Home Improvements

I have a cement outside porch with no roof and would like to add a wood railing, close in the porch and add a roof, and wood stairs to the ground and decking on the ground. Do I need a permit?...

4 February 26, 2014

Just looking for a price comparison for drywall and tape prices. 1425 sq ft. Plus what's included?...

3 February 7, 2014

I have a small house and its all open concept. The previous owner extended one side to fit the stove but its raised floor and its freezing in that area. I hate it!!! I would like to take that ...

6 July 27, 2015

In basement, finish a room 11'x17' with closet (I have flooring) and bathroom 5'x9', with 3 pc. (I have fixtures)....

8 January 27, 2014

We hired a bathroom/kitchen company to redo our master bathroom, and it's been 12 weeks today since work started. There are still numerous small jobs to finish, including the plumbing in the sh...

13 February 22, 2014

Built in bookshelves with stone pillars, counter bar, laminate floor, suspended ceiling, custom shower in bathroom, ceramic tile floor in bathroom, carpeted stairs. Cost per square fo...

9 March 21, 2014

Wondering some basic feasibility numbers. What is the typical per square foot cost of an addition (no basement)? Further to that what is the per square foot cost to add basement space (below...

6 February 21, 2014

Very cold weather lately and last night a small leak from bathroom ceiling fan/vent. Possible condensation in venting system. Will it stop? Should I call someone to check it out? Who should I ca...

3 January 16, 2014

What would you recommend for a maintenance free exterior siding? It seems they all have terrible reviews!...

7 April 6, 2019

Last summer we did a full basement reno including installing pot lights. The customer called and said that the bulbs keep blowing (halogen - 50W) and are expensive to keep replacing. There are pot light...

9 January 13, 2014

Hey. I wonder what percentage of a total project ends up with design. I mean for a 100,000 dollar addition, what should an architect or designer cost? Thanks...

4 January 12, 2014

I have a family room brick fireplace which is attached to an outer wall and right below it another one in the basement. These put together are a major reason for heat loss in my house. Can this whole chimen...

3 January 9, 2014

We want to redo our stair railing and newels to refresh the look, something more modern to go with the rest of the renos that have been done. Research tells me that the landing newel cannot be replaced. ...

2 January 4, 2014

I need an updated version of the building code. I am not sure where to obtain one. I have an older one, but it was given to me. Thanks...

4 January 5, 2014

I have aluminum wiring. An outlet in my bathroom made a crackling noise the last time I plugged something in. Rather than call in an Electrician to install a GFCI outlet, can I just tie off the wiring w...

4 January 6, 2014

I purchased my home brand new 8years ago. I am wanting to finish my basement and use it as a living space. It currently has your typical builder minimum code insulation. I initially wanted to use 2lb close...

3 January 4, 2014

I'm a contractor. I build custom stairs and hand rails. One of my clients wants me to do some trim work and hang some door jams and casing. I don't want to over charge my client but I also don't wan...

1 January 4, 2014

My house has no attic, just a flat roof above. Can I/how do I install a bath fan?...

3 January 2, 2014

My 2 years old house's unfinished basement insulation is the R12 rolled batt style that extends all the way down the walls secured with vapor barrier plastic. Can I put up the frame 3 inches offset from...

4 January 2, 2014

I'm in initial stages of planning a house addition in Halifax, Nova Scotia and the designer I'm working with is insisting to get architect drawings. She said it is required to get permits. That...

5 December 21, 2013