MIKE HOLMES: Pros and cons of new building systems

If you're thinking about building a new house and doing some research, you may be hearing about SIPs and ICFs, two new building systems that have been gaining popularity. But like everything, they have their pros and cons. SIP stands for . . .

Posted: 2012-10-06

MIKE HOLMES: Earth Hour helps us see the green light

Every year, people around the world shut off their lights for one hour, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., all in the name of Earth Hour and saving our planet. This year, Earth Hour was on March 29. I turned off . . .

Posted: 2014-04-12

CONNIE OLIVER: Creating a cool teen hangout worth the time

If you watch any decorating shows, you might notice a trend where teenagers and young adults are requesting their own hangout space. Back in the day, we used a rumpus room or our own bedroom to entertain friends, but now it . . .

Posted: 2013-09-07

Wipe baseboards with fabric softener to repel pet fur

Question: I own several pets, and therefore my baseboards are constantly coated with pet hair and dust. Please share some easy cleaning tips. — Sarah Answer: Using the dust attachment on your vacuum, clean your baseboards regularly. The second solution is to . . .

Posted: 2020-05-30

On the Seine

Spacious condo perfect for empty-nesters

Condominium living is attractive, but it can come with a downside: a lack of living and storage space.Equally important is how a suite is laid out. If a floor plan isn't logical, it doesn't matter how much space there is . . .

Posted: 2014-08-02

Cooking up a kitchen reno

Smart planning and design combine function and fashion

For years, my wife and I dreamed about renovating our kitchen, but work always got in the way. By the end of 2010, I'd published six cookbooks in seven years and that, along with my newspaper and other work, kept our . . .

Posted: 2012-01-21

MIKE HOLMES: Who in this world can live without plumbers?

World Plumbing Day is March 11, and after working for more than 30 years in the industry, I've learned just how important plumbers really are. And not just in building and renovating -- also for our health and safety. These professionals . . .

Posted: 2012-03-17

TREE CARE: Shades of good neighbours

Dealing with overhanging trees doesn’t have to create problems

Without question, the greatest problems people in the city have with trees are often those owned by their neighbours. Arborists are constantly being asked, “Can I cut my neighbour’s tree branches overhanging on my side of the  property?” The answer . . .

Posted: 2009-11-21

Creating a classic look at home

Tips from designers to keep your pad from looking dated

On Washington’s trendy H Street corridor, the new Lucille Condominium boasts a classic-meets-contemporary facade of old-school red bricks and sleek, squared-off balconies. "We were aiming for something classic and didn’t want the place to date too quickly, " Philip Simon of . . .

Posted: 2018-08-11

Get rid of that flock of seagulls

QUESTION -- Do you have any suggestions for deterring seagulls, etc. from constantly landing on docks and making a mess, which is very difficult to clean up? Thanks. Doris (Kenora, ON) ANSWER -- The easiest defence to guard against seagulls is . . .

Posted: 2014-09-13