Wouldn't you love these?

Woody plants can transform the landscape of your urban garden

Every urban greenspace and outdoor living space deserves to have woody plants. Lack the proper space to grow a shrub or tree? Growing shrubs, even trees, in containers has the power to transform your outdoor space and maximize its usage. With . . .

Posted: 2017-06-03

Weigh asbestos remediation options carefully

Hazardous fibres in stipple ceiling can be safely contained, removed

Question: I am looking for some suggestions on how to deal with a popcorn ceiling that contains asbestos. The ceiling is in my kids’ playroom and when they bounce balls, they often hit the ceiling. I believe the options are . . .

Posted: 2021-10-23

Drainage pipes without holes are the norm

Unperforated piping now drains directly into weeping tile

Question: Hi Ari, I was hoping you could answer a question for me. I live in Niverville in a 10-year-old house. We were having some problems with water coming in a window and noticed the window well is very small. . . .

Posted: 2018-03-31

All the home's a stage

Maximize the sale price for your property with a pro's touch

For one reason or another, it's time to sell your home. And, truth be told, you're not exactly liking what you're seeing. As you survey your home, the harsh realities of living in it for nearly 20 years -- and doing . . .

Posted: 2009-06-07

Flood of renewal

Water in basement leads to satisfying reno

Sometimes a flood is a good thing. Consider Noah. When the waters receded, life was not so bad for his family and his menagerie. Similarly, Lisa and Peter Knapp escaped a flood that might have swamped their entire bungalow. One . . .

Posted: 2015-06-06

Work-around works for new home

Unusual lot shape leads to stylish, functional living space

When folks in the market visit a show home, they see the completed version. For all they know, everything associated with the home build went according to plan. There were no hiccups — everything went smoothly from start to finish. Typically, nothing . . .

Posted: 2019-07-20

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Water seepage into garage a common concern

QUESTION: I appreciate reading your articles, which has led me to ask my own question. Water pools around my garage every spring. It ends up getting into the garage and has damaged some stucco and I am worried that it . . .

Posted: 2011-05-07

Sultan of sawdust

LaBossiere's homemade guitar still sparkles and shines

This is Reno Boss column No. 250 — and it has been an amazing experience so far! A big thanks to my friend and editor Willy Williamson — who urged me to write a weekly column nearly five years ago. It . . .

Posted: 2021-07-17

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Weigh options carefully when replacing old rads

QUESTION: We live in a typical late-'30s River Heights two story house, and are planning an upstairs bathroom renovation. It's relatively small, about seven by eight feet with an eight-foot ceiling. The room has one exterior wall with a tri-pane . . .

Posted: 2012-01-07

ASK THE INSPECTOR: When insulating garage, consider moisture

QUESTION: Last fall, we had a garage built in anticipation of moving permanently to Sandy Hook. I'm pleased to say that after four months of decluttering and five different contractors doing upgrades, we sold our home in Winnipeg and completed . . .

Posted: 2011-10-29