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

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

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