Interiors

Question: I hope you can help us solve a mystery to a problem that we've been having since our new house was built, which is close to 3 years now.   We have a great room where the ceiling is 2 stories high and it includes a dining room in the front and a living room at the … [Read more...] about Leaky Windows

Question: I am about to have my dream home built this summer. The builder is a smaller, yet a reputable homebuilder and is part of the New Home Warranty Program of Manitoba, the Manitoba Home Builders' Association and the Canadian Home Builders' Association. I have heard that it is as important … [Read more...] about Inspecting New Homes

Question: We've been looking at a few open houses, and since we still have time left on our apartment lease, we're in no hurry to move in. We have been contemplating buying a fixer-upper and doing the work while the lease runs out. What are the key things to check to see if it really is a … [Read more...] about Handyman Special

Question: I installed a sump pit, 15 years ago, as back up to remove weeping tile water from the floor drain catch basin in case of a sewer back up. A back water valve was also installed to protect the basement bathroom, at the same time. This sump pump well has been dry for all … [Read more...] about Filling Holes in Sump Pit

Question: Dear Ari: We have recently moved into a condo on Wellington Crescent and are plagued with dust. Someone suggested this was caused by the heavy street traffic. Our windows face the river and north, not directly onto the street. I would like some suggestions for how to curb the dust in … [Read more...] about Excess Dust in Condo

Question: I am looking at purchasing an older home and it has been suggested that I hire a structural engineer to do an inspection of the house. The reasoning behind this recommendation is that the foundation is the most important aspect of the home to inspect. If there is a problem in these … [Read more...] about Do I Need an Engineer

Question: As the summer approaches and the promise of hot weather and sunny days drive many Manitobans to lake country, we are faced with the annual ritual of opening the cottage and ongoing maintenance. For some, the weekend retreat to the lake may seem like a continuing battle with repairs and … [Read more...] about Cottage Opening

Question: Dear Mr. Marantz, We are often reading your columns in Winnipeg Free Press. One of the advisories that we are trying to follow up on, is to get a proper contract from a contractor. We wanted to have a woodstove installed and after obtaining quotes we asked for a written contract … [Read more...] about Contract & Warranty on Fireplace

Question: I read your article in the Sunday Winnipeg Free Press homes section.  Let me say it is very informative.  Now I have a question regarding paneling.  I have a seasonal cottage past grand beach, which is very rarely used in the winter.  We are re-doing a back bedroom … [Read more...] about Wood Panelling

Question: I am renovating a small bathroom at my home and want to replace a 14-year old Tarkett vinyl floor. The flooring is sound, no water damage, tears, or wear-through spots. I have been advised, by two different flooring suppliers, to apply a Portland cement based floor-levelling compound … [Read more...] about Wood Flooring Replacement