Ed and Sharon in Manitoba just bought an old house in Manitoba and it is very cold, there doesn't seem to be any insulation in the walls at all. They have been told that it was double brick construction with plaster on the inside. Well friends, it was probably built by someone from Toronto who ...
We would like to think that roofing systems today are well thought out, easy to assemble and trouble free. And then there is the real world. We went to the manufacturers of roofing systems and roofing components to get a handle on what are some of the real world field problems that shouldn't be...
You may have seen pebble stone-like floor decorations in some commercial entrance ways. It is made by collecting various textured and coloured, pebble-size stones, from quarries throughout the US and Canada, mixing them with an epoxy binder and laying them out in a continuous or an artistic mosa...
I am always amazed at house construction where so often things are half built or more while people are running around beginning to think about "extras" that should never be though of as "extras" but as part of the essential system. So time for one of my lectures -- (you asked for it).Heating is o...
More and more manufacturers are making ergonomic claims for new tools: easier on your back, fits in your hand better, a less stressful grip and so on. I invited Dr. Ted Crowther who is the Director of Clinical Education of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Grimbsy, Ontario to help me...
David in Victoria B.C. has a rather large rock problem. The house was built into a rocky hillside in 1912, and rather than remove the rock, the original builder simply built on top of it. That totally used up one corner of the basement, that David would now like to turn into an apartment for hi...
Catherine from Calgary Alberta just moved into a house that has a tiny boat galley type of kitchen that simply doesn't work, so she was looking for some guidance.Without trying to present a full course in kitchen design, I gave her a couple of the basic rules.There are three major appliances in...
Myles Kesten from the CD-ROM Store in Toronto sells nothing but software, and from all companies. So we figured he would have an objective opinion about design programs. So how do you choose?Pick one that matches your computer and designing skills. Some are simpler than others. Some program...
Many people are not aware that the square boxy drywall look does not have to be the norm. Simply replacing regular square drywall corners with round or bullnose corners can completely change the look of a room. You can even get ones made out of vinyl specifically made to curve through arches....
Larry Gullins of G & G Electronics in Whitby, Ontario builds home theatres so we sought him out for some design recommendations.Locate the screen in the centre of a wall at the longest point in the room, not on the short side -- you need depth for the best effect. The best room shape is re...
