Category: HOME

Self-Pollinating Pears

Q: My local nursery is selling fruit trees at a discount because they are getting ready for fall. I have been trying to decide if I want to plant a peach tree or a pear tree. I think I really only have room for one tree. I have read that I need to get two…


7 Budget-Friendly Ways to Keep the House Cool When It’s Hot

Have you figured out ways to keep things cool indoors this summer without sending your utility bills through the stratosphere? If you could use some help in that regard, here are some tips, tricks and great ideas that will help you stay cool without burning a hole in the budget. Ceiling Fans Use ceiling fans…


Cover up a Ceiling Grid

One of the best ceiling coverups is tiles set in a metal grid, especially in a basement to conceal pipes and wires. But the metal grid can become pitted and rusted over time, so you have two options. You can remove the tiles, and prime and paint the grid for a fresh new appearance. Or…


How to Make a Small Workspace Shine

By Cathy Hobbs From Tribune News Service Work spaces should ideally be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. With many workers now working from home, finding ample space may be a challenge. However, small workspaces can be the ideal solution. Here are some top tips to create small workspaces that allow ample space for work. 1….


Canadian Home Sales Fall for 5th Month in a Row, Down 29% From Last July: CREA

The Canadian Real Estate Association says home sales fell for the fifth consecutive month between June and July, but the latest drop was the smallest of the five. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the association says sales in July fell 5.3 percent compared with June. The actual number of sales last month was 37,975, down…


Install a Multifloor Threshold

We all know how replacing the flooring material in a room can change its appearance, creating a unified new surface for furnishings. If that’s in your plans, spend some time deciding how the new surface will transition to the level of flooring in the hallway or adjoining room. If you’re in a newer home with…


A Luxurious, Family-Friendly Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Villa

Perched high on a hillside overlooking the modern seaside resort of Carnolès, France, a stunning villa at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin offers style, comfort, and breathtaking views of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. The villa’s lounging and entertaining spaces all exude a welcoming, luxurious feel. It’s clear that considerable effort and the finest materials were utilized throughout. (The villa owners/Carlton International)…


Install a Humidity Sensor Fan Control

After taking a hot shower in a poorly ventilated bathroom, there’s often an unpleasant and damp feeling. Over time the buildup of humidity creates the creeping growth of mold and mildew on surfaces. In a one-bathroom home with several family members it can become a real issue. The solution is a device that detects changes…


Using the Humble Plumbing Loop Vent for Kitchen Islands

Have you heard the old saying, “You don’t know what you don’t know”? It’s an axiom homeowners should always keep in mind when thinking about the mechanical and structural systems hidden behind the plaster or drywall of their homes — especially the plumbing drain and vent system. I’ve been a master plumber since 1981, and…


Install Interior Shutters

Interior shutters complement many different decorating styles, so they are the go-to window treatment in many homes. Shutters with sharp, defined lines make them a natural choice in contemporary interiors, and their classic good looks make them ideal for traditional furnishings as well. The width of the louver varies from as narrow as one inch…