Heat-recovery ventilators need expert touch

QUESTION — I just purchased a home last year. It has an HVAC unit mounted on the basement ceiling. I do not turn it on during the summer because my house will not cool down when using my portable air conditioners. However, . . .

Posted: 2019-11-16

Peroxide-baking soda mix works best on sink stain

QUESTION: I have an almond-coloured Corian kitchen sink that is badly stained. I have tried manufacturer’s cleaners, pure bleach soaked overnight, and bleach-and-water solution soaked overnight. The most effective, but not perfect, is sprinkling baking soda over the sink, then . . .

Posted: 2019-11-16

Vanity play: when custom is the way to go

When planning a bathroom renovation, it is very important to choose the fixtures well in advance to ensure the items are on-hand when needed. When it comes to vanities for bathrooms of standard size and layout, there are always in-store . . .

Posted: 2019-11-16

Big country space, wisely used

It’s a double-edged sword to have an abundance of space for designing a new home. Square footage is good, wise use of that square footage is imperative. If all that space isn’t used wisely, the home stands to become an also-ran . . .

Posted: 2019-11-16

Hiring the right builder is critical

Building a new home is one of the largest investments a family will makes in its lifetime. Needless to say, doing your due diligence when selecting the right builder is critically important when a family is making this type of . . .

Posted: 2019-11-16

Ahead of its time: still modern after 48 years

Every now and then, you encounter a home that features a design that was way ahead of its time. A 2, 732-square-foot walkout bungalow situated on a huge riverfront lot at 6383 Southboine Dr. in Charleswood is one of those homes, . . .

Posted: 2019-11-16

Don't blow the budget, blow minds

A home is more than an address. It’s where meals and memories are made. Whether yours is a space for spreading out homework or rolling out dough, our abode is where many of us, when not at work, spend the . . .

Posted: 2019-11-15

Decorate your home with items you find interesting

How to discover the right style for your space

When it comes to creating and personalizing a space, choosing a decor style is the all-important first step. With so many styles to choose from, though, the prospect of deciding on one can be overwhelming — one that’s often pushed aside . . .

Posted: 2019-11-09

Old photographs are worth keeping

Family pictures and movies a window to the past

I bow before you today to ask a small favour. Please don’t throw out your family photographs or old films. Not long ago, I was speaking to someone who had a stack of decades-old family photographs, and he threw them out. "Why . . .

Posted: 2019-11-09

Humidity likely the cause of mildew on window seals

Question: Year after year, mildew develops along the caulking/sealant around my windows. In past years, my husband has regularly used bleach and elbow grease to clean it. We don’t mind the normal amount of work a house takes, but this . . .

Posted: 2019-11-09