Trying to fix basement tiles may cost more than it's worth

QUESTION: I came across your column online and was wondering if you could provide me with some advice. In 2015, we purchased an older Toronto home that was built in 1924. While undergoing renovations, we later learned there were moisture issues. . . .

Posted: 2019-07-20

Home is where the herbs are

Interest surges in plants for their benefits in cooking and beyond

Homegrown herbs are becoming the next best thing to sliced bread. Growing herbs is part of an eco-friendly lifestyle — they attract beneficial pollinators to the garden and you can cook with and preserve your harvest, too. There is a . . .

Posted: 2019-07-20

A go-to trick for barbecued chicken

Question: I had company over and decided to barbecue chicken breast. It was horrible. Tasteless and dry are the best words to describe that embarrassing disaster. I only barbecued the meat for seven minutes on each side. Where did I go . . .

Posted: 2019-07-20

Side project provides storage-space solution

During a recent kitchen gut and renovation, a few secondary projects were added to an ever-increasing list of tasks to do later. One of these tasks involved converting an awkwardly built end-of-hall storage closet into a fully functional storage pantry . . .

Posted: 2019-07-20

Work-around works for new home

Unusual lot shape leads to stylish, functional living space

When folks in the market visit a show home, they see the completed version. For all they know, everything associated with the home build went according to plan. There were no hiccups — everything went smoothly from start to finish. Typically, nothing . . .

Posted: 2019-07-20

A contemporary slice of country

Two-storey house offers nature vibes while still being close to the city

Red River Drive is a serene, countrified artery that runs between St. Mary’s Road and Pembina Highway. "It’s an amazing area that tends to fly under the radar of homebuyers, " says Pat Stecy of Re/Max Professionals. "It shouldn’t, as it’s . . .

Posted: 2019-07-20

Sourcing the perfect summer picnic spot

After a long week in the office, there's nothing quite like spending time in the great outdoors. Fresh air and sunshine is the perfect recipe for relaxation. Look beyond your favourite restaurant's patio and the long wait for a table. . . .

Posted: 2019-07-16

Cleaning lint tray doesn't have to take all day

Question: I have always cleaned my dryer screen after each load in order to promote efficiency of the drying process, long-life of the heating element, and safety. But I find there is some embedded lint that does not seem to budge, . . .

Posted: 2019-07-13

Purging unwanted items can be lucrative

If you're never going to use an item, turn it into cash

I’ve got the urge to purge, and man, does it feel great! A couple of weeks ago, I took a good look at all the things I’ve collected over the years, and made an executive decision. I decided to go through absolutely . . .

Posted: 2019-07-13

Hiring crew to remove junk takes a load off of large projects

Old deck disposal just got a whole lot easier

My first-ever paid deck build was a single-tier, low-profile brown pressure-treated deck with built-in benches along either side of its perimeter. The build itself was fun and exhilarating. It did, however, entail the removal of an old, dilapidated deck as an . . .

Posted: 2019-07-13