Arbours, pergolas great addition if built right

A few days ago I had to reveal a huge job for my new series. While I was outside waiting for the homeowners to return -- so I could reveal their house -- something caught my eye. At the entrance of . . .

Posted: 2012-07-01

Getting steamed

Homeowners convert corner into mini spa

So, you've got a seven-foot by nine-foot space available for development in the corner of your basement. What do you do with it? Put in a lot of deep and creative thought, that's what. After much deliberation, the owners of 1940s . . .

Posted: 2010-11-13

No end to mowing season

Start of warm weather brings about spring chores

I’m 69 and living in fear. Soon, I will be forced to leave the comfort and safety of my recliner, to bounce around mercilessly for two months... on the seat of my lawn tractor. Yes, the growing season will soon be upon . . .

Posted: 2018-04-28

New receptacles tamper resistant

Electrical outlets to be babyproof

TORONTO -- New parents who babyproof their home normally place plastic covers over the electrical outlets, but revisions to the Canadian Electrical Code announced Thursday mean that some day that will no longer be necessary. The updated code requires new homes . . .

Posted: 2009-01-24

Forever in blue jeans

Recycled denim becomes insulation for contractors of green homes

If there's such a place as a blue jeans heaven, Matt and Lisa MacDonnell, husband and wife partners of I.R.I.S. Inc. Contractors, would be the first to suggest where that might be. Try this on for size; how about as . . .

Posted: 2008-04-27

Little homework helps you choose right renovator

DECIDING who to hire for your home renovation is an important part of planning for the success of your project. You want to work with a professional contractor, someone who is reputable and in business for the long term. You need . . .

Posted: 2010-05-29

Backyard retreat

Building a deck is a sound investment you can enjoy

If you’re thinking of upgrading your home, there’s one upgrade that should be top of mind: installing a deck.There are several reasons why building a deck is a good investment. First, a deck allows you to add living space to . . .

Posted: 2016-05-14

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Let's vent on best way to improve air flow

QUESTION: We own a two-storey detached home built in the early '70s. We installed a high-efficiency furnace three years ago and noticed paint peeling from the soffits around the southern-facing side of the home shortly thereafter, as well as shingle . . .

Posted: 2012-01-14

Is Jack Frost nipping at your HRV?

Eco-friendly refit can be a benefit, but must be installed, adjusted correctly

Question -- I read your column regularly and appreciate the assistance you provide the community at large through it. We have had snow buildup occurring on our HRV intake every since we moved into the home in late 2007. The exhaust . . .

Posted: 2009-02-21

Bright idea

Dimmable LED lights let you have more power while using less power

As a homeowner, I can relate to other people’s pesky in-house grievances that need to be addressed: older windows that have lost their seals, failing shingles that cause roof leaks, a rotted deck that requires an update, and so . . .

Posted: 2025-06-14