SOLUTIONS: Like popcorn? Grow some

QUESTION: I have taken on a new hobby, which is growing popcorn in my garden! What is the best way to store popcorn so it stays fresh? Biannce, Morden ANSWER: Popcorn is a great year-around treat. One of the advantages of . . .

Posted: 2010-04-03

There is more than one way to insulate between joists

QUESTION: I know the use of extruded foam insulation on interior basement walls must be covered, but what about the header areas? If you seal them with extruded foam, too, must those areas be covered? Doug ANSWER: You have identified an . . .

Posted: 2013-06-22

Tear through that to-do list this summer

Many of us are suffering from overexposure to our own homes. We’ve had more time to contemplate and less motivation to tackle the out-of-whack elements in our houses and apartments — the minor repairs that have seemingly taken up permanent . . .

Posted: 2021-07-03

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Open up crawlspace to fight moisture

QUESTION: Our house is a 700-square-foot bungalow built in 1973 in St. Vital on a number of concrete pillars. A crawlspace surrounds an approximately 7x7-foot "partial basement" with concrete block walls that rise about four to five feet high. The . . .

Posted: 2012-08-25

It's the finishing touches that make the home

Millwork customizes a room, can hide imperfections

Tim Schauerte considers the greatest compliment he can get when he finishes a job is when his clients tell him it looked like he was never there. Schauerte's skill is in the area of finishing carpentry, also known as millwork. His work . . .

Posted: 2009-10-18

Repairing garage floor likely not worth the effort

Question: I read an article online you wrote regarding water seepage into a garage. This exactly covers my questions regarding how to fix the problem. In my case with a garage older than 50 years, that is not feasible. It . . .

Posted: 2021-02-06

Get your house in shape for the new year

It’s that time of year in which we resolve to make our lives better. From eating healthier to getting more sleep, now is when we declare our intent to step it up a notch.Would it surprise you then, to hear . . .

Posted: 2017-01-07

The writing's on the wall this season

Papering your home is the in thing to do

Wallpaper has exploded back into our lives. We are using it in every room in the home. Often just on a focal wall, but I have seen these exciting new patterns used on everything from furnishings to ceilings. There are . . .

Posted: 2008-04-06

When mom moves in

There are a number of financial, tax and estate issues to consider

While it can be a great joy, taking in an elderly parent will have emotional, physical and financial ramifications for a family. It is a tough time no matter what the circumstances when an elderly relative, perhaps a parent, is no . . .

Posted: 2010-08-07

Attention to plumbing system crucial

Question: I read your articles faithfully every week, as they are useful home care solutions from a pro. We are going to warmer climate for a three-month stay, however, among the many things to prepare is shutting down our home . . .

Posted: 2015-12-12