Old chimney vent pipe is likely asbestos-free

Question: A while ago, I removed the top section of my B-vent chimney that goes through the roof. I then insulated and capped the remaining B-vent in the attic below the roof line, patched up the roof and shingles.Does the . . .

Posted: 2022-07-16

Rug woes best left to pros

Mustard enjoys wrestling with his floor covering, but you probably won’t

Why is it that if furmily members (cats, dogs, whatever) have to pee, poop or puke in the house, they always head for the nearest carpet? Just, why? I’m presently having a bit of a challenge with my 115 pound Great Pyrenees . . .

Posted: 2022-07-16

Shelter from the storm

Pergolas are not only useful, they are also MAGICAL

Having mentioned in a previous column how trends tend to come in waves, this season is once again the "summer of pergola". By the close of my scheduled exterior builds, four or five pergolas will have been built for hire, . . .

Posted: 2022-07-16

Supply chain demands impact new home construction

Supply chains continue to be challenged globally, and the impacts continue to challenge Canada’s residential construction industry. Challenges sourcing materials and labour have caused construction delays and have made predicting construction timelines extremely difficult. The result of these challenges has . . .

Posted: 2022-07-16

You can have it all in La Salle

Affordability, style and a fabulous community

About two years ago, Harval Homes discovered a compact tract of land in La Salle at the south end of town, a short way west on the south side of provincial road 247. Today, Lagace Place is home to 36 bungalow-style . . .

Posted: 2022-07-16

Impeccably maintained in North Kildonan

Spacious, stylish bungalow located in serene setting

Drive through any neighbourhood in the city, and you’re bound to run into an entrancing area that enthralls you with its beauty and charm. One of those sublime areas exists around the midpoint of Bonner Avenue in North Kildonan, says Lori . . .

Posted: 2022-07-16

Grow your own groceries

Playing in the dirt is good, clean fun

There’s no question some folks have a green thumb and it is astounding what they are able to grow in their gardens. My Dad, Joe Mustard was one of those people. Every year along with planting gorgeous flower gardens in our yard . . .

Posted: 2022-07-09

Cornstarch will remove that musty book odour

Question: How can I get rid of the smell of old musty books? They smell like an old church. Jacob Answer: Lightly sprinkle cornstarch between the pages. Leave for about an hour and shake the cornstarch from the pages. Question: At the . . .

Posted: 2022-07-09

New fence a welcome surprise

Simple job all in a days work

This build season has been chaotic to schedule. Although most of the exterior builds set to occur this season were slotted last fall, choosing exact start dates has been less straight-forward than usual due to difficulties when attempting to . . .

Posted: 2022-07-09

The value of hedges

They require patience, but well worth the wait

Would you consider planting a hedge as an alternative to building a wooden fence? A funny thing happened when dwarf Thuja cedars I planted more than 15 years ago as a low hedge in a bed beneath my kitchen window . . .

Posted: 2022-07-09