Must I heat the cottage over the winter?

Question: We are thinking of running no heat in our cabin this year, first time ever. It is normally a furnace-heated cabin, two-storey, built on a crawl space. We always leave the furnace at 10 C, but we . . .

Posted: 2014-09-27

The whole package

Stylish Island Lakes home has thoughtful design

From a design standpoint all homes are certainly not created equally. One home may possess incredible wow factor courtesy of a host of rich finishes, yet the striking features that captured your imagination are then quickly blunted by a mediocre layout. . . .

Posted: 2017-05-20

Pop the cork

Earth-friendly product has multitude of uses

Whether you are building new, renovating a home or decorating a rental, today's consumers are focused more than ever on earth-friendly, sustainable products. It has become a mantra that is more than a trend, but a way of life that . . .

Posted: 2009-03-29

Shadow Ridge great fit for many needs

No matter whether you're a single, young couple, or empty nesters, the issue is the same: Affordable housing is hard to find.Consequently, those looking for a first new home or move-up home can be caught in a serious quandary. What . . .

Posted: 2015-03-14

Keep moisture out of your basement with these three steps

Questions: I’m sure that I must be one of many homeowners with the same question. Last September we moved into our new house in Ridgewood West from the temperate climate of British Columbia. I am worried about the very . . .

Posted: 2022-12-10

Keep garlic bulbs fresh and sprout-free

Question: What is the best way to conserve garlic bulbs and prevent them from sprouting? — Raymond Answer: It all begins at the store. Choose the freshest garlic, free from bruises and sprouts. Avoid storing garlic bulbs in a regular residential fridge because . . .

Posted: 2018-05-19

Attract the birds, not the bugs

Tips to keep feeders just for feathered friends

COLOURFUL, chirping birds pecking away at a feeder are a heartwarming sight, but if it's not set up properly, you may end up attracting some not-so-feathered friends to your backyard. Think squirrels, rats, ants and wasps. There are simple things people can . . .

Posted: 2009-05-17

Bathroom reno hides unsightly pipes

The concealment of unsightly plumbing is sometimes required during a bathroom renovation, especially when existing pipes cannot be conveniently relocated or rerouted. While on site at a six-piece bathroom remodel and expansion this past winter, much pre-planning gave way to . . .

Posted: 2019-10-19

More realtors turning green

Food poisoning? No, it's a growing business trend

EDMONTON -- "Green realtor" sounds like the punchline of a bad joke involving aliens, nausea or inexperience. In fact, it's a label increasingly being applied to agents with a keen eye on sustainable homes, energy efficiency and a growing niche market. While . . .

Posted: 2008-08-24

MIKE HOLMES: Call the pros for a flood rebuild

With all the extreme weather lately, flooding is on a lot of people's minds. I've been visiting flood zones in Alberta to help with the recovery, but flooding isn't always Mother Nature's fault. A drain can back up, the sump pump could . . .

Posted: 2013-08-03