Readers' favourite home remedies

As a young woman who grew up in Europe, my favorite tradition is still to make a gift basket for anyone moving into our neighbourhood. Each item that I include symbolizes a message, which I explain in a note: a . . .

Posted: 2017-12-02

Call it an open-and-shut case

Replacement gate built for increased durability

Anyone with a fenced property knows that the area most susceptible to failure is the gate. No matter how well it’s mounted on posts, the sheer repetitive action of opening and closing the gate creates stress and can cause . . .

Posted: 2025-08-09

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Attic moisture plaguing Manitoba homes

QUESTION: We had water dripping from our second-floor bedroom ceiling the evening of the first mild day a few weeks ago. Today, when I had time to get up into the attic, I found quite a bit of snow, about . . .

Posted: 2014-03-29

RENOVATIONS: Splish splash

In-ground pools add fun to your summer

Some folks love them and some folks bury them in the backyard. No matter how you feel about in-ground swimming pools, they're not about to drain away. Despite comments about pools lowering the resale value of a home, installers have . . .

Posted: 2013-04-27

SOLUTIONS: Carbon monoxide detector a gift of life

QUESTION: My mother-in law gave me a carbon monoxide detector as a gift. While I appreciate the thought, are they really necessary or should I trade it in for another smoke detector. She seems a little paranoid to me. Thanks, . . .

Posted: 2010-09-18

MIKE HOLMES: Easements are homeowner's responsibility

WHEN most people buy a home they don't usually look into the details of the property's land. I'm not just talking about landscaping and outdoor structures, I'm talking about knowing the restrictions on the land itself: knowing what you can and . . .

Posted: 2012-01-28

DEBBIE TRAVIS: Blackboard paint great for helping kids stay organized

Dear Debbie: Our son and daughter (11 and nine years old) have both asked to have a wall in their bedrooms that they can write on. We have heard of blackboard paint and wonder if you can cover it up when . . .

Posted: 2009-08-30

MIKE HOLMES: Your kitchen can't take the heat

Your stove -- whether it's gas or electric -- needs to have an operating hood and extraction fan over it. These hoods aren't just decorative -- they are essential to help control excess moisture in your home, as well as . . .

Posted: 2009-10-18

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Furnace noise problems have many causes

QUESTION: I read your column every week in the Free Press and wonder if you could give me some suggestions for my problem. I live in a small River Heights bungalow, built in 1954. I had a new furnace installed about . . .

Posted: 2010-12-04

Palace or bungalow, she'll do your interior

Celeb designer aims for clients' happiness on her new TV reality show

Kelly Hoppen is designing the Kensington Palace apartment for William and Kate. She has designed homes for many celebrities, including the Beckhams, and spearheaded the seminal "east meets west" design style. Here, she reveals the next step in her journey. Everyone . . .

Posted: 2012-02-11