Winter is the time of year when homes are most prone to plumbing problems – some of which can be downright disastrous. Serious winter plumbing issues like a clogged drain, or a frozen or burst pipe, may be better left to a licensed plumber. However, there are lots of things you can do as a homeowner to prevent a mishap and ensure that your plumbing system works efficiently throughout winter. If you didn’t do them before winter started, it’s not too late. Disconnect all outside hoses from the faucets. Turn off and drain the outside pipes – water in...

Deck railings are a necessary safety feature and can also enhance the look and value of a home. Unfortunately, though, railings have a tendency to all look the same. For some people, this uniformity is not a problem, but if you are the type of homeowner who likes something unusual or unique then having a deck railing that suits your individual style may be a challenge. Some ideas to achieve this are: Use less-common materials like steel cabling, rope or tempered glass panels instead of the usual wooden balusters or wrought steel sections. Mix materials in unusual combinations. Examples...

Tiles are great in the home, but you do need to be mindful of how they are installed. This will determine whether your tiling is a blessing or a potentially expensive curse. There’s one thing that all tile stores agree on – most tile problems are related to grout. Standing water penetrates grout because it is not waterproof – even if it’s been sealed – and, as a result, water can pass through it. If water permeates grout and meets with waterproof subflooring or cement, no trouble or damage will occur. But if it meets with drywall or porous...

If your home does not have air ducts, don’t fret: one of your options is to install a mini-split heat pump. This can be connected to multiple indoor units via an outdoor air source unit. Let’s look at some other ductless options. Reverse Cycle Chiller (RCC) Heat Pump Instead of cooling and heating air, this heat pump cools and heats water, and can work efficiently in temperatures well below freezing point. RCC systems are also used to pump water through radiant floor heating. In an RCC heat pump, a backup burner is needed to provide temporary heat while the...