Worrying about radon justifiable

Something I haven't spoken about in a while is now suddenly a hot topic again. What's everyone asking about? Radon. Go figure.Most people are scared of radon. The truth is not a lot of people know what it is. They . . .

Posted: 2012-06-02

Seek out source of stench

Odour near radon mitigation outlet may signal drainage issues

Question: A radon mitigation device was installed in 2017 in my Charleswood home. I have a structural wooden floor in the basement, with a crawlspace below. An odour intermittently emanates from the radon mitigation outlet, not so much in the . . .

Posted: 2021-12-11

Bob the builder

Former Bomber punter tackles new-home construction

Bob Cameron once got his kicks playing professional football -- literally. The CFL's all-time leading punter kicked for more than 13, 000 yards and may be one of the Blue Bombers' most well-known, well-liked players in its history. After playing a . . .

Posted: 2008-04-20

Trying to fix basement tiles may cost more than it's worth

QUESTION: I came across your column online and was wondering if you could provide me with some advice. In 2015, we purchased an older Toronto home that was built in 1924. While undergoing renovations, we later learned there were moisture issues. . . .

Posted: 2019-07-20

MIKE HOLMES: Is your house making you sick?

High amounts of radon, other toxins in homes can be health risks

The air inside your home plays a huge role in the way you and the rest of your family feel on a day-to-day basis. Most of us worry about the air quality outside. There are smog advisories, air-quality alerts, and it . . .

Posted: 2013-11-30

GARDENING: Dispersing downpours

French drain, rain garden two ways to keep excess water at bay

"Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day... ” Last year, Manitobans experienced plenty of rain events and, in the coming year, with soils already saturated, added precipitation will pose its challenges to gardeners. Rain can be a good thing for container . . .

Posted: 2011-04-02

Use caution when it comes to online advice

Insulation solutions that work in some regions may not be appropriate for Manitoba climate

Question: I wonder if you could clarify the issue I have in regards to rim-joist insulation. I have a home built around 1979 which has its joists partially embedded in concrete. The joist ends and concrete are not insulated on . . .

Posted: 2018-02-17

Decorate your home with a hot tin roof

When Mathieu Pronovost and his fiancée, Tania Passafiume, bought a home in Ottawa's ByWard Market area 18 months ago, they thought they were prepared. They had limited money, but lots of energy and family willing to help with sweat equity. They knew . . .

Posted: 2010-06-12

If you have home concerns, contact the builder

Question: Is it normal for a brand-new house to have one section of steel beam out by about 1/8-inch on a four-foot level? Also, there are five long cracks in star shapes in the basement concrete right underneath it, compounded . . .

Posted: 2019-10-05

MIKE HOLMES:Renos aren't always sound investments

Homeowners plan renovations for different reasons. Sometimes it's because they've seen a friend's new kitchen or something on a design show that sparked their imagination. Other times it could start with a repair that turns into a complete makeover. But . . .

Posted: 2012-09-29