People – rational, sober people – have seen “things” in Manitoba. With Halloween just around the corner, there’s something about this time of year that kicks up the spirits and can scare even the bravest of individuals. What makes Manitoba, and specifically Winnipeg, so haunted? We think it might have something to do with the abundance of historic homes in the region. After all, far more people have died in Manitoba than are currently living there – if that’s not enough to give you goosebumps. If you own an older Winnipeg character home, the chances of it having a less than rosy history are increased. Renovating a historic house can quickly stir up those spirits. Worried about home renovation ghosts? We don’t blame you.
Why would a home renovation stir up spirit activity?
Many theories abound as to why renovations can agitate ghosts and ghouls. Spirits were people once, and how many people love change? Hardly any. Renovation ghosts are no different. Old Mildred just loved that gaudy, floral wallpaper she hung herself in your home’s historic parlour back in 1902. Of course, it doesn’t do much to inspire the confidence of prospective buyers now, and it’s no wonder you want to get rid of it and other dated interior styles.
Winnipeg property owners who disturb the aesthetic of a historic building can anger the ghosts who once called it their home. Would you like it if someone painted your bedroom – without asking – a hideous shade of trending chartreuse? Probably not. So have a little sympathy for the poor spirits when they start knocking over paintings at 3 AM and wailing while you’re trying to binge-watch your favourite series after a hard day.
Perhaps your renovation ghosts aren’t annoyed with the new doors and windows you’ve chosen for your historic home’s facelift. Paranormal investigators have other theories for why renovation ghosts can make an unwelcome appearance.
The Stonetape Theory and home renovation ghosts
There are two main categories of hauntings. The first is intelligent hauntings. Old ghostly Mildred getting mad at your choice of wall covering and making her displeasure known by spooking you would be an example of intelligent haunting. But there are also residual hauntings that can occur with home renovations. A residual haunting would fit a phenomenon in paranormal parlance called the Stonetape Theory.
The theory goes that if high levels of energy are imprinted into the surroundings, then the energy can be replayed in the right conditions. An example of this would be if a murder occurred in a home during a terrible thunderstorm. The Stonetape Theory suggests that when a terrible thunderstorm blows through, the energy of the murder will be triggered, and haunted happenings will start to occur.
This theory is also how paranormal investigators explain why a newly constructed home can be haunted. If a traumatic or other high-energy event occurred on the land the house was built on, certain conditions can trigger the energy and voila – old-timey ghosts start appearing or making obnoxious noises while you’re trying to sleep in your modern-day home.
What’s this theory got to do with home renovation ghosts?
With the Stonetape Theory, high frequency sounds from drilling machinery, banging and hammering can also trigger ghostly, residual energy, and hauntings. Why did the ghost cross the room and walk straight through your newly renovated wall? Because that wall did not exist when the ghost was alive. And he needed to get to the other side.
Wishing you a safe and happy Halloween from your friendly, neighbourhood “home renovation” ghostbusters!
All Canadian Renovations has been renovating homes in Winnipeg for decades. Fortunately, we’ve never witnessed any ghostly incidences. Don’t let the fear of home renovation ghosts stand in your way of calling us. We’ll be with you every step of the process and will never “ghost you”. If you’re interested in starting a project with us – contact us through our website or call 204.779.6900 today!