ASK THE INSPECTOR: Rigid foam insulation needs covering up

QUESTION: We want to add insulation to the north walls in our home. The walls currently have fibreglass insulation, a vapour barrier and drywall. Can we attach foam insulation and new drywall on top of the existing interior walls? If . . .

Posted: 2011-01-08

Range hood could be key to solving lingering kitchen smell

Question: I have an 1, 100-square-foot house. When we cook, the odour lingers in the house for at least two days, which is worse in the winter months. I have an HRV. I shut all the bedroom, bathroom and basement doors . . .

Posted: 2019-12-07

Winnipeg Home and Garden Show on this weekend

With sub-zero temperatures hopefully behind us, it’s a great time for home owners to begin planning for the renovation projects they want to tackle this summer. One great way to get ideas is to visit the Winnipeg Home and Garden . . .

Posted: 2022-04-09

MIKE HOLMES: Best to put off that painting job for a while

THE first long weekend of summer is the busiest time of the year for exterior painting. Building-supply stores sell more paint than at any other time, because homeowners have been trained to think the "safe time" to paint outside is . . .

Posted: 2010-06-12

Advice to install humidifier unwarranted

No, you don't need to add moisture to the air in your home

Question: I installed a high-efficiency furnace in my 1968 home, which has no HRV. It works great, but sometimes the air in the house gets kind of dry. My thermostat tells me the humidity in the house is low. Everyone . . .

Posted: 2019-04-27

Adding new siding over old a viable solution

Question: I just read one of your excellent posts and have a question that I can’t get a clear answer to. I have an old waterfront cottage from the 1940s, which takes a beating from the sun, sand and wind. . . .

Posted: 2022-04-30

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Dual power sources best for smoke alarms

Backup needed if electricity or battery fails

QUESTION: My home is 22 years’ old and has hard-wired smoke detectors in the main floor hallway and in the basement. We also have battery-operated ones installed in the bedrooms. The hard-wired units are connected to the house alarm system. . . .

Posted: 2010-01-16

MIKE HOLMES: Well done 'bump-out' alternative to big reno

Is it worth it? I mean, both practically and financially speaking. Do you find yourself squeezed only two or three times a year when the whole family comes for a holiday meal? Then I'd say the expense and hassle of a . . .

Posted: 2011-05-14

No simple answer to heating a crawl space

QUESTION: Firstly, thank you for saving me with your previous article on how to properly heat a crawl space. I had purchased the R20 insulation and was about to start insulating the floor until I read your article.Quick question for . . .

Posted: 2012-05-26

MIKE HOLMES: Get in the zone

Comfort, efficiency the big advantages

You're a smart homeowner. You're energy conscious and you've taken advantage of the many government programs and incentives to make sure your home includes all the latest energy-efficient appliances and systems. Well done. But if you're really interested in the . . .

Posted: 2011-11-19