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

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

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

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

Province sweetens pot to convert to geothermal systems

The province is handing out more cash goodies to green-minded Manitobans willing to go geothermal. In addition to the low-interest loans already available, the Doer government sweetened the pot Monday, offering cash rebates and tax credits to homeowners interested in installing . . .

Posted: 2008-08-19

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

No barriers to good living

Million-dollar home caters to mobility-challenged owners

VICTORIA -- Wayne Clarke doesn't ride in a wheelchair and there's nothing wrong with his legs. But that didn't stop Clarke, owner of Victoria's Seaview Construction, from building a 6, 400-square-foot house that he describes as "one you can whistle around . . .

Posted: 2008-03-23

Bathroom fan the likely cause of frost on soffit

Problem makes its appearance after exterior of house upgraded

QUESTION -- We own a two-storey, 35-year-old home. In a recent upgrade we had aluminum siding, fascia and soffits installed. A possible problem may have developed in the soffit. This year we are noticing frost collecting on the soffit outside . . .

Posted: 2008-02-24

Simply perfect

Today's favoured decor, like charcuterie, is uncomplicated

I had the pleasure recently to have a heart-to-heart with one of this country's most reputable chefs, Michael Potters of Harvest restaurant in Prince Edward County. It is difficult to sit with a top chef and not discuss food, much . . .

Posted: 2009-10-18