CONNIE OLIVER: Decor finds

Unused old objects can make unique accent items

When I come across a great decor idea, I like to share it with others. Not only are the following ideas fantastic, they inspire us to think outside the box when it comes to home decor. I can't take credit . . .

Posted: 2012-11-17

Small touches, super style

Tweaks to design give home its own personality

As a builder, it's always a challenge to come up with varied new-home designs.Granted, coming up with a novel design doesn't mean reinventing the wheel from a design standpoint. However, it is important to think outside the box in key . . .

Posted: 2012-08-04

Ace that base

Although pre-fab shower bases are available in many standard sizes, they don’t often provide the custom look desired by homeowners, especially if the entire shower stall is meant to be tiled. Moreover, most pre-fab base sizes don’t cater well to . . .

Posted: 2025-02-01

Keeping your evergreens green

The shrubs require a dedicated effort but are well worth it

From time to time I get inquiries about the browning of evergreen ground junipers. Typically these evergreen plants are planted in low lying ground beds in groupings of 5 to 25, or even larger.Initially, the clusters of low-lying evergreen shrub . . .

Posted: 2016-09-24

Selecting MHBA builders just makes sense

Building a new home is one of the largest investments a family will makes in its lifetime. Doing your due diligence when selecting the right builder is critically important when a family is making this type of major investment. So . . .

Posted: 2021-10-30

Insulating air ducts to prevent mould

Minor maintenance required to keep airways in tip-top shape

Question: I have a question related to insulated fresh air intakes. Should those intakes be replaced periodically? Can they be a source of concern for air quality in a home? Can mould and other unwanted products be caused by the . . .

Posted: 2018-12-15

Exhausting work

Replacing bathroom fans is supposed to be easy. Sure…

After finishing an ensuite renovation last year, the clients requested replacing the existing ceiling exhaust fan with a new, quieter model with greater air flow. We chose a high-efficiency exhaust fan and set an installation date for it and another . . .

Posted: 2024-12-14

Stopping air leakage in older homes always a challenge

Question: I’m wondering if you could offer a practical solution for an issue which is a real problem in very cold weather. I had the basement, with a poured concrete foundation, insulated with foam a while ago. This was . . .

Posted: 2022-11-05

Habitat helps families with Canada 150 project

Homes may be ready by end of the year

It’s something that never gets old for Habitat for Humanity Manitoba’s CEO, Sandy Hopkins. "This is my eighth build, " he said as he surveyed the beehive of activity behind him at 210 Lyle Street in St. James, site of the . . .

Posted: 2017-07-22

Sprayed-on poly foam OK for stone foundation insulation

Question: I have been trying to do some research on the risks associated with stone foundations that have had spray foam applied on the interior in the crawl space. We have had an inspection done on a house that had this . . .

Posted: 2019-03-23