Articles
An Added Direction: Climate Resilience
A couple of weeks ago it was brought to my attention that the first anniversary of writing this column had just passed.
Understanding and Monitoring Basic Indoor Air Quality
It is no secret that the world’s air quality is declining, in some areas rapidly and this is certainly affecting the human race.
Is Your Deck Safe? 5 Things to Check Before You Step Outside
While there are no current statistics for Canada, in the United States from the period of 2020
How to Prepare Sheds, Gazebos and Trellises for Extreme Winds
We are all seeing more extremes in our climate and can only expect it to get more intense over
Exterior Painting: It’s All About Surface Prep
More years ago than I care to remember I spent a few months in between college semesters
Emergency Readiness for Your Home
I am going to break away from my usual format this week to cover a subject that is filling the
Understanding Home Insulation
For every home in the northern hemisphere and more and more in the southern hemisphere, with temperatures rising insulation is becoming
How Thermal Cameras Detect
Thermal imaging technology is one of the greatest advancements in building energy efficiency.
Improving Summer Comfort in an Older Home
The recent Canada-wide heat wave exposed the need for air conditioning and humidity reduction in all occupied spaces.
Venting a Gothic Revival Cottage Attic
If you are a steady reader of this column you know we are advising a couple on a “build our own home” passive assembly.
How to Evaluate and Repair Block Foundation Cracks
It is no secret that numerous parts of Canada, such as Alberta, Montreal and Southwestern Ontario, are seeing excessive rainfall right now.
Are Metal Roofs the Answer to Climate Resilience?
It is well documented that the number one insurance claim resulting from a major wind, hail or wildfire is the roof of a home.
Where Are All Those Shut-Offs?!
A question from a reader who has been following my recent group of columns on insurance made a comment about a home preparation list she found for emergencies.
How Building Technology and Regulation
We offer an hour-long presentation for service groups, municipal organizations and trade associations on housing and the climate crisis.
Hiring a Contractor?
When I started writing this column nearly a year ago I anticipated a lot of basic home project questions, I was wrong.
Window Shades That Help Buildings Stay Cool Naturally
It is no secret that we are going to see another El Nino this year with temperatures projected to reach previously unheard of record highs. Most predictions say
Residential Plumbing Explained
I chuckled a few weeks ago when I got this question “Why do plumbers always look stressed out?” I had a plumber I know quite well at our
Renovation Insurance Explained
Given the meteoric rise in insurance cost and the number of claims due to extremes in our climate, I can see why an increase in questions about insurance
Energy Myths Debunked
Energy Myths Debunked: Do you know what will really give you the most bang for your energy buck? The renovation world is packed with greenwashed products
How Can I Protect My Home from Flooding?
The intensity of rain storms has certainly risen in recent years, which has put pressure on groundwater management and municipal waste water systems that
Build It Right the First Time
When the first inquiry about building a deck arrives I can tell that spring is not far away! Outdoor living space has become one of the fastest growing
Understanding the Terminology
Over the past couple of weeks I wrote on home insurance and some of the issues. A number of people asked what this or that “climate-related term” really
Water Intrusion In the Home
Based upon statistics from 2024 and a small number of 2025 reports, claims for water damage in Canadian homes make up near, or in some provinces, just over
Rates Up, Coverage Down
It’s around this time of year that I start seeing questions arrive in my inbox about putting an addition onto their home and this year is no different.
Sustainable Small Steps…
This week is a bit off-the-beaten path as far as renovation advice goes. If you have followed this column at any time during the six months I have
Get Low-Flow Without
For years we lived with conventional shower sets in most homes. They provided an invigorating morning “wake-up” to start our day.
How Toilets Have Evolved…
I have had a number of requests for information on various home fixtures, so today we start with the toilet, usages and the benefits of a bidet.
Planning on Replacing Your Roof?
I offer non-profit organizations, municipalities and professional groups a “one hour then take questions presentation” on housing and the climate crisis
Is Adding an ADU Worth The Cost and Effort?
For the past three weeks I have covered the history of factory-built homes, different methods of construction and how to buy one. During this period I got a
Beyond Factory-Built
For the past three weeks I have covered the history of factory-built homes,
different methods of construction and how to buy one. During this period I got
Buying a Factory-Built Home
For the past three weeks I have written a series on factory-built homes. The first article covered some of the history of this type of home. Last week
Factory‑Built Housing Explained
Last week we began this three-part series on factory-built homes with a brief history of this type of residential construction. This week we will describe how the main
A History of Factory-Built Homes in Canada
Since the federal government announced its Build Canada Homes program to increase affordable housing, I have had a few questions and comments regarding this.
Choosing the Right Front Door for Your Home
There was a time when the front entrance of a home was a decorative, often carved solid wood door. You then entered what is known as a vestibule
Is it Normal to Have Condensation on Your Windows in the Winter?
Just before Christmas I got a couple of inquiries about condensation on windows. In both cases the ladies who wrote to me lived in older, single-storey homes and