Cost-effective way to spruce up your kitchen

Appealing makeover as easy as painting cabinets

Want to give your kitchen a facelift without draining your wallet? Consider painting the cabinets. Wood cabinet refinishing entails removing the existing paint, sanding the surface (depending on the type of paint you are using) and applying new paint to the . . .

Posted: 2018-08-25

The mighty miter retrofit

The challenge when readying an old deck for a composite upgrade is ensuring the existing structural components of the old framework meet the composite top-decking requirements for proper installation. Typically, a lumber deck will be framed with 2×8 joists . . .

Posted: 2024-07-13

Re-secure floor joists to prevent noise

Question: I am looking at purchasing Canadian-made red-oak-engineered hardwood flooring. I plan on installing it on my main and second floors.My home was built in 1958 and features one-by-six plank Douglas Fir subfloor, with joists spaced 16 inches on centre. . . .

Posted: 2018-02-10

Stud wall inside ICF foundation a good call

Question: I’m in the process of preparing to finish an ICF basement and was going to frame the basement with 2x4 finger-jointed lumber. The rationale is that I plan on being in this house for several decades and I want . . .

Posted: 2022-05-21

Managing moisture in your garage

Knowing and addressing common causes of humidity will help you keep issues in check

Question: I am considering the purchase of a containment floor mat for my unheated, attached garage. The mat is constructed of commercial-grade woven PVC fabric. Could there be a moisture problem with PVC on a cement floor? Thanks.— Bob SabourinAnswer: . . .

Posted: 2016-11-05

Poorly installed windows could cause rot

Time to tap home warranty program

Question — I hope you could help me figuring out if anything has gone wrong with my window installation. It's a new house construction, and the builder installed the PVC window into the rough opening of the wall without putting in . . .

Posted: 2009-03-07

Make sure basement reno is a space you'll love to be in

A common phenomenon in houses of the super-rich is creating extravagant basement additions. Never mind using your cellar as a wine store. Now it's all about digging two, three or even four underground levels for home gyms, swimming pools, media . . .

Posted: 2008-07-27

How to create your own stairway to heaven

Stairway magic   If you find that your home is lacking drama, you might want to consider highlighting an often forgotten architectural feature, the staircase. Stairs, by their very nature are visually interesting. They provide drama through height, repeated pattern and details such . . .

Posted: 2012-10-20

Up the ladder to the roof

Frozen vent the cause of plumbing issues

Cabin fever getting you down? We’ll deal with that in a bit, but first, do you have any strange gurgling noises happening? Don’t seem to be draining properly? Concerned you might be backed up? This is exactly what was happening to me . . .

Posted: 2020-01-25

Sweet deal

Former Oakbank candy store loaded with treats

Like people, homes tend to project a certain air. Consequently, when you step inside a home and look around, it doesn’t take long to get a feel for its personality. In the case of a 1, 240 sq. ft., one-and-a-half storey home . . .

Posted: 2020-11-07