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

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

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

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

Home renovation 'a labour of love'

Older home as good as new, and low-maintenance

OFTENTIMES, when a home is put up for sale, it's marketed as being "extensively renovated." Now, that renovation might cover (perhaps) a kitchen and bathroom, one of those two key areas, or maybe a master bedroom makeover (with any luck, the . . .

Posted: 2009-11-28

Treat your home to the wow factor

Designer's touch can transform ordinary into extraordinary

IS there a better illustration of a natural miracle than a well designed and executed home renovation? If you look at the before and after photos that accompany this article, you might even conclude the miracle was inspired by the . . .

Posted: 2012-12-22

Should worries be flushed down the drain?

QUESTION: I am wondering if it's a good idea to have both a main back-flow valve, under the basement floor, and a backup valve in the basement drain. Please excuse me if this is a little long-winded, but I will . . .

Posted: 2012-03-12

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Crawl-space issue uncovers bigger problem

QUESTION: I have a question about my home and hope you can provide some advice or at least relieve my troubled mind. Last November I purchased and moved into a small "slab" house in the Crescentwood area of Winnipeg, a wartime . . .

Posted: 2010-08-21