ASK THE INSPECTOR: Insulating chimney area an important task

 QUESTION: We live in a storey-and-a-half wartime house, which is not insulated behind the knee walls upstairs. Four years ago we completely gutted the upstairs and added one-inch spacing next to the roof for air movement, then added fibreglass insulation . . .

Posted: 2009-12-19

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Can heating system handle new radiators?

QUESTION: Our 80-year-old home has hot-water heat on the first and second floors, but the entire basement is only heated by one small electric baseboard. May we tap into the existing hot-water pipes in order to connect two radiators purchased . . .

Posted: 2009-10-11

Juggling tools and tasks tectonic to the trades

Broken drywall lift a minor inconvenience

As spring approaches, it becomes ever more evident how tightly queued upcoming jobs have been scheduled. And with every passing moment, the looming prospect of falling behind schedule creeps into my thoughts. Fortunately, current jobs remain on track to . . .

Posted: 2023-03-11

Solving moisture issues need not require fuss or cost

Question: I recently had a new furnace installed, as well as my old vermiculite attic insulation replaced with blown-in fibreglass insulation. Will I have a problem with condensation in my attic due to higher humidity in my house because there is . . .

Posted: 2019-09-07

Highly efficient 'gem'

Upgrades make Silver Heights home feel like it is brand new

When it comes to purchasing a resale home, buyers typically look for three things. First, there's location. The home needs to be close to conveniences and offer access to different areas of the city. Second, there's size. Whether buyers are a . . .

Posted: 2014-01-11

Tips for less shock from electricity bills

With the all the doom-and-gloom news recently about rising electricity costs, I thought I was prepared for the worst when my August hydro bill arrived. With four sons who fancy long showers, a backyard pool (thankfully without an energy-guzzling heater) and . . .

Posted: 2010-11-06

The comfort of an insulated garage

Upgrading this space in the dead of winter makes it even more appreciated

The attached garage — an amenity not afforded to everyone. In fact, it wasn’t until my current home that I experienced such luxury. And I will attest, it makes quite a difference in the harsh of winter to be sheltered . . .

Posted: 2018-04-14

Organizing through the clutter

In recent years, organizing and decluttering have become synonymous concepts, but they aren’t really the same thing. Although the two activities go hand in hand, the main purpose of organizing is not necessarily to discard things. Your closets and drawers . . .

Posted: 2016-10-15

Consistency key to developing successful infill strategy

Over the past few months, infill housing has become one of the most hot-button topics of discussion at city hall. Certainly, the state of residential infill development in Winnipeg is a cause for concern within the residential construction industry. To try . . .

Posted: 2019-10-05

Follow these simple steps to plant a tree

I have received many inquiries from readers asking what they need to know and do to establish a new tree properly. The hope is it will grow well and bear healthy, delicious fruit. In your mind you have chosen a . . .

Posted: 2016-06-11