Wet basement? Don't blame neighbour's reno

Rob from Ontario asks in an email if a neighbour's renovation could give him water problems in his basement. Rob's neighbour, whose house backs onto his in an ordinary subdivision, put an addition on his home. Ever since it was . . .

Posted: 2010-07-17

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Get rid of cold-storage room in basement

QUESTION: We recently bought a home with a cold-storage room in the basement. There is a vent on one wall near the ceiling. Should this vent be closed in the summer season? If so, any suggestions would be appreciated. . . .

Posted: 2010-07-17

SOLUTIONS: Is a potato looking at you? Cut the eye off

QUESTION: Any tips on how to keep my potatoes fresh for a long period of time? I am tired of throwing out potatoes. -- Borcan, Winnipeg ANSWER: When purchasing potatoes choose ones that are firm and free of sprouts, green skin . . .

Posted: 2010-07-17

Show homes proudly open throughout year

MANY people suffer from the misconception that new show homes are only open twice a year, during the Spring and Fall Parades of Homes. Although the two events receive the greatest publicity and feature 100 new homes at one time, . . .

Posted: 2010-07-17

SOLD & OFFERED - July 17-10

Charleswood Address: 66 Fitzgerald Cres. Asking Price: $239, 900 Sold Price: $239, 00 Taxes: $2, 996.00 Square Footage: 1, 262 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1.5 Lot Size: 60 x 105 Listing Agent: Terry Isaryk, RE/MAX Performance Realty, 231-5557 Charleswood Address: 35 Peel Crescent Asking Price: $219, 900 Sold Price: $243, 500 Taxes: $2, 579.69 Square . . .

Posted: 2010-07-17

Garden can change resale value of home

LONG before a buyer signs on the line to purchase your home, you need to get them to come in the front door. The last thing you want is for them to take one look at the front of your . . .

Posted: 2010-07-17

Condo-maximum

Suite conversions go more than skin deep

As a prospective home buyer, you can't help but be a little cynical when it comes to condominium conversions. After all -- in a great many cases -- the developers simply apply a little paint, install some new flooring, countertops and . . .

Posted: 2010-07-17

Mad for Manhattan

Exchange condo boasts New York style

A penthouse condo in the heart of our city is so urbane it could very well be in New York. The 1, 813-square-foot unit is at 181 Bannatyne Avenue, in one of the Exchange District's signature buildings. "It's a premium penthouse location . . .

Posted: 2010-07-17

GARDENING: How does your garden grow?

For famous Irish planter, beautifully

Helen Dillon is Ireland's most famous gardener. She has written a couple of best-selling books, taken part in TV and radio shows, and is a popular international lecturer. She has also built a brilliant garden in Dublin. I visited her recently . . .

Posted: 2010-07-10

Smart eco-choices start at ground level

Consumers stepping up their interest in greening their flooring

AN article on flooring is likely the last place you'd expect to find a moral. But this one has, and, as with any good tale, it's at the end. No peeking This story started at my kitchen table, over a cup of . . .

Posted: 2010-07-10