Looking to lower the boom on noisy air ducts

Question: I noticed you offer good advice about furnaces and I have asked an HVAC person this question, with no solution. The problem of a booming furnace still exists and perhaps you can help. I have a small, older home with only . . .

Posted: 2019-08-17

Modern meets rustic in Bridgwater Trails

You don't need to move to the mountains to feel like you live there

With its rustic exterior — which features faux wood hardie board cladding that’s complemented beautifully by timber beams, acrylic stucco and stone detailing — the 2, 374-square-foot bungalow at 352 Willow Creek Rd. stands out from all the other lakefront . . .

Posted: 2019-08-17

A hidden gem perfect for young families

Almost-new starter home comes in a mature neighbourhood with nearby amenities

It’s only natural that young families looking for a starter home would prefer to live in one of the city’s more central neighbourhoods. Consequently, they tend to focus their home search on areas such as River Heights, Crescentwood or Linden Woods. While . . .

Posted: 2019-08-17

Tips for designing fresh floral arrangements

Many flowers are at their visual peak, making it the perfect time to get creative

The flower garden comes into its own in August. Some gardeners just want to look and admire — there are even some who wince at the thought of cutting their flowers — but for those who love to design with . . .

Posted: 2019-08-10

Pools are worth it -- safety is worth more

Everyone should take the time to consider these simple tips

Without question, our favourite summer activity is having friends and family gather around our backyard pool for a day of fun in the sun. Watching the kids swim and play in the water makes all the work associated with pool ownership . . .

Posted: 2019-08-10

Maintaining slope away from foundation is essential

Question: I was reading an old article of yours and have a quick question. We are looking at putting river rock between my house and my neighbour’s house by the sidewalk. Prior to that, we are looking at adding some . . .

Posted: 2019-08-10

Looking for a friendly herbicide

Social media appeal attracts plenty of suggestions for handling two acres of weeds

It’s starting to look like I need a goat. Maybe two. How many goats does it take to keep two acres free of weeds and unwanted grass? Is it possible to teach a goat which grass is the unwanted grass? Probably . . .

Posted: 2019-08-10

Working with new product demands diligence

Extra time required to finish deck while learning to install different composite material

As a contractor, dealing with familiar product lines is as important as the reliability of relationships forged with the suppliers I’ve worked with over the years. Although my composite deck-building acumen has grown consistently, it most often encompasses one specific brand. . . .

Posted: 2019-08-10

Sunshine causes paint to fade over time

Question: I love your natural, non-chemical solutions. Is there anything that will remove the dark discolouration on the paint behind pictures hung on the wall? And is there a way to prevent this discolouration from happening? Thanks. — Norman Answer: I contacted my favourite . . .

Posted: 2019-08-10

The good life never looked so affordable

Smartly designed bungalow in Sage Creek has much to offer

When prospective homebuyers visualize a luxury home, they tend to think of something priced at $650, 000 or more. That’s not always the case, says Glen Harvey, sales representative for Avanti Custom Homes’ show home at 11 Borealis Bay in Sage . . .

Posted: 2019-08-10