Tips to help that summer reno go smoothly

While we are hoping to see frequent Winnipeg Jets Whiteouts for the next two months, the last of the winter weather is now behind us and Manitobans are turning their attention to preparing for spring yardwork, gardening, and planning . . .

Posted: 2024-04-27

MIKE HOLMES: Closed-cell spray foam tops insulation options

Everyone's always asking me "What's the best insulation? Batt? Loose fill? Rigid?" Different insulation will work best for different jobs, but there's one product that has proven itself consistently on every job where I've used it: closed-cell spray foam. For me, . . .

Posted: 2012-12-08

Arrange furniture around a focal point

Dear Marc: I am currently working on my floor plan and am trying to figure out how to properly place my furniture in the living room. I have one sofa and two chairs. The room has one doorway coming into the . . .

Posted: 2011-10-15

Subtle but powerful

Great trim enhances a room without taking over

So, once the framing is done and the electrical, ventilation and plumbing have been mapped out and implemented, the insulation is inserted between every joist and sealed up behind the poly. The drywall is hung and taped and corner bead is . . .

Posted: 2017-06-03

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Avoid hardwood and laminates in the kitchen

QUESTION: I have recently started to renovate my old kitchen. The old cupboards have been replaced with beautiful dark chocolate brown new ones. The old tiles from the backsplash have been taken out, revealing gaping holes and uneven surfaces. Before . . .

Posted: 2009-08-02

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Aluminum wiring requires special plug-in receptacles

QUESTION: My home was built in 1978 or 1979. It has aluminum wiring. Lately, I am noticing sparking in different plugs when I plug something in. Is this something to be concerned about. Thank you. Barb Wild ANSWER: Sometimes when minor . . .

Posted: 2013-04-27

A mature home for modern life

Wolseley three-bedroom perfectly updated

It’s something that many young couples covet: owning a character home in Wolseley.However, that reality is often a pipe dream. That’s because houses in the area tend to be 1) rather costly, and 2) they often require significant upgrades to . . .

Posted: 2017-01-07

Cash deal renos often too good to be true

With the May long weekend in our rear-view mirror and warmer weather here to stay, Manitobans are now fully engaged in yardwork, gardening and preparing for the summer. Sometimes, that also means planning a summer renovation project for your home. Many . . .

Posted: 2018-05-26

Improper sump-pump drainage ruins driveway

Question: We moved into our home last June. I had a garage built and redid the concrete driveway. It was poured in October. We have two sump pumps in our basement and have never had a sump pump in previous . . .

Posted: 2019-04-20

Going up? Residential lifts and elevators are on the rise

A RECENT SURVEY of urban baby boomers confirmed that most want to live in their current home for as long as possible. The 2020 Generational Real Estate Trends Report: Aging in Place, conducted on behalf of Mustel Group and Sotheby’s International . . .

Posted: 2021-02-27