Moisture a tricky cottage guest to get rid of

Question: We have a moisture situation at our cottage near Lake of the Woods that we would certainly like your opinion on. We purchased a small, approximately 800-sq.-ft., 2x6 construction, post on pile, bungalow cottage and constructed a 2x6, two-storey . . .

Posted: 2017-06-10

MIKE HOLMES: Sudden leak reveals crack beneath surface

When problems start happening in the home, most people want to blame something or someone else. "Oh, it's because no one knows how to do anything anymore." "They used cheap materials." "They didn't do this right." I've made those criticisms a . . .

Posted: 2013-11-02

Butcher block cleaning tips

QUESTION -- Is using vegetable oil on new butcher block a good idea? Or do I need to pick up some mineral oil or something like that? Thanks. Anna, WinnipegANSWER -- For everyday cleaning, wipe butcher block with dish soap . . .

Posted: 2015-05-30

Smart renos

Six steps to getting job done without breaking the bank

Bitten by the spring home-renovation bug? A quick coat of paint won't break the bank, but bigger renovations can get out of hand, leaving you with a glittering new kitchen or a to-die-for deck, but a scary pile of bills, . . .

Posted: 2010-04-17

Pergola with clear roof keeps rain out

Pergola with clear roof keeps rain out

A pergola added to a three-tier deck in 2020 provides perfect shade at the patio doors of this backyard oasis. With the barbecue tucked in next to a privacy wall it was the perfect setup — until the rain came. So . . .

Posted: 2021-08-14

Shutoffs placed near outside faucets for good reason

But frost-proof outside fixtures can replace hard-to-access valves

QUESTION — As temperatures drop, and as I plan a basement renovation, I have been considering relocating the shutoff valves for my two outdoor faucets. Currently each valve, at opposite corners of the house, is buried in the ceiling a . . .

Posted: 2020-10-10

Preparing for potential flooding

Create an emergency plan to keep safe and dry with these helpful tips

If this year’s spring flood rises in your direction, are you prepared? While writing this on Wednesday, the current Manitoba government forecast within the Red River Valley warns of a high risk of major flooding, while the Assiniboine and Souris Rivers . . .

Posted: 2019-03-30

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Heat-trace or insulation for a drainpipe?

QUESTION: Can you please advise if my washing machine plastic drainpipe needs to be heat-traced or insulated in my cold crawl space? Some say yes, insulate. Others say no, heat-trace. Still others say as it doesn't contain water, do nothing. . . .

Posted: 2010-03-13

A step too far

Roof reveals why it was leaking, the hard way…

So, a couple of weeks ago, Robert Lucier of Lake Manitoba First Nation decided “enough is enough — it’s time to do something about our leaky garage roof.” So he got the ladder, had a stroll around the roof and . . .

Posted: 2022-08-13

Building green different than talking green

I've been hearing a lot of green talk bandied about lately. It's the thing to do nowadays. I know we're talking green, maybe even thinking green, but are we really doing green?I won't comment on other industries -- I'll leave . . .

Posted: 2012-03-12