MIKE HOLMES: Consider senior-friendly home renovations

It's no secret that Canada has an aging population. By 2036, the number of people aged 65 and over is expected to more than double -- growing to 10.4 million from five million. Baby boomers are getting older and soon . . .

Posted: 2013-05-11

French doors open up brand new world

Replacing odd-sized doors can present challenges

For those who don’t necessarily aspire to have sliding patio doors as a gateway to the deck, French doors may be the way to go. Although some exterior French door units offer a faux side (one side opens, and the other . . .

Posted: 2018-12-01

Opening up your stairwell options

More often than not, initial renovation discussions with a potential client usually involve the following phrase at some point: "I’d like to open things up a bit." That is exactly what Anne Hebert mentioned to me upon describing her disdain for . . .

Posted: 2017-09-02

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Home's air pressure a delicate matter

QUESTION: I am the owner of a home with a cold, damp basement with no cold air returns. In your Aug 2010 Free Press article you advised that return air ducts will help to reduce the cold and dampness . . .

Posted: 2013-04-20

Use air conditioner to reduce humidity in home and crawlspace

Question: I built a 1, 500 square-foot home at the lake on a rock. I used ICF (insulated concrete forms) blocks for the crawlspace foundation, setting them on the rock and filling with concrete. Even though no leaks occur under . . .

Posted: 2021-05-29

Improved air quality will tame fetid odours

Question: I am hoping you can help me with a quick question. My son and his friends are around 20 years old and like to hang out at our home, in our basement. The basement is finished, but nothing . . .

Posted: 2023-02-18

Sheds top list of homeowner DIY projects

The Home Projects Council conducted a recent survey of 507 homeowners in the United States and 45 per cent said they planned to spend $1, 000 or more on outdoor do-it-yourself home-improvement projects in 2015.In 2014, just 37 per cent . . .

Posted: 2015-06-27

Asbestos always a concern when removing old flooring

Question: Our house was built in 1984 in Charleswood. The laundry room has what appears to be original sheet linoleum that is lifting, damaged, and just plain ugly. We’d like to remove it but are unsure if it contains . . .

Posted: 2023-03-18

Sealing unused chimney need not be a complicated task

Question: I'm looking for advice on how to cap off an unused chimney. Last season I replaced my extremely old oil furnace with a high-efficiency propane furnace. The oil furnace used the chimney to exhaust its combustion gases. It is . . .

Posted: 2015-08-29

Sealing unused chimney need not be a complicated task

Question: I'm looking for advice on how to cap off an unused chimney. Last season I replaced my extremely old oil furnace with a high-efficiency propane furnace. The oil furnace used the chimney to exhaust its combustion gases. It is . . .

Posted: 2015-08-29