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

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

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

CONNIE OLIVER: Going with the flow

Creating a smooth transition is key to good decorating

When you have an open-floor plan, you want to create a smooth visual transition from one room to the other while maintaining individual spaces. Our feature photograph shows a lovely kitchen and dining room that is a good example of how . . .

Posted: 2013-11-16

Summer's not just for major renovations -- sweat the small stuff, too

Summertime is the best time for building projects and renovations, such as refinishing the deck, putting up a fence or painting outdoors. Mother Nature is on our side, in terms of weather (for the most part), so we can really . . .

Posted: 2015-07-04

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Holmes Inspection doesn't represent reality

QUESTION: I watch the TV show Holmes Inspection. Why do all the house inspectors portrayed on the show do more harm than good? Would it not be better to hire a carpenter, a plumber and a electrician for one hour . . .

Posted: 2011-12-31

Sealing chase at top of building enclosure should stop moisture

Question: I have a question about what to do about moisture collecting on the underside of the metal cap of my false chimney chase. The entire chase has insulation and vapour barrier, but it would be considered a cold zone. . . .

Posted: 2020-02-08

Walking the plank

Quality product well worth the added expense

During a recent kitchen expansion and remodel, my clients also wanted to replace the existing flooring on the majority of their main floor. Other than the tiled bathroom, this included the new kitchen area, sunken dining room, front foyer, and . . .

Posted: 2020-04-11

Make the old look new again

DEAR Marc: I have an old claw-foot tub which I love but the outside of the tub is looking a little drab. Is there anything that can be done besides replacing it? Wendy Dear Wendy: There are certain things in your home that add . . .

Posted: 2010-03-27