Relocating ducts and registers may be worth the effort

Question: When the second storey to my house was added on, about 30 years ago, the HVAC people ran the vents for the second floor through a bedroom on the second floor. These were for the heating system that was in . . .

Posted: 2021-01-02

Use water and alcohol to clean TV screen

QUESTION: I recently bought an LCD TV. The dealer stressed that the screen was not glass and could easily be damaged by using common glass cleaners, for example those that contain ammonia. From what I’ve read, the damage may not . . .

Posted: 2021-01-02

Lay it on the line

You only get one chance to make tile look perfect

While tiling the third floor of a huge home on Wellington Crescent a few years ago, it occurred to me how small the 12x12-inch tiles appeared in the largest of the areas. Conversely, the same-sized tiles used in a standard . . .

Posted: 2021-01-02

Peaceful, easy feeling

Charleswood two-storey features a relaxing design

At the end of a long day, families want to come home to a residence that exudes a peaceful, easy feeling. As might be expected, they also desire a home that offers a seamless blend of space, style and utility. While designing . . .

Posted: 2021-01-02

Best of both worlds

Country living with all the city conveniences

For some reason, many people think Headingley is situated a fair distance west of the Perimeter Highway. While that’s true — several communities line either side of Roblin Boulevard as you head west, culminating with the oldest part of Headingley tucked . . .

Posted: 2021-01-02

Hope is growing

Following catastrophic landslide, riverfront property owner plans to remake his garden better

A massive riverbank collapse on Nov. 2 swallowed whole a substantial portion of the backyards of four riverfront properties along McNulty Place in St. Vital. Without any warning and with the intensity of an earthquake, the riverbank collapse happened in . . .

Posted: 2020-12-26

Some vintage household tips stand test of time -- some don't

Question: I am writing to inquire about some hints that I read about which were published in the 1950’s, I am wondering if they actually work? Submitted by George  Answer: Many of these old tips are still relevent today. Here are the . . .

Posted: 2020-12-26

Stucco on you

Mustard dreams about mud and glory

WARNING! This column can be hazardous. It can lead to work. Hard work. It just did for me, because in last week’s column, I showed you a very cool feature wall Lance Rayner created in their family sun room, using shiplap . . .

Posted: 2020-12-26

Winter sewer smell likely frozen stack

A little insulation goes a long way

Question: In a previous winter, when it was -30 C, we had a sewer smell in our house. I am wondering if the vents maybe have ice or snow buildup in them? Is there any way to get rid of . . .

Posted: 2020-12-26

Great first impression

Subtle changes bring foyer in line with rest of home

When an area of a house stands out for all the wrong reasons, it is comforting when a plan comes together to remedy the unsightly situation. For years, the front foyer did not properly showcase the aesthetic consistency found in . . .

Posted: 2020-12-26