A condo that feels like home

Wolseley abode oozes character

For young couples or a single professional, finding a solid starter home is tough these days.And if your budget is in the $200, 000 to $225, 000 range, you're usually left with two options: a single-family home that's going to . . .

Posted: 2013-03-02

MIKE HOLMES: Tax credit battles 'grey market'

A win-win for both contractors and homeowners

Most homeowners have heard by now of the home renovation tax credit, and many are taking advantage of it. The idea of the tax credit is to stimulate local economy by keeping contractors working and keeping building supply retailers busy. It's . . .

Posted: 2009-06-07

Green can be grand

Home combines amazing efficiency with stunning style

When it comes to new homes, one key aspect of designs is all too often overlooked: what lies behind the walls and underneath the floors. As exciting as it is to ogle hardwood floors, granite countertops and finely crafted cabinetry, those . . .

Posted: 2010-12-18

Coffee, wine bars latest big thing in today's deluxe kitchens

When lucky homeowners with gourmet tastes and champagne budgets update their kitchens, they are cooking up some innovative features and designs. "Coffee bars and wine bars are really a big trend now, " says Beverley Binns, designer at Toronto's Binns Kitchen . . .

Posted: 2009-04-19

Painter’s tape helps with sticky situation

Bathroom silicone replacement made easy

One of the aspects of tub and shower ownership, is the eventuality of silicone failure. No matter the diligence in ensuring to dry areas of the tub, at some point the silicone along the perimeter of the tub will . . .

Posted: 2023-02-04

Highs and lows of tar and gravel roofing

Question: We own a home that was built in 1964. We love many aspects of the home, especially its unique design. It has a 2/12 pitch roof that has the original tar-and-gravel material. We feel like the time has come . . .

Posted: 2016-02-27

SOLUTIONS: Sediment, funny smell... it all comes out in the wash

QUESTION: Can you help me with a problem? When my dishwasher has gone through its cycle, sediment appears on the glasses, inside cups and the back of saucers. It looks like sand, but isn't gritty. It only shows up in . . .

Posted: 2009-09-13

Take down useless old brick chimney

It deteriorates over time; moisture problems can ensue

QUESTION: I just Googled a reply you gave in the Winnipeg Free Press about removing an old chimney. We are going to be doing the same, if possible. We updated to a high-energy-efficient furnace, which goes through the side of the . . .

Posted: 2013-10-26

MIKE HOLMES: To air is human

To caulk and weatherstrip your home, divine

Weatherproofing means keeping the weather -- wet, cold or heat and humidity -- on the outside of your home. That covers water possibly coming in through your roof and flashing or through bad mortar joints in your brickwork, as well . . .

Posted: 2009-04-19

Large and livable in Linden Woods

Updated home checks off all the boxes

Thirty years ago, the field of home design was in a state of flux. Realizing that traditionally designed homes lacked navigability and light flow, builders began to open up homes to make them more habitable. Then, as the ’90s transitioned in . . .

Posted: 2023-03-18