Remove redundant roof vents to avoid future issues

Chimneys, metal flues not needed for high-efficiency appliances

QUESTION — I read your piece on capping redundant flues, which involve chimneys. My high-efficiency furnace has made a straight-up-thru-the-roof flue superfluous. It’s capped at the bottom, in my basement. I’m about to have my asphalt shingle roof replaced. I first thought I’d . . .

Posted: 2020-09-26

Plan ahead to make most of Fall Parade of Homes

The 2020 Fall Parade of Homes is well underway! Over the past few weeks, people have been out and visiting many of the great show homes on display. Thank you to all of our visitors who are following our COVID-19 . . .

Posted: 2020-09-26

Panache & purpose

Updating North River Heights bungalow was a labour of love

A little over two years ago, a tired-looking bungalow occupied an oversized lot at 380 Campbell St. in North River Heights. Today, the home that sits on the beautifully-landscaped 50-by-120-foot lot bears little resemblance to its predecessor, which was built in . . .

Posted: 2020-09-26

Modern take on '60s space

Granville offers subtle balance of openness & separation

As popular as new homes with open-concept great room plans are, not everyone likes a wide-open great room.   That’s why the design team at Kensington Homes conceived the Granville. "It’s a great alternative to an open-concept design, " says Kensington Homes new . . .

Posted: 2020-09-26

The best way to keep that face mask clean and proper

Beyond laundry, it's also about how you handle it through the day

QUESTION – I never in my life thought I would be asking this question, but what is the best way to clean and sanitize my cloth mask? Melvin ANSWER – I know what you mean! Use your washing machine and dryer . . .

Posted: 2020-09-26

A Titanic-sized haul

Director James Cameron selling his pair of Malibu mansions for US$25 million

LOS ANGELES — Oscar-winning director James Cameron is eyeing a blockbuster sale in Malibu. His prized compound, a collection of two mansions he’s owned for decades, hit the market last week at US$25 million. Cameron, a film industry veteran whose scores . . .

Posted: 2020-09-19

On the level

Building a deck atop a sloping roof is laborious, but the results are worth it

During a summer building season filled with exterior upgrades, a client project that had been postponed the year before also made the roster. After years of using a 14-by-eight-foot second-floor balcony without any top-decking, this cosy little outdoor space finally . . .

Posted: 2020-09-19

Where there's a will, there's a barn

Pair of structures help complete the desire for a farmyard appearance

Who collects barns? Jared Hickson, that’s who. And so far, with the help of great friends, he’s hauled home two. Long story short: On Highway 67 near Oak Hammock Marsh there’s been a six-acre parcel of land with a treed perimeter that Jared . . .

Posted: 2020-09-19

Awards showcase Manitoba's best renovations

This Tuesday, the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association is celebrating the best residential renovation projects in Manitoba through its annual RenoMark Renovation Awards. These annual awards showcase the best of the best renovation projects undertaken in our province over the past . . .

Posted: 2020-09-19

Insulating a garage a worthy project but proper steps required for health, safety

Controlling fire, containing gases critical considerations

Question: I have an attached, unheated garage. I am considering spray-foaming the walls and ceiling. The roof vents will still be exposed and the shared wall to the house has drywall. My question is, do I need to drywall over . . .

Posted: 2020-09-19