Laminate: stepping up to great stairs

Stairs take a beating, no doubt about it. In a two-storey home, often the bedrooms and primary bathroom are located upstairs. Evidence of wear and tear is most noticeable in stairwells, and in the landings of your house, due to . . .

Posted: 2017-07-22

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Basement leakage causing homeowners worry

QUESTION: Our home was built in 1977 just outside of the city. The basement has been a problem on and off with leakage. It is worse on a wet year of course. This year and last spring we had problems . . .

Posted: 2010-10-09

GARDENING: In drips & drabs

Learn how to irrigate your garden

Water is a very valuable resource. Manitoba is fortunate to have an abundance of fresh water to irrigate our lawns, flower beds, trees and gardens. In order to use our water sources more efficiently and effectively with an irrigation system, . . .

Posted: 2013-06-15

Insulation and heating will help address condensation issues

Question: Our 2015 bungalow condo has an attached four-season, A-frame sunroom. Paint discolouration has occurred, from condensation on the gable end wall, above the sliding patio doors. To maximize air circulation, we have three fans going 24-7 during polar temperatures. . . .

Posted: 2022-02-26

How and when to prune your trees

About this time of year, I receive calls from property owners about whether or not they should be pruning their trees in the fall. For sure, if you have not had your deciduous (leaf-dropping trees and shrubs) pruned for some . . .

Posted: 2017-10-07

Light bulb can't heat crawlspace

You might be better off draining pipes if you rarely use your cottage over winter

QUESTION: I was wondering if you could help me with a dilemma. We recently purchased a cottage that has a small, maybe eight by eight foot, well-insulated basement that houses our plumbing. This includes the pump, hot water tank and . . .

Posted: 2016-11-19

Adjusting teleposts isn't for amateurs

QUESTION: I saw one of your excellent articles on teleposts and adjusting. I’ve got old 1974 teleposts, with a 1/2-inch hole at the top and no flat area for a wrench to grab. How does one adjust those old style . . .

Posted: 2017-02-18

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Shadows in walls reveal smoke particles

QUESTION: I have noticed in my mother's house I can see shadows of the wall studs, but only on the exterior walls. The house is a 1, 000-square-foot bungalow built in 1955. You see dark shadows where the wall studs . . .

Posted: 2012-06-23

MIKE HOLMES: Is your family safe?

The first line of defence is common sense

Break-ins are a sad fact of life and protecting your family and your home should always be your top priorities. That's why home security questions often come up when people are planning their renovations. What kind of doors and windows are . . .

Posted: 2009-05-05

Water seepage may require professional help

Question: Can you tell me why I have seepage in my basement walls at the base? I live in the West End in an older house. It happens only in the part of the basement that faces the back of . . .

Posted: 2020-06-27