Joist that bale

Energy-efficient straw bale homes, once a fad, are going mainstream

Your next home could be growing in a farm field. Energy-efficient straw bale houses, once considered a fad, are going mainstream, thanks in no small part to skyrocketing heating costs. Those that own them swear by them, contractors can't keep up with . . .

Posted: 2008-09-03

Foundation leakage a common problem

QUESTION: We have water leakage underneath the wallboard on one wall of our basement when there is severe rainfall. At this point we haven't removed the wallboard in that section to actually view the wall. However, one of the options . . .

Posted: 2011-12-05

Rigidity beneath your feet

Unique shower-base job required a unique solution

Creating a bathroom walk-in shower in a basement with a concrete floor can be challenging, primarily because the existing layout of the rough plumbing (provided there even is rough plumbing) is pre-established within the concrete. Moving services (or introducing them) . . .

Posted: 2026-06-13

Extreme cold likely cause of water line woes

We live in a two and a half story home in River Heights built in 1923. A few years ago we had our foundation dug up, repaired and the walls sealed down to the footing. Our foundation drainage was upgraded, . . .

Posted: 2020-02-22

MIKE HOLMES: Ignoring garages, sheds cost more long-term

Most people don't realize maintaining outdoor structures -- such as barns, garages, sheds and pool sheds -- is important. Proper maintenance on these structures is crucial to protecting whatever is inside them. I was on a job where we needed to . . .

Posted: 2013-11-16

Garage goals

Insulation, sheeting makes sense in our climate

Question: I live in a home built in Winnipeg seven years ago. I wish to make my garage a nicer space. I plan on completing the drywall in my attached garage. I really don’t ever plan on heating my garage, although . . .

Posted: 2022-01-22

Prep home for BIG CHILL

Proactive measures protect dwelling from elements

With months of cold weather looming, the outlook could be doom and gloom unless proactive measures are taken to protect a home from the elements.Unprepared properties are susceptible to a worst-case list of scenarios that could potentially damage and reduce . . .

Posted: 2011-12-05

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Foundation leakage a common problem

QUESTION: We have water leakage underneath the wallboard on one wall of our basement when there is severe rainfall. At this point we haven't removed the wallboard in that section to actually view the wall. However, one of the options . . .

Posted: 2011-12-03

The wonders of baking soda never cease to amaze

QUESTION: My white bone china plates have marks on them from my stainless steel cutlery; the marks won't come out with the dishwasher. Any ideas of how to clean them? Thank-you, Terry, WinnipegANSWER: Since scratches caused by cutlery have damaged . . .

Posted: 2013-07-27

Take your garden from bush league to shrub supreme

In this column, I will talk about four shrubs. Choice planting stock invariably gets sold early in the planting season, which results in purchasers finding that they cannot find the shrubs they want. In most cases, spring is a better . . .

Posted: 2017-05-27