Clean, repair winter clothes before storage

The return of the warm weather can signal a return to that spring wardrobe -- and the chance to stow away those heavy coats and woolly sweaters. But putting away your winter wear should involve more than simply moving it from . . .

Posted: 2010-05-15

CONNIE OLIVER: Bathroom for the ages

There's something so comforting about a room with character. This lovely vintage bathroom is the perfect example of how old and new can work together to produce a room with real charm. If you want to create a room filled with . . .

Posted: 2013-06-08

RENOVATIONS: Easy does it

Chalk-based paint removes need for stripping

Still stripping? Stop now. Your antiquated, yet serviceable pieces of furniture encrusted with layers of lacquer, varnish or other gunk can be rejuvenated with a single coat of paint, no caustic strippers required. Newly developed calcium carbonate-based paints have . . .

Posted: 2013-12-14

Tough on crime

Safety screen thwarts criminals, prevents falls

Renovating is an advantageous time to upgrade the safety features of your living space to help prevent break-ins, home invasions, serious injuries and, in some cases, death. Stan Bardal, president of Secure All Inc., has cutting-edge materials that will secure your . . .

Posted: 2014-12-20

MIKE HOLMES: Take renewable energy off the back burner

We all want to reduce our environmental footprint and be more responsible about what we buy, how we build and how we live. I make it a point to spec in sustainable materials in all the houses I design and . . .

Posted: 2010-06-05

Follow simple principle on heating systems

Question: I have read a lot of your articles, and have found them to be very informative. I was wondering if you could help me out with a little dilemma. I am presently finishing the 1, 000-square-foot basement in my 16-year-old . . .

Posted: 2015-02-07

Chalky powder on concrete floors not always bad

Question: We have been in our house for 38 years. When we first moved in, we put down tiles in half the basement, under the pool table, and carpeting on the other half. In the last few years I have . . .

Posted: 2020-01-11

Their loss is your gain

Owners updated bungalow with every intention of staying

It’s something you don’t expect to come across in a mature neighbourhood such as Southdale. Yet, there it is. A 1, 574-sq.-ft. bungalow with striking, low-maintenance cultured stone/stucco exterior that looks like a brand-new home you’d find in a community such as . . .

Posted: 2017-04-08

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Temper your indoor temperature expectations

QUESTION: I own a 1-3/4-storey home with no basement, but a small crawl space. I installed a new high-efficiency furnace a year and a half ago. Over this past winter, my tenant complained that it got very cold overnight in the . . .

Posted: 2014-02-01

CONNIE OLIVER: Good things in small spaces

Make little decor fantasies come true in unused nooks

Even the tiniest of spaces can become dazzling features in your home. This Kohler bathroom shows how even a little nook can be utilized to provide huge impact. The Old Hollywood-inspired vanity alcove is a wonderful over-the-top feature in this luxurious . . .

Posted: 2009-04-26