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

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

TREE CARE: How to tell if tree will stand or fall

Is your tree safe? Homeowners who have lived on their property for years recognize their large trees are usually safe and unlikely to topple if they're stable. But new residents who are not familiar with their newly acquired trees are often . . .

Posted: 2011-05-21

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

MIKE HOLMES: If salesman comes knocking, keep door shut

We've all been there. You're just about to sit down to dinner when the doorbell rings. It's a salesperson who's come to sell you home-renovation services. He says he's noticed your driveway needs re-sealing, or your shingles need replacing, or your . . .

Posted: 2011-10-15

Put these quick home fixes on your winter to-do list

We have all heard of New Year’s resolutions, but what about fixes for your home? Those back-burner items you have been holding off for months can now become front-burner fixes in the new year.So what should you focus on and . . .

Posted: 2016-12-31

Heated garages need new approach to insulation

Questions: We currently have a garage in London, Ont., that was totally drywalled, both walls and ceiling, and painted and is in perfect condition. We cut a small hole to see if there is a vapour barrier and insulation, and . . .

Posted: 2017-12-02

Seal unused chimney top and bottom

B-vent simplest type of old vent for homeowner to deal with

QUESTION -- This past winter I replaced my home's gas hot water tank with an electric model and also replaced my low efficiency gas furnace with a high efficiency furnace. My question concerns the now unused chimney, which has . . .

Posted: 2008-04-20

Home's bad smell likely moisture related

Mould a possible culprit, along with dead rodents, plumbing problems

QUESTION -- We have a two-year-old house on a concrete foundation with a crawl space. Our problem is a persistent and worsening bad smell, somewhere between musty and dead animal, which is at its worst during the winter when the . . .

Posted: 2008-02-17