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

Eliminating squeaky floors no easy fix

Question: I read all of your articles and they have helped me a lot. I still have a few more questions regarding the house problems I am having.My house is a side-by-side two-storey, built in 1975. A new furnace was installed . . .

Posted: 2016-07-23

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

Diagnosing rattling plumbing sound could get invasive

Question: I live in a two-storey townhouse condo, which is about five years old. When you flush the toilet, on either level, the pipes seem to make a rattling sound. What would you suggest? — Barb Heppner   Answer: Noisy plumbing is a common . . .

Posted: 2019-03-09

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

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Managing heat, humidity and hardwoods

QUESTION: I was very interested in your recent article dealing with heat recovery ventilator. Six years ago, we moved into a new house that had an HRV. The house is air-conditioned and uses a forced-air furnace. Because we have newly installed . . .

Posted: 2011-10-15