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

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

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

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

Balsam firs afflicted by coral spot disease

This has been a busy summer for tree diseases. Prolonged periods of hot, dry weather stress many trees and woody shrubs. I have discussed a few of these situations in earlier columns this year. During my travels in the Lac . . .

Posted: 2012-11-03

Don't get floored by choices

Consumers face overwhelming dilemma for decision

KAMLOOPS, B.C. -- Overwhelming is the best way to describe the number of choices consumers face with regard to one of the most important decisions they must make in their home -- what to put on the floor. There is a . . .

Posted: 2010-09-11

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

Batt insulation can lead to mould grief

An uninsulated basement can account for up to 30 per cent of the total energy loss of a house. This chilling statistic has motivated many homeowners to reduce their monthly electric or gas heating bills by insulating their basements with fibreglass . . .

Posted: 2015-01-31