Electric hot water tank likely a better bet than gas

Question: I recently had a hot water tank failure, necessitating the replacement of my 11-year-old gas water heater. Subsequently, I learned that the building code gods have deemed that for the last 43 years I have put my family’s life . . .

Posted: 2021-01-16

What an open concept

Removing wall brings more than expansion

It seems like only yesterday when a homeowner mentioned to me in passing how he’d like to open up the main floor of his house and combine the kitchen, dining room and living room into one big open-concept space. After . . .

Posted: 2021-01-16

Country charm

Rural living near city in this stunning Grande Pointe Meadows bungalow

Designing a home to fit a country setting can a tricky proposition. On the one hand, the home needs to reflect its countrified surroundings. At the same time, it must offer the modern conveniences everyone from active families to empty nesters . . .

Posted: 2021-01-16

Perfectly balanced

Updated River Heights bungalow spacious and stylish

About a year ago, 495 Niagara St. was typical of many River Heights Classics — charming, but lacking in modern function and flair. Today, the 1, 398 sq. ft., two-storey home, which was built in 1948, looks much different inside, says . . .

Posted: 2021-01-16

Tips to help plan your perfect home gym

HOME gyms have always been a popular option for getting fit without needing to share space at a fitness club. Unsurprisingly, given New Year’s resolutions, fitness experts say they get the most interest in home gyms around January, and this . . .

Posted: 2021-01-09

Update your home with these fresh tips

Looking for ways to give your home a new look in the new year? Start with quick, easy refreshing techniques that won’t break the bank. Whether you are looking to redo an entire room or elevate certain areas of your . . .

Posted: 2021-01-09

Chasing away the cold

This bay-window fix required more thought than usual

A couple of my past columns have addressed the issue of the cold entering the interior of a home near a bay window, and provided a quick and easy to install method to remedy the problem. And although the nature . . .

Posted: 2021-01-09

These New Year's resolutions might have a fighting chance

A clean room is a reward because it looks better, fresher and newer, but some people are not concerned about appearance, so here are other reasons to clean. Lack of dusting is a fire hazard, if a smoke detector or carbon . . .

Posted: 2021-01-09

Installing new layer of drywall over deteriorated plaster a solid idea

Question: I have two questions. My first question has to do with the removal of stipple from the living and dining room ceiling. The house was built in 1950, and the walls and ceiling were drywalled and then plastered. I . . .

Posted: 2021-01-09

Extra sensory perception

The nose knows which plants pass the smell test best

There are key, multifunctional features that breeders seek in plants: heat and cold tolerance, flower power, uniform habit, vigour, optimum growing performance, etc. Fragrance is often overlooked and yet scent has a powerful impact on our moods. Many plants have . . .

Posted: 2021-01-09