Attractive tile never goes out of style

Backsplash made from individual tiles a challenging task

A kitchen renovation can be very invasive. When the project calls for an entire gut and remodel, the area can be rendered non-functional for as long as eight weeks. This is why I often retain the old sink and a . . .

Posted: 2020-04-18

Getting it done just in time

Squeezing autumn projects into schedule always satisfying

Summer build seasons are hectic, primarily due to the congestion of projects that require attention between the time the snow melts, and moment winter is thrust upon us. Most of my usual exterior projects are scheduled on a weekly . . .

Posted: 2022-10-01

Not all winter activities are equal

Antique photo album of Winnipeg snowshoers in need of good home

Soon, the weather outside will be frightful and for some weird reason, that makes you winter lovers happy. Well good on ya. I appreciate your appreciation, but since all my favourite outdoor activities need summer, I’ll applaud your enthusiasm looking . . .

Posted: 2016-11-19

Surface spalling on concrete surfaces can be repaired

Question: We built a house and took possession of it in December 2018. Is it normal to get bad spalling on the concrete driveway this early? We have only lived here for 18 months. We talked to the builder and . . .

Posted: 2020-07-04

CONNIE OLIVER: Bring some blissful decor to the bedroom

The bedroom is my favourite room to decorate. Whether it's just new curtains and linens or a complete overhaul, this private space needs to be restful and inviting. It doesn't take a lot of work to get a great new look. . . .

Posted: 2012-09-01

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

Where there’s a wall, there’s a way

When finalizing plans to upgrade existing flooring in homes, other smaller yet imperative tasks often tend to present themselves as well. At a recent job site, the entire main floor of the house was to receive new vinyl-plank flooring. Once . . .

Posted: 2026-01-10

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