New heating system can take longer to heat

QUESTION -- My 1, 200-square-foot home used to be heated by a furnace from 1949 that ran at 25, 000 BTU. Recently I changed the system to a newer, 7, 000-BTU system. I thought this newer heater would be more . . .

Posted: 2008-05-18

Greening your house

Take steps towards better environmental practices at home

CALGARY -- One of the biggest problems we face in the quest to go greener at home is not the lack of options, it's the lack of space. "Houses ... are not built to be green, " says Sarah Franklin, co-owner . . .

Posted: 2008-05-18

More than just an entry

Front door a window to a room's soul

When Og first draped a mastodon hide across the mouth of his cave to keep the rain out, his neighbours took note. Not one, however, commented on the curb appeal of his innovation. For most of the 200 millennia that Homo . . .

Posted: 2008-05-18

Adjusting teleposts can be a complex job

Avoid problems by doing task a bit at a time

QUESTION -- We just bought a new bi-level house with attached garage. In our new home warranty it states that the teleposts have to be checked and adjusted periodically for the warranty to be valid. How are we supposed to . . .

Posted: 2008-05-18

Think outside the box to clear kids' clutter

The bedroom doesn't have to be a mess

Even in the neatest of homes, children's bedrooms are magnets for clutter. Parents battle the constant influx of stuff -- everything from school art projects to gifts from grandparents, hand-me-downs from friends and the plastic freebies that come with fast-food . . .

Posted: 2008-05-18

Garden pals grow up together in harmony

Companion planting is based on the idea that certain plants can benefit others when planted in near proximity. Companion planting is an organic way to deter pests, where limited or no pesticides or herbicides are used. 1. Basil -- Best . . .

Posted: 2008-05-18

Come on, customize!

One size does not always fit all

Finding the right item for your space might become a frustrating task at times. One size does not always fit all. Yes, there are many options in furniture and accessories at the ready but if the item you desire has . . .

Posted: 2008-05-18

Boudoir boost

Bedroom the most neglected part of many homes

I've been thinking on the importance of bedrooms. In Canada, the bedroom is the most neglected room in the house. This is especially the case with two constituencies: Young professionals, who tend to commit their energy and money to the kitchen . . .

Posted: 2008-05-18

You can do big things with a small space

Unique design and materials will set it apart

Small spaces have their challenges, to be sure, but there is always a solution to making the most of tight spots. I get a real thrill when I come across well-executed design that has a unique visual stamp to it. . . .

Posted: 2008-05-18

Get cooking

Now is the time to kick-start your kitchen reno

This is the perfect time of year to start a kitchen makeover. You can set up a temporary kitchen in your garage or basement, use the barbecue outside and open the windows so painting and other work is easier to . . .

Posted: 2008-05-18