Instrumental inspiration

Ingenious transformation tipples the ivories

Since I’m responsible for this (and darned proud of it), the least I can do is tell the tale, beginning with this email I received last weekend from Dale Wolaniuk: "Hello Laurie. We have never met, but I religiously read your . . .

Posted: 2021-10-23

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

Existing structure may dictate best siding options

Question: We have a 1940s cottage that is sided with tongue and groove pine with many different coats of paint on it, from over the years. It is also not in the best of shape with some cracking, warping, etc. . . .

Posted: 2018-06-23

Attic airflow critical to reduce condensation

Question: I just read an old article of yours on ridge cap vents. It was very informative and I hope you can help. I have continuous ridge vents on a low sloped roof. I think 4/12 maximum. This venting is . . .

Posted: 2021-12-18

The many shades of green

Weeding out a homeowner's best eco-options

Google "green home tips" and the engine churns out 60 million results, about 59 million of which contain the same tangle of cliched, overlapping pointers. For that reason, narrowing the choices down when it's time for a carbon-conscious, 21st-century renovation is . . .

Posted: 2009-01-31

More than a starter

A family can grow into this vintage St. James home

One of the problems with buying a turn-of-the-century home is the lot is often the size of a postage stamp. As cute as a home might be, that lustre comes off quickly when once you see that it's jammed between two . . .

Posted: 2013-04-06

Small amounts of asbestos can be contained

Question: We have a wood stove from the 1950s in our living room. When I was about to paint the wall, I noticed a few pieces with loose fibres of paper or paperboard behind the stove. Could this be some . . .

Posted: 2020-11-28

Just a little TLC

1990s home needs upgrading, but it's well worth the effort

While pretty much all home buyers would like to acquire a resale home that could be featured on HGTV, the reality is that's more the exception than the rule. That's because -- like it or not -- people don't have unlimited . . .

Posted: 2011-08-13

Open the door on a new look

But make sure not to overlook the jambs

Sometimes a main-floor update can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Other times, it may take a little more effort to create the desired look. An interior door upgrade can often change an . . .

Posted: 2025-12-13

Don't panic, yet, over tiny basement leakage

Question:I would like your opinion, if possible, on a situation with the basement in our home. We have a Logix Styrofoam/concrete basement in a six-year-old home. We had some water leakage into the basement a couple of years after . . .

Posted: 2015-04-04