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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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