Interiors

Question: We would appreciate your advice regarding the installation of Birch or Maple 3/4" flooring in our newly constructed cottage.  I am having difficulty in locating someone who has experience with this type of concern. The cottage in question is capable of being a four-season … [Read more...] about Wood Flooring in Cottage

Question: We are new to Winnipeg, trading in the wild, west coast with its rain for the sunny, snowy climes. This winter we have experienced a couple of noticeable cracks in two walls. One is in our great room, which is an addition, and one over the doors of one of our en-suit off the … [Read more...] about Wall Cracks

Question: We have a two storey home in the Lindenwoods section of Winnipeg , which was built in 2001. Every winter, in various locations on the second storey, gaps develop where the ceiling meets the walls. In some locations they are half an inch wide where the ceiling drywall is separated from … [Read more...] about Truss Uplift

Question: Thanks for your excellent columns. Could you comment on the pros and cons of installing a surround shower vs. the "old fashion" ceramic tile? If tile is to be used, how can you avoid the problem of mildew developing in the caulking? Are there any products to minimize this problem?  … [Read more...] about Tile vs Tub Surround

Question: Recently, I purchased a 1914 two-story home in the Crescentwood area, which retains many of the original beautiful interior finishing details.  However, at some point in the house's past, several of the bedrooms have had a spackle finish applied to the ceilings, presumably as a nod … [Read more...] about Smoothing Over Ceiling Stipple

Question: We have purchased a home in the West St. Paul area. This home is 18 years old and prior to this summer the house had no central air. When we purchased the home in July we immediately put this in. The cupboards have a smell that I can't identify. I find that some dishes that I haven't … [Read more...] about Smell in Cupboards

Question: I have a home built in the mid 1950's.  Several years ago, a Hi-efficiency furnace was installed by the previous owner but without adding additional ventilation. Having lived in the home during the last five years I have had problems controlling moisture and humidity. One problem … [Read more...] about Replacing Rotten Window

Question: I have a question about covering a backsplash. I am wanting to re-do my kitchen countertop and backsplash. The backsplash will be very difficult to remove, due to the window frame and cupboards installed over it. It is Arborite in good condition. Is it possible just to cover it with new … [Read more...] about Recovering Arborite Backsplash

Question: My problem now has to do with pocket doors, but first a little background. My house was built in 1965 and includes several flat-panel mahogany pocket doors. Most of them no longer ride in and out smoothly and quite frankly, I'd just like to remove them and build in plain door frames. … [Read more...] about Pocket Doors Off Tracks

Question: This past winter has been extra unusual with our imitation glass block, or plastic block, bathroom windows doing a lot of noisy adjustments to themselves, particularly at night. While there is no breakage evident, some of the caulking is separating.  Are there any special repairs … [Read more...] about Plastic Block Window Caulking