Have a certified plumber inspect smelly drain

Question: About a year and a half ago I had our bathroom completely renovated with a new tub, toilet, flooring and Ikea sink and vanity. Since November I have noticed a slight sewer smell coming from the sink. A friend . . .

Posted: 2020-01-18

Industrial accents can spruce up your decor

There's something so uniquely interesting about industrial accents in the decor. The rough-hewn textures and finishes add lots of visual interest and a sense of history.The awesome accessories, pictured here, can be found at Wicker World in Winnipeg. These decorative . . .

Posted: 2014-12-06

CONNIE OLIVER: Floor space free of obstacles? What a concept

WHETHER you live in a small or large home, it's great to have floor space that is free of obstacles. Visually, it makes a room feel more spacious to have as much uncluttered floor area as possible. For maintenance purposes, especially . . .

Posted: 2010-08-14

Maintenance key for home mechanicals

Question: We currently live in a home that has both a natural gas heating system as well as an on-demand hot water heater. I would like to know how often these should be serviced, annually or over a longer time . . .

Posted: 2021-03-27

Experts' pick favourite shower heads for an instant bathroom update

For a new-bathroom feel without the hassle of a full remodel, Jasmine Morvay, an interior designer in Ottawa, has a few ideas: Install a glass door or change the shower curtain, paint wall tiles, paint cabinets, replace mirrors, replace light . . .

Posted: 2019-05-25

Address issues with home before warranty expires

Question: We've been living in our newly built home for about a month now. We have a home warranty that will cover some of the problems we might find and I just came across some issues that I was hoping . . .

Posted: 2014-11-22

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Debris-catching products can be trouble

Eavestrough gutter guards can keep out leaves, but vary in effectiveness and ease of installation

QUESTION: I would appreciate your comments on a product named Gutter Stuff, which is available at Home Depot in Winnipeg. A friend of mine had suggested a product called "rain filter" which appears to be very similar to the above . . .

Posted: 2013-06-29

How to paint your house like a PRO

Painting one or more interior rooms is a (relatively) simple and often cost-effective means to spruce up the look of your home without major remodelling. Since painting is labour-intensive job, it tends to be somewhat costly. If you’re willing to . . .

Posted: 2021-01-02

Get ready to light up the neighbourhood

Not sure how it all started, but my late father, Dave — he was crazy about Christmas. When we were kids, there was no shortage of decorations around the house and our parents always made sure we had the latest and . . .

Posted: 2017-11-10

Fall for your garden

These tips will help your plants make the most of autumn

Most fall gardening tasks can be divided into two categories — mandatory and optional (with some being more optional than others). Should you cut back your perennials in fall? Will flax straw protect your borderline hardy perennials? How can you prevent . . .

Posted: 2017-09-23