MIKE HOLMES: How your house may be killing you

Every day, we are exposed to thousands of chemicals and toxic elements — in our homes. We’re not sure of the long-term health impacts of all of them, but some are very clear: Lead In many municipalities, lead is still found in . . .

Posted: 2010-02-13

Taking baby steps

Planting more small trees could help curb loss from disease and infestation, arborist says

Trees are top of mind these days. With the news this week that Canada’s climate is warming rapidly and faster than the global average, the current prospect of losing a significant portion of Winnipeg’s mature urban forest to disease and . . .

Posted: 2019-04-06

Electric water heater likely better choice than gas

Question: I changed over from a gas water heater to electric some years ago. It was done at the time that I replaced my gas furnace with a high efficiency unit. The advantages at that time were as outlined . . .

Posted: 2023-02-11

Doubling down to get the job done

It is satisfying to successfully squeeze-in an additional deck-build into an already congested summer work schedule. However, managing to do so and completing two projects at the same location in the allotted time takes satisfaction to a whole different . . .

Posted: 2023-09-16

Communicate clearly when hiring professionals

Having a paper trail can help prevent mistakes from being made

Got a reno or a build coming up that you’ll be hiring professionals to do? If so, and you want to be pleased as punch with the outcome, probably the most important question you can ask yourself at this stage is: . . .

Posted: 2019-07-20

Make your house guests feel at home

Summer calendars are filling up with reservations from out-of-towners hoping for bed and breakfast — at your place.Whether you are lucky enough to have a spare room dedicated to guests or you have squeezed a sofa bed in a home . . .

Posted: 2016-06-18

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

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

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