How to make sure your sump pump is working properly

Question: I read your recent article on covering a sump pump opening with interest. My sump pump opening has a bolted down cover, as you describe, about eight inches below floor level. When I go away for the winter I . . .

Posted: 2017-02-25

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Going through the roof with shingles worry

QUESTION: I am hoping you might be able to help me regarding roof shingles. I am in a custom-built house that was built in the fall of 1988. We moved into the house at the end of January 1989. We had . . .

Posted: 2011-07-23

RENOVATIONS: Paper the place properly

Expert advice can help you choose the right wallpaper

When people decide to renovate an older house, the first thing to go is wallpaper. As there are thousands of designs, colours and textures of wallpaper on the market, picking the right style for your home can be made easier and . . .

Posted: 2014-03-15

Strengthening consumer protection properly

THE province recently announced it is introducing changes that will benefit consumers. Gord Mackintosh, minister responsible for consumer and corporate affairs, said the government is committed to strengthening consumer protection in 42 different areas. Proposed changes include a variety of items . . .

Posted: 2010-05-22

Adding underlay with new roof shingles is always beneficial

Question: Our house needs to be re-shingled and after speaking with a few contractors we have received conflicting information. Some say drip edge and an underlay are essential, another says not to bother with either. Can you outline what elements are . . .

Posted: 2020-04-25

Plant a tree (properly) and watch it grow

I get many questions each year about how to plant a tree properly. Here are some basic guidelines to help you. You might want to save them for future reference. I also have guidelines for those property owners that want . . .

Posted: 2010-06-05

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Beware of lifetime warranty on shingles

QUESTION: I am hoping you might be able to help me regarding roof shingles. I am in a custom-built house that was built in the fall of 1988. We moved into the house at the end of January 1989. We . . .

Posted: 2013-06-01

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Light-coloured shingles way to go for your home

QUESTION: Do darker shingles have any effect on heat retention in the winter compared to those of a lighter colour? T. Stubbington, Oakville, MB ANSWER: I am surprised your very interesting question is rarely ever posed to me during regular inspections. . . .

Posted: 2009-10-04

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Transitional area wasn't planned properly

QUESTION: I have a question in relation to our new log home construction in Grand Beach. The crawl space is a four-foot height, surrounded by pressure-treated plywood. The edge of the untreated plywood floor sheathing is exposed above the treated . . .

Posted: 2010-04-10

Keeping the sheeting from rotting the shingles

QUESTION: My cousin built a house in a rural area of Manitoba about 35 years ago. His north and south walls are sheeted with Aspenite, and shingled with asphalt shingles. He has about a five- to 10-degree angle on the . . .

Posted: 2013-08-10