Countertop repair proving to be a problem

QUESTION: I would like to change my bathroom countertop and paint the cabinets. What can I do, or should I "bite the bullet" and buy a new counter? Thank you, Sharon, WinnipegANSWER: Before purchasing a new countertop there are a . . .

Posted: 2012-12-29

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Avoid cruel surprises with home inspections

QUESTION: In the spring of 2007, we purchased an old two-storey home with a stone basement in the West End. At the time of viewing, there were a couple of warning signs that we should have heeded and not purchased . . .

Posted: 2011-06-18

Double your pleasure

A basement renovation story

When Sherri and her young daughter Celeste needed a fresh start, Sherri quite accidentally happened upon an open house that changed the direction of their lives. The house was in need of many updates but Sherri knew this was 'her house' . . .

Posted: 2010-04-17

If that thing's too noisy, best get a new one

Water meter, door hinges irritating

Question — My 32-year-old bungalow in North Kildonan has a loud tapping sound coming from my water meter. The city replaced it about seven years ago. It’s worse at night when we are sleeping and someone flushes the toilet, especially . . .

Posted: 2009-01-17

Building code a good way to ensure kitchen fan installed correctly

Question: I have seen your response to a homeowner regarding exhaust versus recirculating kitchen fans in a previous article. I think you may be able to clarify a situation I have in my Wisconsin home. A range hood is to be . . .

Posted: 2018-03-24

Put water woes on ice by drying air inside home

It's the moisture in your home that causes windows to get frosty

QUESTION -- Can you tell me why my four-year old house has ice build up on all the windows? The windows are double pane argon filled. What is causing this and how can I eliminate the problem? This only happens . . .

Posted: 2008-02-03

Deceptively bright, delightfully stylish

Bridgwater Trails home has a smaller footprint, but massive appeal

Whether a home is big or small, three essential components determine how high it scores on the livability scale: space, light and style. Should a home be on the smaller side, properly balancing those components is critically important. Spencer Curtis and his . . .

Posted: 2017-11-25

Protecting wildlife an important consideration

Question: After reading your recent articles regarding sealing chimneys, I am concerned whether you understand the implications of your recommendations in regards to chimney swifts? Chimneys can be very significant habitat for this threatened species and any capping removes the . . .

Posted: 2016-04-09

Greening not enough: urban planning critic

Urban planning critic argues for esthetically designed spaces worthy of natural adornments

Can ugly, poorly designed areas of a city be transformed into beautiful, functional spaces simply by making them greener with more trees, gardens, parks, green walls, green roofs and so on? There is no question that shrub and flower borders are . . .

Posted: 2012-03-17

Take proper steps to winterize summer property

Keeping moisture in check presents greatest concern

QUESTION: We have a small farmhouse in the country. It has an oil furnace for heating, which is expensive in the winter. It has an unfinished basement with copper water pipes. We don’t go to the farm at all in . . .

Posted: 2019-09-14