Sealing crawlspace prevents excess moisture

Question: I have recently acquired a house with a crawlspace about four feet deep. The crawlspace walls and under the floor have been spray-foamed, but with an open dirt floor. The crawlspace is currently not heated. As you can imagine, . . .

Posted: 2020-08-01

Rocking the house one stone at a time

Decorative rocks and landscape fabric help tidy up around the house

It’s been a while since my band has played in front of a crowd. There really is nothing quite like the adrenaline rush a musician experiences when captivating an audience. As much as it is missed, I was still able . . .

Posted: 2020-08-01

Time to make some beautiful music together

Classic player piano ready to rock -- and roll

This is not a cry for help, because I believe I have found the solution to my dilemma. Moving a 700-pound player piano out of a basement and onto my trailer. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Here’s the story. In response to one . . .

Posted: 2020-08-01

Charming bungalow brings new life to South Tuxedo

Spacious home revamped inside and out

Just under a year ago, a dated bungalow went up for sale at 140 Hopwood Dr. in South Tuxedo. As might be expected, interest in the home was high. There were those who wanted to buy the home and update it . . .

Posted: 2020-08-01

University Heights two-storey stylish and functional

Hidden gem loaded with thoughtful features

When you think of a 4, 000-square-foot home, the first thought that occurs to you is that such a huge home would be hard to miss. Yet, that’s what often happens with 565 Parkwood Pl., says Garry Parkes of Royal LePage . . .

Posted: 2020-08-01

Treat your nose to these summer scent pairings

It’s fun to tie candles into the colour and overall vibe of the spaces where you are lighting them. I took a couple of our displays and chose candles I think complement and enhance the decor. This first area I chose . . .

Posted: 2020-07-25

How to have the rose garden of your dreams

Attaining beauty without pesticides

At the time, it is likely you couldn’t actually hear the cheer that went up from insect pollinators everywhere when provincewide cosmetic pesticide bans were implemented. There was plenty of consternation to be heard, though, by anyone who grew plant . . .

Posted: 2020-07-25

Unplug appliances to avoid phantom power consumption

Question: I work long hours away from home and I always leave my coffee maker and toaster plugged into the electrical outlet. I assume that appliances are made to remain plugged in when not in use. Is this safe? — Stoddle Answer: Some appliances . . .

Posted: 2020-07-25

Small changes equal big results

Opening stairs on this deck gives it broader appeal

If you have enjoyed the comforts and conveniences of your backyard deck, the decision to replace it when it begins to show wear can be bittersweet. On the one hand, that old familiar deck will be long gone, but on . . .

Posted: 2020-07-25

Plastic pipe likely drain for window well

Question: We have a PVC pipe sticking out of the ground beside our house, underneath a basement window, which appears to go down about six feet. What function does this serve? Bruno Klassen Answer: The unusual looking pipe under your basement window . . .

Posted: 2020-07-25