Getting a handle on a long-awaited project

All fellow homeowners will agree that a house is an ongoing commitment. And despite any desire to make esthetic changes, maintenance often trumps renovation or redecoration. After all, there is only so much money to go around, and even the . . .

Posted: 2024-12-21

Ask auditor how your house works

Home-energy evaluation, audit, rating -- they all mean the same thing when you're qualifying for any federal or provincial government upgrade grants.The whole idea is to identify where your home rates on a scale from 0 to 100. The audit . . .

Posted: 2011-08-27

Winner on Waverley

River Heights gem offers all a family could want

Say you have a family of five and are looking to move up to a larger, more family-friendly home in a more central location. Naturally, the first consideration might be a new home with a contemporary, open-concept floor plan in a . . .

Posted: 2013-01-05

Tidy outside, treats inside

Excellent value in this functional, updated abode

Sometimes you walk down a street and, for some reason, one home stands out above the rest.That’s the case with 148 Syndicate St. With its tidy exterior — tan, low maintenance vinyl siding plus fresh-looking white front door, white-trimmed windows . . .

Posted: 2016-11-05

Getting to the root of ice damming

Question:We bought a house in May and were informed there had been an ice dam last winter, which caused some leaking inside the house. This corner now has peeling paint, and when we repaint, it soon peels again. What can . . .

Posted: 2015-01-03

Wonky staircase a condo conundrum

Repairs would typically be a collective issue, but check documents to be sure

Question — I live in a five-year-old townhouse condo, which has wooden stairs and a deck entering my front door. The first year I moved into my condo, my stairs were not level. Over the course of five years, . . .

Posted: 2022-08-13

1920s home blends old, new

Remodelled space has a few surprises

Buying a home in a mature neighbourhood such as River Heights, Crescentwood, Riverview -- or, in this case, Deer Lodge -- has both its positives and negatives. On the one hand, you're getting a home laden with character and warmth. Conversely, . . .

Posted: 2011-04-23

Kitchen renos come with considerations to keep in mind

So, you want a new kitchen? Whether you’re considering designing a kitchen using your own architect, a kitchen planner hired through a store such as IKEA or Home Depot, or an online planning service, professionals suggest keeping a few things in . . .

Posted: 2018-07-28

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Video of damaged piping may be necessary

QUESTION: I live in an older home in West Kildonan. About 10 years ago, after a heavy rainfall, my basement was badly flooded and I called Roto-Rooter. It has been happening every year since, when it is raining heavy. I . . .

Posted: 2010-06-05

Reusing materials can make the job easier

Get through unanticipated challenges in a pinch

You can’t do roofing without a ladder, paint without a brush or frame without a hammer. And when installing drywall on the ceiling, there’s no doubt a drywall hoist can make things a whole lot easier. At a job site . . .

Posted: 2018-07-21