ASK THE INSPECTOR: Badly built room might not be worth fixing

QUESTION: I bought a house about nine years ago that had a "sunroom" attached. It was built off the kitchen under the carport, with access to the kitchen. It has no exterior doors. The room rests on the concrete pad . . .

Posted: 2011-06-25

Regular inspection of sump pump always good idea

Question: I recently read an article you answered back in 2019 concerning a homeowner’s concern about cracks in his sump pit wall. I reside in a home where the water table is very high. My house, along with my neighbour’s house, . . .

Posted: 2022-04-16

THE PRAIRIE GARDENER: Ignore the flakes, grab your rakes

Here's what you can do while waiting for the spring miracle to arrive

April showers bring May flowers but this spring weather has been downright flaky. Yes, those were snowflakes coming down the other day as I looked out from my balcony, and frankly there were few signs of life other than the geese . . .

Posted: 2009-05-05

Structural home repairs best left to a professional

Question: I live in a walk-out bungalow on the La Salle River in La Salle. The house was built in 1989 and is piled, with a wooden structural floor. I noticed there was a separation between the floor and the . . .

Posted: 2015-11-21

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Pros and cons to humidifier use

QUESTION: We live in an apartment. In the winter it is absolutely essential for us to humidify the dry air. We use portable humidifiers, but I am questioning their safety, health-wise. I have read that there are bacteria issues and . . .

Posted: 2012-02-18

Plastic pipe likely drain for window well

Question: We have a PVC pipe sticking out of the ground beside our house, underneath a basement window, which appears to go down about six feet. What function does this serve? Bruno Klassen Answer: The unusual looking pipe under your basement window . . .

Posted: 2020-07-25

Cooking under the sun

Local designer offers teriffic tips for creating a sizzling outdoor kitchen

The scorching temperatures at the start of this week gave Manitobans their first taste of summer. Whether the weather is smoking hot or on the cool side, the backyard is the place to be for small-scale gatherings with family members . . .

Posted: 2021-05-22

Caution must always prevail when working with asbestos

Question: I’ve been asked to demolish a building with some two-foot by eight-foot asbestos siding.What do I need to know about such removal? Thank you, Larry.   Answer: Limiting damage to the older siding when removing it may minimize most of the health concerns related . . .

Posted: 2021-04-03

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Envelope your home in energy efficiency

QUESTION: I came across your great website and articles while doing some research on the Internet. My house is a four-level split built in 1980. Currently, it has cedar-wood siding, which I will be replacing with stucco. I plan to . . .

Posted: 2011-10-08

Higher office

Home office now a necessity but a little creativity makes a big difference

Having a home office is a must these days. Even if you don't work from home you still need a place to keep your computer and paperwork in order to pay bills, do your banking online and so on. Finding . . .

Posted: 2008-09-21