new homebuyers ask when looking at building a new home is how long will it take for my new home to be built? Just how long does the whole construction process usually take and what . . .

Posted: 2022-08-06