Frozen vent require further investigation

Skip the ladders and MacGyver tactics, call a plumber to double check installation

Question: I read your response to an article submitted a few years ago regarding a vent pipe that freezes shut on the roof. I agree with the several options to fix the problem that you suggested, but I have the . . .

Posted: 2018-12-08

No need to start with a clean slate

Matching vinyl helps solve challenge around expanding seating at dining-room table

Once my new step-down dining room was completed, my intentions were always to increase the size of the dining-room table. In keeping with the theme throughout the house, I had hoped to purchase a larger version of my existing table, . . .

Posted: 2018-12-08

Super Bowl party doesn't have to be a super bore

Football party doesn't have to be just about the big game

As the Super Bowl steadily approaches, fans are plotting parties. And, while TV screens everywhere are being primed and snack platters pinned on Pinterest, a host may be considering who to put on the invite list. That’s when it hits . . .

Posted: 2018-12-08

Smells ring Christmas bells

Scented candles rekindle holiday memories

Many people have a special smell they associate with the holidays. Warm gingerbread. Crushed peppermint. Frosty martinis. Fresh-cut pine. Chances are there is a scented candle out there that recreates your Christmas memory, although we are sorry to report that if your . . .

Posted: 2018-12-08

Re-framing throwaway attitudes

New business accepts and reuses old picture frames

Never throw out another picture frame again! Why? Because, Bev of Bevvy Teyems’ Custom Picture Framing reuses those frames — sometimes as is, sometimes altered or resized, sometimes refinished — to frame art, pictures — anything you want framed — at . . .

Posted: 2018-12-08

Use mayonnaise to remove Christmas tree sap from clothes

Question: While putting up the Christmas tree my pants, shirt and hands became layered with tree sap. What can I do? — Zane Answer: Smear your hands, shirt and pants with mayonnaise. The tree sap will come right off. Follow with a . . .

Posted: 2018-12-08

Embracing the outdoors with natural light

The Hillcrest in RidgeWood West takes advantage of a great lot to improve curb appeal

There are certain advantages associated with building only 12 homes per calendar year, says Liam Milne of Hearth Homes. "When you build only a limited number of homes per year, you’re never in a hurry, " he says. "You’re not only . . .

Posted: 2018-12-08

Striking condo loaded with upgrades

Revised main floor boasts spectacular kitchen

As a general rule, condominiums tend to be built in areas that aren’t suitable for single-detached family homes. Not so with Garden City’s Parkway Village, says Laura Ross of Century 21 Bachman & Associates. "The development is tucked away in a quiet . . .

Posted: 2018-12-08

Texture key to tying any room together

Splashes of colour, textiles and gallery walls are some popular ways of to decorate

Nancy Fire, the design director of HGTV Home, joined Jura Koncius last week on the Washington Post’s Home Front online chat. Here is an edited excerpt. Question: What is the latest on displaying photos? I have lots of old family photos . . .

Posted: 2018-12-01

The King's West Coast home up for grabs

California 'pod' residence is known as the House of Tomorrow

LOS ANGELES — A honeymoon hideaway steeped in rock ’n’ roll history is back up for sale in the Coachella Valley. In Palm Springs, the futuristic-vibe residence to which Elvis and Priscilla Presley decamped after their secretive wedding in 1967 . . .

Posted: 2018-12-01