MIKE HOLMES: Older homes built better? Not necessarily

They say they don't build them like they used to. But were older homes built better than the homes going up today? Was there real craftsmanship going back 50 or100 years ago that we don't see anymore? Well, it depends. Older . . .

Posted: 2012-07-07

TREE CARE: Don't worry, black knot disease can't hurt you

Within the last three months I have had easily 150 questions about black knot disease on Schubert choke cherry. No other tree related inquiry directed to me has generated so much concern and interest in such a short period of . . .

Posted: 2011-05-07

Familiarize yourself with the process

A lot goes into building a new home -- make sure you know what to expect and when

A very common and important question most new homebuyers ask when looking at building a new home is "How long it will take for our new home to be built?" Just how long does the whole construction process usually take and . . .

Posted: 2019-07-13

SOLUTIONS: Dye in wash makes black clothes look new

QUESTION: I have a tip and a question. To keep my black clothes looking new and fresh, about every six months or so I put a package of black fabric dye (Rit or Tintex) in with all my black loads. . . .

Posted: 2011-09-24

MIKE HOLMES: Stick with stucco in dry Manitoba climate

Traditionally, stucco has been a popular exterior wall system. It adds character and can give a house a sophisticated finish, especially when combined with other masonry wall systems such as brick. If it's done right, stucco can also be a . . .

Posted: 2012-12-01

You'll feel better if your home can breathe

NOTHING says winter more for me than sitting by a roaring fire with my dog, Charlie. I have the urge to stay indoors and hibernate when winter rolls around -- it's the Canadian bear in me. And I know I'm . . .

Posted: 2011-12-17

Resurfacing gives tired old deck new life

Added bonus is serious savings on construction costs

With the cost of lumber still soaring, the decision to replace or resurface has never been more relevant. These days, the prospect of building a new deck from scratch can definitely be daunting. There are, however, certain circumstances that will . . .

Posted: 2021-07-10

Renovate with eye to returns

Home appraiser advises which makeovers increase value -- or not

Why do people renovate their houses? The standard answer is "to increase the resale value." Perhaps that was true during the great building boom between 1945 and 1970, when 40 per cent of Winnipeg homes, excluding the inner city, were built. . . .

Posted: 2013-04-20

MIKE HOLMES: Planning for installation of built-in storage

If you've got a storage problem and nowhere to store all your electronics and toys, a built-in unit will solve the problem. Built-in entertainment units, bookshelves and window seats provide permanent, efficient storage, so rooms look neat and often larger, . . .

Posted: 2011-04-23

On the level?

Re-flooring process can be tricky when existing sub-floor elevations vary

The upgrade to vinyl-plank flooring has been popular over the past few years. Not only is it available in a wide range of styles and colours, vinyl planking with underlayment pre-mounted on the underside is relatively easy to install, provided . . .

Posted: 2025-05-10