ASK THE INSPECTOR: Reinsulate after foundation cement dries

QUESTION: I am hoping you can point us in the right direction. My husband and I took possession of our new home in September 2005. Our homebuilder, per their "code, " framed, insulated and placed vapour barrier in our basement. We . . .

Posted: 2010-11-13

Blond hair turned green? Wash it in ketchup

QUESTION: Help! My blond hair has turned green from the chlorine in my sister's indoor swimming pool. -- Jessica, Boissevain, Man. ANSWER: When you combine high levels of copper in pool water with chlorine bleach, you'll leave Oscar the Grouch begging . . .

Posted: 2010-12-26

Grass-free zone replaces mowing, watering

MONTREAL -- It is the ultimate suburban icon: an emerald, weed-free lawn. However, for one couple, that icon represents an environmental no-no that requires water and energy to power a mower. So when Julie Jonas and Danny Roberge were designing their . . .

Posted: 2008-07-27

MIKE HOLMES: Attached living spaces create noise issues

IT'S no secret building lots are getting smaller and homes are being built closer and closer together. You can tell just by looking at older subdivisions -- and I'm not even talking that old, just 20 to 30 years -- . . .

Posted: 2013-02-23

Create your own oasis

�ñº Back-yard lifestyle more and more popular

When you just can't escape to an island paradise, turning your back yard into a beautiful sanctuary is the next best thing. "The back-yard lifestyle is increasing in popularity, " said Jason Lawrence, operations manager of Oasis Leisure Centre. "People don't . . .

Posted: 2009-04-26

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Let's address some fireplace safety issues

QUESTION: Yesterday, I burned some wood in our fireplace. At bedtime, I left the flue open because there were still some hot embers in the hearth. I covered the fireplace opening with a blanket to keep the cold air from . . .

Posted: 2010-02-06

MIKE HOLMES: When painting, starting right's half the job

Painting, from the point of view of people who may pick up a brush once every few years, is not a big deal. Pick a colour, invite over some friends, order a pizza, and paint away. It's a no-brainer. But . . .

Posted: 2010-03-27

MIKE HOLMES: A healthy home is a happy home... for you

I spoke recently at the National Healthy Homes conference. It's an annual meeting of government, builders and groups concerned with safe, healthy and sustainable housing. They promote seven principles of healthy homes. They're common-sense principles that are all interconnected, and I . . .

Posted: 2011-08-13

ASK THE INSPECTOR: When fixing someone else's mistake, get it right the second time

QUESTION: I have a bit of a problem I was hoping you could help me with. I bought my first house approximately three years ago. The basement is finished and has a bathroom with a corner shower unit. Unfortunately, when . . .

Posted: 2013-01-26

Winter sewer smell likely frozen stack

A little insulation goes a long way

Question: In a previous winter, when it was -30 C, we had a sewer smell in our house. I am wondering if the vents maybe have ice or snow buildup in them? Is there any way to get rid of . . .

Posted: 2020-12-26