Sealing and improving ventilation in attic worth the effort

Question: I am in an old 1950s house in the forest of New Brunswick and it is -19C outside. The thermometer in the attic registers -13C. That isn't too bad of a difference, considering how cold it is out? The thing . . .

Posted: 2021-02-13

Washing a duvet at home a tough trick

While it's recommended to use the instructions on the label, a bathtub scrub can do the job

QUESTION: Can you tell me if it is possible to wash a duvet (a good-quality one with goose down) and then dry it in the dryer? In the past I had it dry cleaned but I don’t care for the . . .

Posted: 2017-02-04

Tasteful and functional in Transcona

Canterbury Crossing two-storey large and efficient

As recently as five years ago, the average size of a two-storey home was in the 2, 000 sq. ft. range. Today, with high material costs and lot prices, homes are now being built on smaller, more narrow lots to . . .

Posted: 2024-02-24

Room to grow

Home's design allows for grandparents to move in

Kicking it up a notch.That's what the Ventura Custom Homes design team did to the main-floor design of the Pinewood A."While this home is a visitable design -- it's been designed to provide easy access to all areas for persons . . .

Posted: 2012-12-29

Longevity should drive driveway repairs

Retopping with asphalt an option, but may not be cheapest over time

Question — Please advise on paving over concrete driveways with asphalt, as is done on city streets and commercial parking lots. Thank you, Michael Bazak. Answer — With any driveway job, the condition of the base is the most important . . .

Posted: 2022-12-17

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