Half-baked, homeowner-designed rarely the way to go

Question: I read an article you wrote back in 2012 in the Winnipeg Free Press regarding heat recovery ventilation units (HRV). I live near Aberdeen, Sask. We live in a SIPS (structural insulated panels) house built about six years ago. . . .

Posted: 2018-04-07

Avoid wrong approach to energy conservation

QUESTION: We are building a house and spending a bit more effort on insulation, hoping to save on summer/winter energy costs. We are planning on building a double exterior wall. The exterior will be 2x6, then a one-inch gap, and . . .

Posted: 2013-09-07

No fix 'er upping required

One-owner custom-built home has been meticulously maintained

THINK back to when you were 23 years old. By that point in life you'd undoubtedly gained some fairly significant life experiences, picking up a few battle scars along the way. Nevertheless, at least in terms of your physical framework, you . . .

Posted: 2011-02-12

Little porch, big impact

Back-stairs transformation wraps with perfect landing

Although the homeowners have been in the house for only a few years, it was clear the back-stairs access to the rear entry door of the dwelling had become unsafe. Instead of simply replacing the old and decrepit stairs . . .

Posted: 2024-10-12

Protect yourself when it comes to home renovations

Manitoba Home Builders’ Association renovator members take workplace safety very seriously. If you are a homeowner looking at hiring a renovator, you have a vested interest in knowing that your contractor is taking steps to make sure their construction site is . . .

Posted: 2022-07-23

Keeping cold out, heat in

Clear, thin, plastic sheathing can save you money and keep you warmer in the colder months

QUESTION: In your Free Press article last Saturday, about the cottage guy who wants to use it in winter, both of you mentioned putting a plastic film on the windows for the winter. I was wondering the purpose of this? . . .

Posted: 2017-03-11

Cutting corners on renovations a risky move

Protect yourself and avoid all under-the-table deals

As the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season — Black Friday — has come and gone, Manitobans are now fully engaged in preparing for the holidays. All Manitobans love great deals. We do our homework and find the best . . .

Posted: 2017-12-02

MIKE HOLMES: Build for the worst, hope for the best

Weather doesn't have to destroy so many homes

When I look at the recent news images of the houses hit by tornadoes -- roofs torn off, framing joists and trusses scattered like toothpicks across backyards -- I have to ask myself: Why aren't we building better? Why aren't . . .

Posted: 2009-08-30

MIKE HOLMES: Finished basement needs proper insulation

One of the most popular renovation jobs is to redo a basement. Done properly, a finished basement can add a lot of livable space to your home. It usually becomes a place where the kids -- and sometimes adults (What . . .

Posted: 2013-04-27

Stone foundations are tricky to insulate

There are many different opinions on how to handle seepage issues

Question: I’m a homeowner in Wolseley and I have a stone foundation. There’s some seepage, even after I had the eavestroughs replaced, sump pump and backwater system installed and built up the soil around my house. I don’t have any . . .

Posted: 2016-09-17