Doors enhance cottage inside and out

Boat-access project poses unique challenges

Working at a boat-access only cottage always presents a few challenges — the logistics of ensuring delivery of the required materials usually tops the list of hurdles. At a recent cottage upgrade, the cottage owners wished to update both . . .

Posted: 2023-08-26

Counter-culture cool

Wide variety of surfaces to consider

QUESTION: We are selecting new countertops for our kitchen and bathroom. I definitely want granite in the kitchen, but I'm thinking of a less costly option for the bathrooms (our master bath, a powder room and an upstairs full bathroom . . .

Posted: 2014-03-01

Air admittance valves usually OK if installed correctly

Question: I kept your details from an interesting plumbing article in the Free Press some time ago. Your writing dealt with under sink issues and the use of an air admittance valve. I would like to know if these devices . . .

Posted: 2020-06-06

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Patio door's sliding action an open invitation to frost

Don't let installer blame problem on humidity in home

QUESTION: I was hoping that you might be able to offer an opinion on a frost problem that has cropped up. I believe the attached photos will help you see what I am referring to. This patio door, which is a . . .

Posted: 2009-12-26

Thorough home inspection always best bet

Question: My partner and I are looking to buy a house and we are becoming frustrated with the process. With the hot real estate market, we are being told that a pre-purchase home inspection condition in our offer is a . . .

Posted: 2021-07-17

How to make your focaccia stand out

The wonderful Italian bread is a great alternative to garlic bread

QUESTION: I tried focaccia bread at an Italian restaurant and loved it. What are the herbs used to flavour focaccia bread? — Thanks, Arial Answer: Focaccia is a wonderful alternative to garlic bread and pairs well with pasta dishes! In addition to . . .

Posted: 2017-04-08

New concrete floor slab or mud jacking?

Weigh relative costs and benefits first

QUESTION -- We would appreciate your opinion about our garage floor. Our house, with double attached garage, was built in the late sixties. We found that the garage floor is gradually sinking, but more so the past year. Our house has . . .

Posted: 2008-08-24

Home inspections benefit both buyer and seller

Question: I was wondering what your advice is regarding home inspections. I know right now it’s a real seller’s market and people are very reluctant to say they want an inspection before closing, for fear of loosing the home they are . . .

Posted: 2021-10-09

Tips from the pros on how to paint your home

It's well known that painting is the most affordable way to update your decor but if you don't have a lot of experience with painting the task may seem daunting. Luckily, paint suppliers are here to help. CIL paint has . . .

Posted: 2015-07-25

Global art project taking off in Canada

Metalbird creator Phil Walters brings whimsical art and conservation to the garden

Metalbird has landed in Canada. Offering uniquely designed native birds crafted as life-sized metal silhouettes, Metalbird was started in 2009 by Phil Walters in his New Zealand backyard. Today Metalbird has manufacturing plants in several countries around the world — . . .

Posted: 2021-06-12