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

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

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